"And to think I believed that your body was just for show," Tenga grinned as he continued the conversation after Silva went quiet, "Your ascension through the Body Tempering Realm must have been especially brutal. Though considering that Elder Fal personally oversaw your growth, no one should be the least bit surprised."
"That man is a devil," Vranga agreed, "And even if half of the stories about him are true, I would rather retreat in shame than face him on the battlefield."
"I'm surprised that you still have such a serene demeanor, brother, after training under that man for four years," Tenga commented, "Though I can't help but wonder what you're hiding behind that mask on your face. Will this war see the rise of another Bloodflame Fiend?"
At that comment, Silva couldn't help but smile, "I would hope not."
"Really?" Tenga asked, "Are you not even the least bit interested in his insights?"
Vranga smirked, "Don't be too surprised, brother, it's clear that Elder Fal isn't looking to make Silva his disciple. Fal is just looking after him as a favor to our father. After all, who would want to pass down their legacy to a crippled mortal who has to rely on heavenly treasures just to become somewhat adequate?"
The atmosphere within the alcove turned tense as all pretenses of familial love crumbled. Sensing the shift, Silva suppressed a sigh, 'These games are exhausting. I could be spending this time working on my weaving.'
"Elder Fal has expressed no intent to make me his successor," Silva replied as he met Vranga's burning gaze, "And I have expressed no interest in becoming his successor. I would rather walk my own path."
"Walk your own path?" Vranga's smirk turned into a mocking smile, "With what insight? Do you think you're so talented that you can rely on your own genius to find your way to the heavens?!"
"Brother," Tenga said warningly as Vranga's voice continued to rise and the flames in his eyes flared, "Control yourself."
"You don't tell me what to do!" Vranga snapped back before returning his gaze to Silva, who continued to stare unbothered, only serving to enrage Vranga further, "Do you think that because father paid you special treatment, that you're better than the rest of us?"
"We are two different souls, on different paths," Silva replied calmly, "Comparing our journeys is pointless, especially as they are only just beginning."
"Well said, brother," Tenga complimented with a small smile, "Vranga, you would do well to listen to such wise words."
Vranga's anger exploded, and with it so did his spiritual presence as it flared out from his body like a swelling inferno rising to the ceiling before attempting to spread out and consume everything in its path.
However, Vranga's aura was immediately contained, as Tenga and Silva's auras rose to match their brother's.
Compared to Vranga's wild inferno, Tenga's aura felt far more subdued, like glowing red embers scattered on the wind, but that didn't make it any less powerful. In fact, it was clear after a second that Tenga's presence was far more refined than Vranga's as he steadily pushed back his brother's influence.
Tenga was unable to suppress a grin as he watched the struggle on Vranga's face. 'Know your place, brother.'
Feeling his ego swell, Tenga turned his attention to Silva, who was still sitting calmly despite the explosive clash, only using his aura to protect himself from the pressure.
'I almost can't fault Vranga for losing his temper, forgive me, brother, but allow me to alleviate some of my inner demons.' With a thought, Tenga flared his aura, bearing it down on Silva, anticipating the panicked look that would flash across his face.
However, the moment Tenga's aura came in contact with Silva's, it was stopped dead, 'W-what is this?'
Gritting his teeth, Tenga exerted his presence even more, trying to push past Silva's influence, but no matter what he tried, it was no use. 'It's like trying to move a Camphor tree!'
Feeling the additional weight and force pressing against his spirit, Silva glanced over at Teng, who flinched, 'How unfortunate…I was hoping that we could pretend for a bit longer, big brother. But it seems that the time for pleasantries has come to an end.'
---
"It's only been a few minutes." Dantu muttered as he glanced over at the alcove and the spiritual battle currently taking place inside, "Could they not control themselves for at least an hour?"
" You complain, but it was Vranga who initiated this feud," Ryula pointed out with a small smile, "Perhaps you should revisit the topic of proper etiquette; it would be detrimental to his reputation if he entered this war with such poor control over his state of mind."
"Eh, it's just a bit of competition among brothers," Fal said dismissively with a broad smile across his face, "Though someone should intervene before it gets out of contro-"
Before Fal could finish his sentence, a new aura rose from the alcove, pushing back against the other two with little effort. Not only that, but the aura possessed a very unique feeling. There was a titanic strength behind it, but rather than being domineering, it felt almost awe-inspiring. Like a mountain rising from an endless canopy that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Dantu and Ryula turned to stare at the alcove as they realized there could only be one individual responsible.
Seeing their reactions, Fal just shook his head, 'Looks like Silva's made up his mind. Sad but necessary, I doubt that they would have allowed him to stay unaffiliated for much longer.'
---
Tenga and Vranga regarded Silva with wide eyes as they felt his spiritual presence, though it only lingered for a couple of seconds before withdrawing. The alcove was silent as Silva took the last sip of his tea before putting down his cup, "Thank you for the tea, brother. It truly was wonderful. Maybe someday, in the future, we could share another cup."
Silva then stood up and dipped his head before turning around and leaving. Walking out of the alcove, Silva found himself the center of attention as the Elders stared at him, with a range of expressions. Dantu's eyes were narrowed with suspicion and wariness while Ryula regarded him like a puzzle she hadn't quite put together.
"That was quite the show you put on." Fal commented, breaking the silence with a chuckle, "Forgive us fossils for paying so much attention to the affairs of you youngsters."
"Just a minor disagreement among brothers," Silva replied calmly as he withstood Dantu and Ryula's inquisitive stares, "Nothing to be concerned about."
"I would hope not."
Silva looked towards the entrance of the pavilion as Jolto strode inside, "Your father would be most disappointed if he learned that his sons were bickering like children with the Imperial Army mere minutes away from walking through the clan gates."
"Well then, it's a good thing that you've finally decided to show up," Fal grinned, ignoring the serious atmosphere, "You're almost making me look good, that's not like you, Jolto."
"Please forgive him," A new voice suddenly spoke up from behind Jolto, who moved aside, allowing the newcomer to step into the pavilion. "Elder Jolto was busy assisting me during a critical moment."
Silva watched as the Elders' expression shifted as they failed to conceal their shock at the sight of the newcomer, and it didn't take long for Silva to realize why.
'He's covered in natural law.'
The mystical forces clung to the man's body like freshly fallen snow, a sign that he had been exposed to a powerful source of natural law for a prolonged period. Not only that, but there were two distinct kinds of law as well.
Noticing his observation the man looked over and met Silva's gaze with a smile, "Hello, little brother, it's been some time."