16 Meeting (2)

"Our armies are well trained. They are just not as strong as you boys are. Of course, with all the resources you've got from your master and all that is normal" said the Smid family head.

Leon sipped his tea and replied "There are 2 things that are wrong. One, we will not train your armies. Second, we are stronger than you think, but it was due to training and knowledge. After 2 or 3 months, the people we train will have to embar themselves in explorations to the forest. Without practical experience no one can advance. Theoretical knowledge is only useful to a certain extent. What men lack in this city is experience. Experiencing the forest without help from anyone. Going to the brink of death each time they make a move so they understand what to do and what to avoid doing. That can't be taught" his smile was still in his face, curved as usual but his words sounded scary to all those present.

They were aware of how hard it was to survive out there. They didn't know much about the forest, but that didn't mean they were completely ignorant towards it.

"As for those that wish to get help, we will divide ourselves and help the families. We will personally visit them and help you all improve your techniques. In exchange, you will accept normal people as apprentices and teach them all you know. This is how you will pay us." said Leon with a calm face.

"We are 3 people, and we will visit 9 families so each one of us will visit a family during this week. Of course, we will be there despite whatever you want to say or do. If you open the door for us, then great. If you don't, well, missed opportunity. This is our kind approach to all of this. Regarding the Kriger family, disband yourself and we will let you all live like normal people in Kyus. We're not that evil".

"Regarding the visits, Lufti will visit the Boer, Daener and Amdel families. He is the most versed in scouting, animal behaviour and he is also the only one that has snuck inside the city several times to watch the Amdel family theater performances. Leroux will visit the Zidar, Smid and Mvuvi families. He is the best at combat, but he is also the best at asserting and collecting ores and minerals. He used to bring rare ores to my master as gifts so she could make him better weapons. I personally will visit the Hwa, Iolten and Umbazi families. I like herbal medicines, and I will leave many recipes for different things as well as share a good batch of seeds with you so you can grow new and stronger herbs that will help with other diseases", as Leon finished talking he slowly stood up. He patted his little sister on the head and smiled at her but as soon as he did this, he let out a long sigh. He turned back to the 10 families and said, "One more thing. Don't try to 'marry' your daughters to us for benefits. If it's not due to love, none of us will probably get married. Now that this has concluded, the Lea family will take their leave. During this week, we will visit you whenever we feel like. It will be a surprise, surprises are fun don't you all think?", Leon's smiling face was attractive but the way he worded things made people feel uncomfortable.

After that, the Lea family left the 10 families behind, all of them pretty confused and the Kriger family was specially mad. They can't allow them to just order them around. They had to take hands into their own matter.

Cesar stood up and was about to speak, but before he could say anything the Boer family head lifted her hand and stopped him "Don't even try. After what you've done, as a woman, I feel disgusted to even share the room with you. We will support this boys, and as you all know we're the main source of food for this city. You are all warned" as she said that, she stood up with the help of her granddaughter and walked out from the big meeting room.

While Cesar's face was red and about to burst into anger he had to keep it together. Before he could speak, several family members stood up and bowed, leaving behind the Boer and Lea families. How could they dare offend the family that provided food for most of the City?

Despite not all of them agreeing with Leon, they had no choice. They were interested in improving themselves, and here came a good oportunity to do so. What could they do if not take it? If they resisted, it was just thoughtless pride driving them into failure.

Cesar sat back down with his fater next to him. He slammed the table several times to vent his frustration. If he knew things would be like this, he would've killed Lea. He gritted his teeth and said in a low grunting tone "What should we do father?"

"We should either brainwash them, or kill them. Killing them would be the easiest way to make the city turn back to normal. Start asking who from the families is willing to work for us for a nice sum of money, we will make it look like an accident when they visit those families. We will never expose ourselves, we can't dare to do so. If we offend them openly, not only will be in a worse spot, we will also get mowed down by those kids. How dare they make the Kriger family their enemy. We will show them why we're the strongest family in Kyus" said Cyrus with his hands white as he clenched the cane with all his might.