Elder Theron and Elder Rosaline's Debate

Upon entering the sect leader's room, Elder Theron's eyes quickly found Elder Rosaline. A flicker of surprise crossed his features, not expecting to encounter her in this setting.

Acknowledging her presence, he remarked with a hint of intrigue, "Ah, I see Elder Rosaline is here as well." His voice carried a mix of surprise and acknowledgment, recognizing the significance of their joint presence in the sect leader's quarters.

Then, with a smile that suggested a blend of ease and strategic foresight, Elder Theron added, "This will make things simpler, then." His comment hinted at the possibility of resolving whatever issues were at hand more efficiently with all relevant parties present, setting a cooperative tone for the discussion that was to unfold.

The sect leader, turning his attention towards Elder Theron, inquired with a steady voice, "Elder Theron, what brings you here?"

Elder Theron, without hesitation, responded, "I've come to report a grievance. The prodigy of our male beast taming division has been injured by a new addition to the female division, Vargus."

He then firmly added, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, "I seek justice for this incident. The one who was harmed is not just any member, but a genius within our ranks." His words conveyed a deep sense of urgency and the importance he placed on the matter, underscoring his demand for a resolution that would address the perceived injustice done to his division's esteemed member.

Upon hearing Elder Theron's complaint, Elder Rosaline's demeanor shifted, her patience giving way to indignation. "Your so-called genius, Brandon, was the one actively seeking conflict," she countered sharply, her voice tinged with frustration at the accusation laid against Vargus.

Elder Rosaline continued, her tone laced with disdain, "And you call him a genius?" She paused for a moment, her disbelief evident, before adding with a dismissive scoff, "He's no genius in my eyes."

With a firm resolve, she then declared, "The true genius here is Vargus. He has shown remarkable prowess and wisdom far beyond what Brandon has demonstrated. You have no ground to blame Vargus for defending himself against unwarranted aggression."

Elder Theron's response was swift and heated, his anger palpable. "How dare you dismiss his achievements?" he retorted, his voice rising with each word. "It is universally acknowledged that reaching the expert level at the age of 20 is a feat that only a true genius can accomplish."

He continued, bolstering his argument with a pointed reminder, "And let's not forget, one of those rare geniuses is Brandon, a valued inner member of the male beast tamer division." His words were a direct challenge to Elder Rosaline's earlier statements.

Elder Rosaline, undeterred by Elder Theron's defense, pressed her point with renewed vigor. "You claim Brandon is a genius, yet how do you explain his decisive defeat at the hands of Vargus?" she challenged, her question sharpening the focus on the crux of their disagreement.

Elder Theron's frustration boiled over in response, "Brandon was outmatched because Vargus is not only stronger but also possesses the advantage of age and experience over Brandon," he asserted, his statement aiming to justify the outcome of the confrontation without diminishing Brandon's abilities.

Elder Rosaline couldn't help but let out a laugh at Elder Theron's rationale. "Older?" she echoed, amusement evident in her tone. She then delivered her counterpoint with a mixture of pride and a hint of mockery, "Let me correct you, Vargus is not older. In fact, he's even younger than Brandon. Vargus is only 18 years old."

Elder Theron's reaction was immediate, his disbelief palpable. "How can this be possible? With his formidable stature, how can he be younger than Brandon?" he exclaimed, struggling to reconcile Vargus's youthful age with his imposing physical presence.

Elder Rosaline, seizing the opportunity to clarify, responded with a tone of enlightenment, "Haven't you heard of the barbarian race? Vargus belongs to them. Their kind is known for their remarkable strength and size from a young age. Even the Sect Leader is aware of this."

The revelation visibly shocked Elder Theron, rendering him speechless. His eyes darted towards the Sect Leader, searching for any sign of contradiction. However, the Sect Leader's silence and lack of surprise served as confirmation, leaving no room for doubt. 

Elder Rosaline seized the moment to drive her point home with unmistakable clarity. "Now, understanding that Vargus is not only younger but also stronger than Brandon, it stands to reason that Vargus is the true genius here," she asserted, her words underlining the significance of Vargus's achievements and inherent capabilities.

She continued, her voice carrying a mix of reason and challenge, "Given that Vargus represents the pinnacle of genius within our sect, how could we possibly justify punishing him for overcoming an opponent who, despite his talents, does not match up to Vargus's brilliance?"

Elder Theron, grappling with the revelations, sought clarification with a hint of skepticism in his voice, "Is he really 18 years old? Has anyone verified this?"

This question momentarily silenced both Elder Rosaline and the Sect Leader. The truth was, in the excitement of discovering Vargus's exceptional aura and his achievements—particularly his role in vanquishing a member of the Crystal Fist Sect—they had not scrutinized his age in detail.

The Sect Leader, in particular, had been so impressed by Vargus's capabilities and potential contribution to their sect that the exact verification of his age had been overlooked.

Upon noticing the hesitation in their expressions, Elder Theron couldn't resist the opportunity to point out the discrepancy with a triumphant smirk. "Look at that, Elder Rosaline. You haven't even confirmed his actual age," he remarked, his tone laced with a mix of satisfaction and challenge.

Pushing his advantage further, he demanded, "I insist that tomorrow, we verify his age right here in front of us, using the age monument in the park."

Elder Rosaline, though taken aback, responded with unwavering confidence, "Very well, then. We will do just that. I will prove that Vargus is indeed younger and also a true genius." Her voice carried a mix of resolve and assurance, reflecting her belief in Vargus's honesty and her commitment to validating his claims.

Despite the unforeseen challenge posed by Elder Theron, Elder Rosaline remained convinced of Vargus's integrity, ready to stand by her protégé and confirm his prodigious talent and youth before the eyes of the sect.