Chapter 2 : Elder Brother

"DISRESPECTFUL! You dare to slander me! Do you think I'm playing games with you? You have been only dodging my questions. Where's your proof? You're even questioning my capabilities as an elder? If I don't get a proper answer today, see how I will punish you. What are the opinions of the elder council?"

The Beast elders nodded in agreement, but the human and troll elders were confused. Even though they can see that elder Loxius is supporting his grandson, they can't offend him without proof. Even more so, with the current state of Firefly village.

The unity between the three races is unbalanced. Even though the human villagers and troll people villagers get along well. The beast people look more like they are shunned by the other two races. The elders were already having inter conflict among themselves because of this. If they support Max now and end up failing, the consequences can be dire.

In the end, the elders can only look at the grand elder. In this situation, the grand elder also nodded agreement with elder Loxius. Even though he wanted to act fairly, he can't jeopardize the relationship between beast people and the rest of the village. The grand elder can only make up to Max later.

"Max you have disrespected an elder, if you can't prove the Lightning Phyonet was captured by yourself, then I will punish you myself. Do you have anything to prove yourself?"

Max can only sigh. Looks like he can only grit his teeth and endure injustice. What else can he do to prove himself? The cage, sleeping medicine and even restraining band used against the Lightning Phyonet is all standard-issue item at the local Elemon hunting store.

Only the trap used is a uniquely crafted one. But the trap was set up at the forest, it may even be cleared out by Jin already. Even if he provides a receipt, they can easily dismiss it. After all, there are a lot of villagers who capture Elemon in the wild for living.

Just as Max was about to submit himself to fate, someone from the crowd interfered.

"Grand elder, please forgive me for my interruption. I am a witness. I saw him capture the Lightning Phyonet."

Everyone turned to the owner of the voice. The villagers were shocked. Some elders troubled by the sight of the person. Max sighed, then he smiled to the owner of the voice.

It was Kuro Kiba. Kuro Kiba is a city guard of a medium city. He has high prestige in the village. After all, not everyone can establish themselves in a small city, not to mention a medium city. Kuro Kiba is also an adopted son of the fifth grand elder, making him Max's elder adopted brother. Currently, he came to Firefly village on a mission.

Once every five years, all major institutes of Amethyst Maple city will organize a competition to gather talents from every possible place near to the city. In the process of competition, some may be selected to become a disciple of the institutes. If they are lucky, they may even get fully sponsored to become a core student of the institutes.

Kuro Kiba has decided to represent the city to send the information regarding the competition to some small cities, villages and Firefly village. He is also tasked to escort the talents from each city and villages to Amethyst Maple city. Due to the remaining time at hand, which was half a year, Kuro Kiba decided to teach the children of the village.

Due to his special status, the elders are now conflicted. The elders never knew the two adopted sons of fifth grand elder are close. Kuro Kiba may even be willing to lie for Max. But if the elder council offend the two, Kuro Kiba may not be willing to train the village children, or even worse not bring any of them except Max to the competition.

If the elders do support Maxx and Kuro Kiba, the current problem of village harmony may even worsen. The elders can only sigh. Even the grand elder was lost in his thoughts.

Elder Loxius, on the other hand, was nervous. He knew well that Jin is trying to frame Max. He fears, if they offend Kuro Kiba now, he might hold grudge against Jin. This will affect Jin's future in Amethyst Maple City. But as a village elder, how can he forgo his words and action.

"Junior Kuro Kiba, everyone in the village hold you in high regard. Why must you ruin your own reputation? Even if Max is your brother, with your status, you should be impartial and discipline him in your foster father's stead."

Kuro Kiba frowned. Elder Loxius is obviously implying that he lied to protect Max.

"Elder Loxius, I have personally witnessed my brother capture the Lightning Phyonet. How can you accuse me of lying? Can I not be accepted as a witness if I am related to Max? if that is the case, then you also don't have the right to represent your grandson. Jin's friends also cannot be counted as a witness. After all, they may lie for Jin."

Elder Loxius's face turned red with anger. In this whole village, who else than grand elder dare to disrespect him. But now he has to control himself in front of a kid not even one third his age.

"If junior Kuro Kiba is insisting he's not lying, how can we settle this matter? Now both sites have witnesses that tell us a different tale. Does junior Kuro Kiba have a suggestion."

Elder Loxius can only find a way to compromise. He can't offend Kuro Kiba now. Jin is a genius among his peers, if he can show potential in the upcoming competition, Jin will become far stronger in the future. At that time, not even Kuro Kiba can match Jin.

Kuro Kiba's expression didn't change. He only looked at a corner of the crowd that gathered, staring at Jin and his friends. After some thought, elder Loxius has made a decision.

"How about this, since we cannot come to an answer. I suggest that both Jin and Max enter the arena for a match. And the winner may take the Lightning Phyonet?"