"The purpose of this meeting is clear, so let's get straight to the point. We need to discuss how to handle this new Martial Master."
In the Douglas family's conference room, the head of the family, seated at the highest position, spoke with an air of authority.
"It's been 360 years. Ever since the Calamity of Destruction and the rise of Star Armor users, a Martial Master has finally emerged again. It's hard to imagine that someone could go against the tide in this day and age," one of the elders seated in the tiered conference room remarked with awe.
"Regardless of how incredible it seems, this individual exists. What we need to decide now is how to deal with this Martial Master," another elder said gravely.
"Have we gathered any information on him?"
"Yes. His name is Ain. He was born in a small, fifth-tier city. His family was extremely poor; his father was a gambling addict, relying on federal poverty subsidies to survive. This situation improved slightly when Ain started school. Thanks to his exceptional grades, he was able to secure scholarships, alleviating some financial pressure."
"Such a destitute background?" The elders of the Douglas family were visibly surprised by Ain's origins.
"With conditions like that, he still managed to achieve what he has today. Just how extraordinary is his talent?" another elder marveled. Both martial arts and Star Armor training required an enormous amount of resources.
"No, it wasn't talent. In his youth, Ain was a laughingstock in his neighborhood—perhaps even the entire city—because his Star Affinity score was only 3%."
"Three percent? That low? Is that even possible? I could catch a random bug or bird with a higher Star Affinity!"
One elder was incredulous. Since the Meteoric Cataclysm, nearly all intelligent lifeforms had some level of Star Affinity. Humanity, with its vast population, had been able to cultivate the most gifted individuals, arming them with Star Armor to create powerful Star Armor users.
"This has been confirmed multiple times by our intelligence division. Otherwise, I wouldn't have mentioned it here," the elder responsible for intelligence said, spreading her hands helplessly. Even she had been shocked when she first heard this.
"It seems the journey to becoming a Martial Master requires unimaginable hardship. With such a low talent score, I can't even imagine the kind of ridicule Ain must have endured during his youth. Perhaps it was these very struggles that forged the man who became a Martial Master," one elder said with admiration.
"That's easy to say now because he succeeded. If he had failed, those struggles would have been nothing but suffering."
"Let's steer back to the main topic, shall we?" The head of the family tapped the table, redirecting the conversation.
"How should we approach this Martial Master? Should we recruit him, ignore him, or eliminate him?"
"Elimination is out of the question. This isn't the past. It's been over three centuries since a Martial Master appeared. If we act against him, the ancient relics from the Age of Annihilation will undoubtedly go berserk."
"Recruitment won't be easy. Compared to the government and the other three great families, we don't seem to have much of an advantage," the head of the family admitted, a troubled expression on his face. Competing for the same target against four other powerful entities was a daunting prospect.
"Not necessarily," one elder said with a cryptic smile.
"Oh? What do you mean?"
"Don't you find the timing of this Martial Master's emergence a little too coincidental? Hasn't anyone connected him to our family's martial arts prodigy, Jelos?"
"Hm?"
"Based on my investigation, this Martial Master spent a significant amount of time in Dolivar, coinciding with Jelos's enrollment there."
"I see. That explains why Jelos has achieved such success in martial arts despite the times. He must have been mentored by the Martial Master. No wonder!"
The elders nodded in realization, immediately attributing a large portion of Jelos's accomplishments to the Martial Master's guidance.
"We can use Jelos to establish a connection with the Martial Master and attempt to bring him into the family."
"It's worth trying, but don't get your hopes up. Anyone who has reached such heights isn't easily swayed by others' opinions."
"True, but with Jelos's presence, we have a head start over the government and the other families."
"Then let's proceed with this plan."
---
"Master Jelos, sorry to disturb you again."
"Get to the point," Muria responded calmly, fully anticipating the family's inquiry.
"I know you appreciate straightforwardness, so I won't waste your time. Do you know the newly crowned Martial Master Ain?"
"Yes, I know him. He's taught me a lot," Muria replied without hesitation. He had made no effort to hide his interactions with Ain's reincarnated self, so it was no surprise that the Douglas family had uncovered this connection.
"It seems the family's assumptions were correct," the steward, Pais, said with a smile. "Since you're acquainted with the Martial Master, this makes things easier. The family would like you to reach out to him. Would that be possible?"
"Contacting him isn't an issue."
"Master Jelos, you understand the family's intentions. Would you be willing to advocate for us in front of the Martial Master?"
"I'll do my best but can't guarantee he'll agree," Muria replied evenly.
"As long as you're willing to speak to him, that's enough. The rest is up to us."
"Alright."
After closing the call with the family steward, Muria immediately dialed another number.
"My family just contacted me. They want me to reach out to Father," Muria informed the blonde woman across from him, relaying the family's request.
"It seems Ain's performance has made quite the impression. Even the top families in the Federation are eager to act," the golden-haired woman said with a smile. This signified that their family had firmly established itself in this world.
"What are your plans for my father? Or does he have plans of his own?" Muria asked.
"The Federation's government and the other three families are all potential allies. As for the Douglas family, it's the last option," the golden-haired woman replied.
"With you in the Douglas family, having your father join would dilute your influence and harm your future prospects. It's also not the best way to maximize our benefits."
"Understood," Muria agreed. If he were merely a member of the Douglas family, his priority would be convincing Ain to join them.
But his priorities were different. His family's interests came first, far above those of the Douglas family.
"Have we decided on a target yet?"
"It's too early. Your father has only defeated one titled Star Armor user so far. The other three families and the government are still playing it cool."
"Once Father defeats more Star Armor users, they won't be able to keep up their aloofness. I'm curious to see how far they'll go to recruit him."
"Exactly. But I'm even more interested in what they're willing to offer," the golden-haired woman said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Whoever offers the most benefits will get the alliance, right?"
"Of course. Why not? We have no obligations to anyone here," the golden-haired woman replied with a raised eyebrow.
"In that case, the government is likely our best bet," Muria mused. The four great families, with their long histories, had ties to ancient martial artists still alive today. Their need for a Martial Master was less urgent than the government's.
"But the government might also come with the most strings attached," the woman cautioned.
"If all else fails, we can always leave. The Federation isn't the only option. The Silver Empire and the Starry Church are viable alternatives. I think the war-torn Empire would suit my father well," Muria said with a smile. As long as they possessed unparalleled strength, their options were limitless.
"Let's wait until your father finishes challenging the titled Star Armor users I've selected for him. After that, he'll be free to go wherever he pleases."
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