The truth
" As long as I can take revenge."
This was the first and only time where Mark initiatively spoke in this whole conversation. Unknown to Mark, York knew what Mark was talking about.
York knew that Mark must have encountered Adolf in the last few days in the city, especially today as the latter oversaw the auction for Ares. Through his memories, York learned that Adolf had something to do with the death of Mark and Katherine's parents.
After remembering the story from his previous life, York turned around and saw Mark entering the hut and lying down. He soon did the same, but instead of falling asleep, he started meditating.
That night he had a rare blissful sleep knowing that these peaceful days were soon going to be over.
The next morning.
York was doing his regular training with a couple of bamboo sticks he found when he noticed Katherine preparing to leave.
"Where are you going, Katherine." Questioned York as he came to a standstill.
"To find Mark." Came the short reply putting on her sandals and started walking in the general direction where Mark always went.
Knowing he couldn't stop her, York quickly dressed up to ward off the cold and quickly followed after. He knew that this must be when Mark decided to join the faction of the first elder Adolf.
Like many other cities, Sun City has several competing factions, such as the Lord of the city, Edward Wesker, or the first elder, Adolf.
As young masters of inscription, they will have to choose a faction to join once they join the academy.
To avoid problems or obstacles that may be encountered in the future, young masters of inscription rarely choose to make their way alone.
This will change this year, but it's not our topic at the moment.
After a few hours, Katherine and York stumbled upon Mark with some blood smeared on his face.
"Mark! What are you doing? What happened?" Questioned a shocked Katherine.
York just kept quiet in the background and watched the scene play out. None of them found this weird as he was never one who talked a lot, only talking when needed to do or when wanting to know something. Apart from that he stayed silent and only gave short yet concise words.
With his back facing Katherine, Mark stated: " I'll join the first elder faction. I already passed the test."
Stunned by his response, Katherine's eyes grew wider.
"I'm gonna become a strong inscription master and change everything."
A small gasp escaped Katherine's mouth, as Mark continued Almost inaudible: "So that you never have to cry again, Katherine."
The young boy declared as if making a promise to himself.
*********
" Who knew that your plan was so successful? If those who participated in the auction knew about it, there would be a strong reaction from their side."
"And, who's going to tell them that?"
Currently, Ares was present in the stately building of the Commercial complex in a meeting with the lady of this branch, Stella.
Back in the past, Ares had agreed with the main branch manager of Commercial Complex to sell the McLean family's property to them separately at market price.
The only condition was other than paying the full purchase amount, Stella had to pretend to participate in the auction, and since Ares would make the final draw, he had many ways to get the Commercial Complex to win the auction.
" Now back to our topic, when will you be able to fulfill my request?" Ares said.
" It will take some time since your request is very specific," Stella said with a slight smile.
Ares stood up from his seat and said in a nonchalant tone, "I don't care. If you don't meet my request on time, you can bring in that dark-haired girl from earlier today."
"You... That's... my...younger... sister." Suddenly, the pressure inside the room increased several times because of Stella's angry aura.
" Then you have to volunteer yourself, or do you think that just a branch master can scare me? You have to stop fighting and accomplish what the main branch manager asked of you. Don't forget that my agreement was with him, not you."
Ares left without resistance after saying that.