Chapter 162 - Knock at the Door

"Then…" Jonon swallowed the stagnant saliva in his throat while imagining the powerful leopard hunting bandits. "Did we agree to be the teachers at this school?"

"That's right," Oli answered. "The academy is divided into classes for adepts and novices, offering regular and advanced courses based on the students' potential. Typically, we have perennials teaching the advanced classes, so we'll probably ask Hurman to teach that class."

"Perennial instructors for novices and adempts?!" Keldon shouted, baffled along with Hurman and Jonon.

Jonon chuckled and shook his head, "That's why you're essence control is so good, isn't it?"

"Guilty… But that same layout will apply for your family and every other human as well," replied Oli. "Our goal is to create an ideal society, hence the aggressive expansion that's trying to outrun us."

Vloz continued on that thought, "We have many people offering themselves as patrician clans and many merchants trying to get what you've been offered. You're only receiving this because of Oli's recommendation and your proven record while caring for him as a nobody. That's the honor and respect that we want in patrician clans."

"Then what are we waiting for? Why--"

"Not so fast, Keldon." Oli put up his hand and shook his head. "While I'm a gorilla I'm now in human form and want to learn everything I can from the Trighton Institue while I'm here. After I've learned enough here, then we'll discuss Vloz escorting you to our territory."

"Oliver… Will you agree to fight me seriously?"

"Why so sincere, Jonon?"

Taking a deep breath again, Jonon stated, "I'm on the verge of ascension to the elder level and facing you head-on may help me figure out something new I can do, or maybe spark a new battle art idea. Also, I've only heard of how sturdy and powerful Iron-body Gorillas are rumored to be as the strongest apes."

"I'll tell you what. We can't right now, but we can plan a time and place to fight," answered Oli.

"Thank you!" Jonon bowed to Oli, filled with excitement, curiosity, and a hint of disbelief.

"I'm sorry to move on so quickly from the topic," Vloz spoke up again, "but we'll have time to discuss this later. You still need to discuss the current issues that the Practor Family is facing, some of which I'd like to share some incite about."

Hurman and the others blinked at Vloz, confused. The patriarch asked, "That's fine… But is there something specific that you want to mention about the issues we're facing?"

"A few things. First, so long as you're genuinely committing to a role in the Iron Territory, Oli and I will be assisting your family however possible."

"That… That's more than we could ever ask for."

Vloz shook his head. "Think nothing of that, as it's the same treatment given to all patrician clans. Does that mean you'll accept the terms of relocating and taking on responsibilities within the Iron Territory?"

Humbly kneeling and kowtowing, both Hurman and Jonon admitted in unison, "We graciously accept those terms."

"And you?"

"I graciously accept the terms!" Keldon stated, following Hurman's example with a lowly kowtow. 

"And you all agree to never admit to knowing Oli's identity?" Vloz added. "When we return, only a select few, such as Oli's parents, will know that Oli has a human form and is alive. Sharing that information may lead to us lashing out against you."

"We agree to the terms," all three replied.

"Then let me mention something you all will need to accept as true, as it concerns your family at this very moment," Vloz mentioned, getting Hurman and Jonon to raise their heads immediately. "The masked merchant who tried to kill Oli days ago is your son, Mertin."

"That--"

"I'm certain of it," insisted the leopard. "As an assassin, I make it my mission to recognize the scent and essence of any recent or important encounters I have. Without a doubt, I'm sure that Mertin was the man who came after Oli. He was likely involved in many other things damaging your family, such as hiring bandits to kill the young travel party or worsen your debts, as you mentioned earlier."

"Th… That…" Hurman's instinct was to deny the claim and protect his family. But that wasn't possible. 

Knuckles were popped as Jonon clenched his fists. "He attacked Johan and the party? He dared…"

Vloz then added, "I may do everything to help you but I'd rather stay hidden at all times until I escort you to Iron Territory. Me being found out early may lead to us all fleeing to Iron Territory without time to prepare or plan properly. Is that understood?"

"Yes…" Hurman mumbled, forced to accept the word of a high-perennial. "Then… Mertin shouldn't--"

"If I were you, Hurman, I would've stepped in to control him years ago. Never let a man handle your family business without a system of checks and balances, especially if he's family," stated Vloz, striking a chord in Hurman's heart and putting a grin on Keldon's face. "You should assume that any involvement that Mertin offers from now would only bring the family harm. I wouldn't even let him on the property. Also, if I guessed correctly, Mertin may be an elder."

"WHAT?!" Jonon shouted. "That's impossible?! There's no way--"

"It's merely my assumption based on what I sensed a few days ago. If you wish to believe otherwise, just consider my word of warning and be cautious."

Knock, knock, knock…

Before Hurman or anyone could react to the person at the door, Vloz had vanished within Oli's shadow. And thanks to the silencing formation, Jonon was forced to get up and approach the door himself.

Sliding the door open, Jonon blinked in confusion. "Shadur? We're busy discussing--"

"Please let me in. There's something I need to inform you of," Shadur stated, putting his hand up to stop Jonon from closing the sliding door. "This is very important and it's best we take action as soon as possible. It involves Master Lyle."