9 Years Later: Young Master of The Underground 1

Now ten years of age, Gio sends Mateo to the Lilac Clan to begin his combat training. In addition to that, he was told everything Ani has revealed to them over the last nine years, as well as his upcoming journey to the 6th realm in eight years. However, they would not have to wait 8 years to see what makes their son worthy of The Ancestor's teachings. In fact, they aren't the only ones on the lookout. At ten years old, Mateo stands 5'4, weighing over100lbs. During his evaluation, he covered 9 miles in five minutes, before needing to stop running. In terms of strength, he managed to outclass some teenagers, only struggling with 300lbs. His mind is well developed, able to learn the basics of combat quite easily and retain the information better than most adults. All characteristics that are super qualifying for a Young Master. 

After 6 months of training, Mateo is able to double his amazing feats, allowing him to accompany his family's trade team to Gud City, which boldly stand above ground in the newly established Minvaldygud Region, as its capital and with the Valdy Clan as the region's army. During these 9 years, many southern spies have been captured, as well as many Foward Occupation Squads. To keep trade routes safe, all trade teams are to be accompanied by a humble but strong security squad. Naturally, the Young Master of a major family has his own personal and secret security. 

Over last 9 years, the Son Family not only reclaimed the merchants Lian ran off, but they also gained at least 50 new ones. In addition to that, the Lilac Clan became a permanent branch of the Son Family, serving as its own private army. Their relationship with the Min Family became much closer, as Kin's daughter and the son of Second Lady Jill Min became quite close during their classes. Like Mateo, the two received an invitation to learn from The Ancestor. However, they do not need to wait until they are 18. He has allowed them to accompany Mateo on his journey to the 6th Realm. Unfortunately, no journey can be planned perfectly, and life is often never an easy ride. 

Arriving in Gud City, Mateo is referred to as Young Ancestor instead of Young Master, which he was not expecting. After being told about his birth and recognition, the people of the Minvaldygud Region had made their minds up about his position among them. As he would he expect that title came with responsibilities and some power. He is judged by different standards and expected to perform at higher levels than most. He has freedom of movement to go anywhere in the region without checking or notice and is immune from all newly established 'low level crimes'. With his family being in the business of medical herb trading, Mateo is also treated as the Medical Trade Master. However, he would make a decision that would gain him another title. 

Using his identity of Young Ancestor, Mateo travels to the still operational underground city to see what all the talk is about. The outer reaches of the city were above ground, but Mateo was more interested in the deeper parts that reached deep beneath the earth. Following the advice of a City Guard named Jol, Mateo wore a disguise and used the name Boh. As they walked down the main avenue, a brother and sister duo of Zan and Geo, bumped into them while running from five men. Jol immediately stood in front of Mateo, but he would learn that it was not necessary. Mateo's performance during his training was not known to them, so Jol did not think he could protect himself as he is only 10 years old. As the five men got in range, Mateo threw a hundred-pound sack of flour at one of them, bringing the others to a pause. 

Seeing their comrade unconscious on the floor, the other men turned to Jol, thinking he was the one who threw the sack of flower. Before they could make another move, Mateo threw another sack, knocking out another man. Without saying a word, Mateo grabbed two more sacks, taking form to throw them. Fortunately, these guys were smart enough to know they are outmatched, so they picked up their fallen comrades and ran off. Zan and Geo, who are 12 and 14 years old, thanked the two and praised Mateo's strength. "Thank you for your help 'Salam'. How are you that strong? Wait, I'm sorry. I am Zan and this my little sister Geo", Zan greeted. "I am Jol, and this is my Young Master Boh. Why were those men chasing you? Where are your parents?", Jol questioned. 

Zan grabs his hand, pulling him for five minutes to an alleyway behind a teahouse. They are taken into a hole in the wall hideout for what looks like beggars, but it was all a facade. The people in this hole in the wall are actually a network of informants and spies. They range from ages 5 to 70 and all makes a living gathering and selling information. Zan takes them to a woman named Fiona who explains, "we are known as Kyk. We were formed 30 years ago by a mysterious person and was given a bit of gold by the City Lord's manor in our first 4 years of operation. We were only asked to be the city's living archive, gathering and sharing all information with the City Guards when asked. Of course, we are allowed to sell certain information to others in order to maintain ourselves so that no one can tie us to the City Lord." 

Typically, no one attacks a member of Kyk as they are a staple in the city and is highly respected in the underground. In addition to that, many members are highly skilled fighters not to be messed with. However, 6 years ago, some people moved into town and has been purposefully targeting Kyk members. They are people from the southern clans that has been making big moves on the surface of late. "What have you been able to gather on them so far?", Jol asked, sliding 4 gold coins to Fiona. "6 months ago, they welcomed a group of 20 men to add to the already 40 men they had initially moved in with. They have also rented out 30 units of land in total between the underground and the surface. As far as we know, they are operating in the same capacity that we are, but instead of pretending to be beggars, their cover is horse salesmen", Fiona explains, returning Jol's gold. 

She adds, "we are not allowed to take payment from City Guards, so there is no need to pay. I was informed about your trip to the underground city before you arrived and was instructed to give whatever help you may request from us. We will not reveal your identity, Young Master Mateo." She then gave them a set of keys and a map to a 12-unit property not too far from the main road. They are guided there by Zan and Geo and is greeted by two men and a woman. The armored man declares, "Welcome Young Master Boh and Mr. Jol. We are the managers of your Agter Estate. I am your Head Guard, Day Vhon. This is Mr. Hara Fen, he is your Property Manager, and this is Mrs. Gita Ali, your Chief of Staff." 

As they walked through the gates and head towards the mansion through the extravagant courtyard, Mr. Fen explains, "the actual house covers 4 of the 12 units and is two layers above ground and has a 14-cell dungeon and an armored vault below. We are approaching the north facing wing, where all your official or public business will be conducted. The west facing wing is your private residence and personal armory. The east facing wing is the living area for guests that are permitted to stay over. The south facing wing, is reserved for your staff. At the center, is the Ballroom and the Grand Dining Hall. There is one reserved unit for your guards' use. As for the remaining 7 units, that is for you to decide Young Master. All of this was organized per the request of the City Lord. This was once his estate before his ascension to the Lordship."

Mrs. Ali adds, "I suppose his Lordship expects you to shake the underground during your time here Young Master. Your house staff, including us three, is 160 people strong. 15 solely dungeon guards and 7 solely vault guards. Including Chief Vhon, above ground guards' total is 101, 30 of which lives on site. The remaining 37 staff are house and grounds staff. Of the three of us, I am the highest ranked, followed by Mr. Fen then Chief Vhon. However, we will not interfere with each other's respective duties unless it is absolutely necessary." In his mind, Mateo reminds himself about his role in the eyes of others as the 'Young Ancestor' and must take on some responsibilities despite his age. After all, he is of an advanced mind and body compared to most others his age.