(Arc: Revenge) Calm before the storm

As I neared Vainum, I took note of the increased security in the vicinity. Instead of the customary four guards lining the gates, there were ten. Their body language exhibited worry and vigilance.

'Just who is the enemy?'

The streets seemed to be empty in comparison to the past; the silence was so overbearing that you could hear a pin drop. The stalls that were once filled to the brim with a variety of products were now barren. Brushing past them, I steered towards the center of Vainum.

As the Anderson residence came into view, the dazzling white structure blinded me. My teleportation came to a standstill in front of the dwelling place. With a watchful eye, I observed the crowd that had gathered around the walls.

"I-Identify yourself," one of the guards said.

His entire being was quivering like a leaf, even though he sensed that his life was in the palm of my hand, he bravely followed his duties; the fear robbed him of his speech. I was hoping that they might recognize me, but I realized that was a foolish wish; after all, my appearance and strength had greatly changed in those three years.

"Rohan Anderson."

Their breaths were taken away and they were at a loss for words. My death must have been announced to the whole city, so to them, I was a dead man walking; clarification was needed.

"I'm not a ghost, now lead me inside."

Despite my explanation being everything but clear, they believed me.

"Right away sir."

As we walked inside, I noticed that the corridors were overflowing with people; the individuals were also different but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

"Who goes there," a burly man yelled.

His red hair and red eyes along with his apelike features gave the impression that he was a wild animal. His body was covered in what could only be described as rags. All in all, he looked like a homeless person.

"Young master Barlow is still inside and he would be unhappy if you were to waste your time on an insect," a young woman said.

The name rung a bell and the situation became clear as day. The people gathered must hail from the different regions; the Barlow family was fifth in the rankings.

"Move if you wish to continue breathing."

"You little shi--"

He lifted a humongous axe and initiated a strike to my head. I teleported to the side using his shadow and delivered a full-power blow to his ribs; a cracking noise echoed throughout the hallway as his flailing body crashed and slumped against a wall. Blood spewed out of his mouth and he was knocked out cold before he could even react. The crowd stood in utter silence and disbelief; the blood was drained from their faces. They were trying to make sense of what they had just witnessed, the warrior who was so easily brought to his knees was at the seventh level.

"Make way for Master Rohan."

They had gotten acquainted with the name as his tales spread to the neighboring regions, his moniker was linked to vicious killings and torture. The crowd parted and made way for me.

'Seems like every family bar the Ellis clan is here.'

My palm was against the intricately carved wooden door and by applying a weak force, it swiveled open smoothly.

"We're not done yet," an old man yelled.

That man was the Keller family patriarch. Upon closer inspection, Ian and him did look eerily similar.

I unveiled my strength without a second thought; now was not the time to be underestimated. I ensured that everyone was aware of how inferior they were in my presence. Everyone was on guard against me and seemed terrified.

"Are you from the other continent? I thought we agreed to a grace period," the Keller head said.

However, two people were caught off guard and were goggle-eyed; those individuals were father and grandfather. Carlos' lips were shaking uncontrollably as he tried to form syllables. Tears were already rolling down grandfather's cheeks; the room was akin to a grave as not one word was uttered. By now, everyone had noticed the peculiar behavior of the Anderson family.

"R-Ro-Rohan," father mumbled.

He sprinted towards me and took me into his arms; grandfather soon followed suit and also grabbed me.

"How come you are still alive?" Lucas Anderson asked.

"Your genius grandson is still part of this world and these are your first words?" I replied in a snarky manner.

Two more people appeared to be shaken to the core; they were Lydia and Rey Taylor. This was their first encounter with Rohan so they were unable to recognize him at first. The pair made their way towards me with tears obscuring their visions.

Father understood his role and conducted the introductions. Despite already being sure of their identities, I wanted father to confirm it.

"This is Lydia, your mother and this is Rey, your grandfather."

Behind my stoic face, my emotions were running amok. This was my maternal family! I instinctively hugged my mother as her tears soaked my shirt.

"I'm sorry I haven't been there when you needed me. I've been a terrible mother and you probably resent me."

"Not at all, I understand your situation."

Rey pressed his lips together and bowed his head in shame; after all, this was the consequence of his actions.

"Now update me on the situation," I said while walking towards the center of the room.

Every head turned away from my eyes in shame.

"What's the issue?"

"The Ellis family has declared war against everyone," the Barlow head said.

"Despite the strength of the Ellis family, they don't stand the slightest chance against the five clans," I replied.

"Your assumption is correct and they would have been trampled, but they were not alone... Their new partner is strong enough to overwhelm the five families," grandfather said.

"Who is this new enemy?" I asked.

"Another continent," father replied.