The dining hall was quiet.
Soft morning light entered through the large windows, illuminating the long wooden table.
Sol walked in calmly.
His mother was already seated at the head of the table. Rose stood nearby, arms crossed, while Lily sat happily, swinging her legs.
"Big brother!" Lily waved excitedly.
Sol nodded and took his seat.
Breakfast was simple, but warm.
For a moment… everything felt peaceful.
But—
That peace didn't last.
His mother placed her cup down slowly.
"Sol," she said, her tone serious.
Sol looked up.
"There is something we need to discuss."
The atmosphere instantly changed.
Even Lily stopped smiling.
Rose's expression turned cold.
Sol's eyes narrowed slightly.
"What is it?" he asked.
His mother took a deep breath.
"The Varden family… has made a move."
Silence.
A heavy silence.
"They've sent a message," she continued. "They want us to hand over control of the town… within one month."
Lily's hands tightened.
"That's not fair!" she said angrily.
Rose scoffed.
"Of course they would do this now. Cowards."
Sol remained calm, but inside—
His mind was racing.
So it begins…
His mother looked at him carefully.
"Sol… our situation is not good."
She paused.
"Your father was the only one who could keep them in check."
Now that he was gone…
Everything was collapsing.
"We don't have enough strength to fight them head-on," she said.
Her words were calm—
But filled with helplessness.
"For now… I plan to negotiate."
Rose frowned.
"Negotiate? With them?"
"It's better than losing everything," his mother replied.
Lily looked down, her eyes watery.
Sol slowly placed his hand on the table.
His expression calm…
But his eyes—
Sharp.
"Mother," he said quietly.
She looked at him.
"How strong is the Varden family?"
A brief silence followed.
Rose answered instead.
"They have at least three Rank 5 fighters… and one Rank 6."
Sol nodded slightly.
So that's the level…
Still far beyond him.
For now.
His mother spoke again.
"Sol… don't think about fighting them. Right now, your priority is to recover."
But Sol didn't reply immediately.
Instead—
He smiled faintly.
"I understand."
But inside—
His thoughts were different.
One month…
That's enough time.
Enough time to learn.
Enough time to grow.
Enough time—
To change everything.
Sol's gaze remained steady.
"Mother… what about the other three families?" he asked.
The room fell silent again.
His mother exchanged a glance with Rose before answering.
"The town isn't controlled by just us and the Varden family," she said. "There are three other major families."
Sol leaned slightly forward.
"Tell me about them."
The Three Families
Rose stepped in, her voice calm and sharp.
"First—the Krell family."
"They are merchants," she continued. "Not very strong in combat, but extremely rich."
"They currently have two Rank 4 fighters."
Sol nodded.
Money… not a direct threat, but useful allies.
"Second—the Dros family."
This time, his mother spoke.
"They are neutral most of the time. Focused on stability."
"They have one Rank 5 and two Rank 4 fighters."
Rose added, "They won't act unless they are sure who will win."
Fence-sitters…
"And the last one…" Rose's tone turned colder.
"The Morkar family."
A slight pressure filled the room.
"They are close to the Varden family," she said. "Ambitious and ruthless."
"They have two Rank 5 fighters."
Lily clenched her fists.
"They're bad people…" she said quietly.
Current Situation
His mother continued:
"If Varden attacks us… Morkar will support them."
"Krell will watch from the side."
"And Dros… will wait until the end."
Sol's eyes darkened slightly.
So no one will help us…
MC Analysis
Sol leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful.
One Rank 6… multiple Rank 5…
And we…?
He already knew the answer.
They were weak.
Too weak.
His mother spoke again, her voice firm this time.
"This is why I want to negotiate."
"We cannot win in a direct fight."
Rose didn't argue this time.
Even she knew the truth.
MC Resolve (Stronger)
Sol slowly stood up.
"I understand the situation," he said calmly.
Everyone looked at him.
"I won't act recklessly."
His words were steady.
But his eyes—
Burned with determination.
Varden… Morkar…
Just wait.
One month is enough.