Late night, the Clark family mansion…
Suddenly the wind changed around the mansion as a large bald eagle descended into the outside courtyard and made a loud screeching noise, disturbing all that must be around it.
All the Clark family members and servants woke up as the bald eagle made a loud screeching noise. It was also a signal for them, as it indicated the arrival of the family patriarch. The bald eagle was specifically purchased for the patriarch with family funds.
The bookkeeper and the spellmaster Jinn were the first ones to reach the outer courtyard as they were very much eager to meet the patriarch and announce the news about Henry Clark.
The head servant immediately bowed near the bald eagle and offered water to the patriarch, who was descending from the bald eagle with a serious face. He snatched the water jug from the head servant and tossed it aside with a furious look.
"Go and wake up everyone. I want all the Clark family gathered here in the next minute," he directly ordered.
"As you wish, Master Ryon."
The head servant immediately bowed and left with trembling legs. Soon the family bell began ringing with a loud bang and all the Clark family children, elders, and servants ran towards the family hall like their life was at the end of the line.
Henry was also disturbed from his sleep because of the loud noise and clamor outside. Soon one of the servants came and knocked on the door of Henry's home loudly. As Luna opened the door, he informed her about the patriarch's order and left like a flash.
Henry ignored the orders and continued to sleep with the newly purchased blanket, but Luna dragged him out of the bed with reluctant effort.
"It must be important, husband. If you don't go now they will find another reason to bully us. Let's go," she pleaded while hugging him from the side, while he deliberately fell his entire body on her in a sleepy state.
Finally Henry decided to go because of Luna.
Like trained soldiers, everyone stood in uniform lines in the family hall. While the main elders took the chairs, the children stood behind them. The servants stood in the outer corner of the room.
By the time everyone came, the patriarch was already sitting on a throne-like chair at the head of the family hall.
"Is everyone here?" the patriarch shouted while staring at all the family children.
The head servant, who was counting all the members, finally saw Henry and Luna, who stood at the end of the gathering with a disinterested look.
"Yes, Master Patriarch, everyone is here. Please speak your instructions," the head servant replied as he stood behind the patriarch like a diligent servant.
The patriarch, after taking a look at the elders, stood up from his seat and moved close towards the younger generation, who were standing behind the elders.
"I know all of you got disturbed from your sleep, but there is a very strong reason for this sudden gathering. Before coming here I received news that in three days the Fire Gate Wizard Academy elders are coming to Silver Leaf town to recruit new disciples for the academy."
A low murmur followed as all the youngsters stared at each other with nervousness and a bit of joy. Many of them were waiting for this opportunity, as all the selected members can finally leave the house and explore the outside world. Also the selected members will get a small sum of spirit stones for encouragement.
"Silence!"
The patriarch shouted before continuing.
"Last time the Pink family dominated us and sent a greater number of people to the academy than our family. Since the last three recruitments the number of people selected from our family has been reducing gradually, but this time I want at least 10 youngsters from our family to be selected in the academy at any cost. Do you understand?"
The patriarch stared at his son, who was standing first before all the younger generation.
"Yes Patriarch, we won't disappoint you!"
All the younger generation shouted loudly.
"To support you for this occasion, as the patriarch I am offering two spirit stones to each member of the younger generation of our family who has crossed at least the third class magus stage. I hope you use these resources and perform well in the upcoming recruitment of Fire Gate Wizard Academy."
Everyone's face lit up after hearing the reward of two spirit stones for each one, but the younger ones were disappointed as they were still at the border of the third class magus stage.
The patriarch's son Philip Clarke also felt disappointed as he thought his father would give all the spirit stones to him instead of distributing them to all the younger generation of the family. He showed his disappointment on his face.
Just as the patriarch finished his speech, a loud yawn was heard from the other end.
The patriarch immediately felt utter rage as he never expected someone to feel sleepy after his shocking announcement of the recruitment. His eyes immediately searched for the culprit, but to his astonishment another loud yawn followed from the same corner.
Soon the patriarch Ryon's eyes fell on Henry, who was lazily scratching his head in a sleepy state.
Instead of feeling angry, Patriarch Ryon's eyes went wide in shock.
"Henry… Henry…"
He muttered the name of Henry in shock while staring at him like he was seeing a ghost.
He slowly walked towards Henry as he still couldn't believe his eyes. Luna felt fear and hid-behind Henry while clutching the corner of his clothes.
On the other hand Henry was not feeling any fear or intimidation from the arrival of the patriarch.
"Hi Uncle Ryon," Henry greeted in a lazy tone with a wave of his hand, like he was seeing an old friend.
But the patriarch was not in a state to get angry at Henry's disrespectful actions.