The Absolute: Humanity's Second Chance

Adison's Mansion

Within his personal study

The young man sat down with knitted bros. But the frown on his face failed to take away his charm, yet it still felt unnecessary being there.

"It's strange. I can't tell whose behind this. And according to you, lady Nine, you also don't know?" He said, and raised his head to look at the cold faced beauty sitting before him.

"..."

Ninth softly shook her head without saying a word. She was mostly a cold beauty, and rarely said anything. Unless of course, triggered by Sixth.

"Wow. I never thought things would be this tough. And here father is promising a reward to anyone who can find out these people's identities." Adison added with a sigh of defeat.

He then recalled the conversation he had with his father, and also his other siblings, who, as well, were fighting for authority over the Stronghold.

It was yesterday morning when his father called out a meeting with everyone. Adison included, alongside his mother. And his other mothers as well.

They sat within the round table of the castle, and stared in silence. The table was quite large, and had twelve sits around it, which was where they would sit.

One belonged to Adison and his mother, Ella. She was a plebian woman, with extreme beauty. Which was also where Adison inherited his charm from.

Another belonged to his eldest brother, Axel, and their eldest mother, Georgia. And unlike his mother, she was the daughter of the richest merchant within the Stronghold, Mr Bambino. She had status and beauty.

Another belonged to their eldest sister, Amy, and her mother, their second mother, Diana. She was the younger sister of Giorgia, and their background was a bit... peculiar. They were also the most fiece amongst all mothers, going against the other.

Then another one belonged to their second sister, Adriana, and her mother, their third mother, Filliona. She was also a plebian woman, whom her father was a farmer.

She was married due to his father owing the farmer a lot, hence he chose such a paying method. She was also the least loved wife, and his mother's best friend. They were like sisters together. But somehow, Adison felt like Adriana did not like him.

And then, there was Alison, and his mother, Hannah. She was a refugee, who had somehow escaped from a kidnap, and was rescued by their father.

But that aside, he and Adison were born on the same month, same day, same hour. And somehow, closely resembled each other, excluding the hair color.

Adison had dark hair, and Alison had white hair. Both had their father's blue eyes. They were also considered the youngest brothers, and treated like twins most of the time. More strange, their mothers were the same age.

Then there was the sit that belonged to the youngest mother, Tatyana. She was within her early twenties, and was already pregnant, expecting a prophecied daughter.

And lastly, was the throne of the city lord, their very father. "I welcome you, all of you. And I know it's rare to be around each other, and especially so, when some of you clearly don't like each other."

He said nonchalantly. He was a thin man, with a thin physique. Yet that thin body of his, clothed luxuriously, hid powerful strength and speed that rivaled that of a pro gladiator.

Even the infamous Gray Devil, once praised him for his strength, speed and techniques. He also once survived an assassination attempt, and even killed the assassin himself.

He was a famous warrior, Allianz the human beast. And when he spoke his words, the eldest mother and second mother scoffed at each other, averting their gazes from the other.

But Allianz, their father, ignored that. He then said, "But that is of no concern. Instead, we have a pressing matter on our shoulders. I am sure you are all aware of the rising threat of the wolves?"

He asked, and the children nodded sternly. He then continued, "As we all know, as things seem, danger is coming as fast as a lightning bolt. So, Axel, what are your thoughts on the matter?" He inquired.

Everyone was briefly surprised, but not overly. It has been weeks, and in fact, over a month, yet their father never brought out the probelm.

It was a surprise for the children, but they knew their father. And knew deep down, that this man had his own plans. So behind the shadows, they always prepared for such a moment to come.

Axel stood up and cleared his throat to speak, "Father, I for one, believe we should charge up and snuff the problem while it is at its earliest stage. This way, we will experience less loss."

Allianz nodded, and then moved his gaze to their eldest daughter. She stood up and gave her response. "I think we should consider asking for help. Things don't seem easy at the moment. And our strength alone, cannot bear this threat."

He nodded once again, and moved on to their second sister, Adriana. And she... did not stand up, nor did she show any respect. Her arms were crossed below her chest, and she coldly said, "Move on."

Allianz just nodded, and said nothing to her attitude. His gaze just moved from Adriana to Adison. Meanwhile, Adison was whispering with Alison, "Big sis Adry is still as fierce as always."

"Yeah." Alison nodded. Then seeing that their father's gaze was on them, they kept quiet. Adison then stood up and said, "Father, I support eldest sister. But I believe we can consider asking for help from the Gray–"

"Moving on." Allianz cut his words short, and stared at Alison. Adison stood still embarrassed, his mouth still opened, half way through his input. He then shut his mouth, and sat down.

"...Are you okay?" And Alison ignored his father's gaze and asked Adison in concern. Adison forced a smile and nodded. "Yeah, don't worry about me. I'm alright."

"That's good." Alison said, and then turned to his father. "My opinion matches that of Adison. So I bet you would not like to hear it either, right, father?" He said.

Allianz once again nodded and then said, "In that case, I've heard enough. But are you all aware of the beings doing our work instead? Secretive rats sneaking among the enemy lines?"

"What?"

"Who?"

"..."

"..."

"Oh."

The children exclaimed with their own unique responses, from the eldest to the youngest respectively. But two out of them instead kept quiet.

Adriana due to not giving a single hint of care to the whole situation. And Adison, who had a slight clue who they could be. In his understanding, only the Gray House could do this.

"Just as I said. There are some people eliminating the growing threat for us, and pushing back the wolves every passing day. Our scouts obtained a glimpse of their battle prowess." Allianz said.

Adriana then scoffed at him, and questioned defiantly. "So, if they are doing your dirty work, why do you mind? Is it not a good thing that at least someone is doing something better for you?"

She asked, her tone full of spite. Her mother, Filliona, hurriedly tried to dissuade her. "Ady, don't be like that to your father. At least show him some respect. Even if it's fake."

"Yes, Ady. Even if you can not respect your father, at least respect us for him. Please?" Ella, Adison's mother also added. Adriana then kept quite and did not speak anymore.

Her respect for her mothers was apparent, just as much as her disrespect for her father. And she did not try to hide it. As if saying, 'I'm only keeping quiet because my mothers said so.'

Allianz ignored it all, and instead responded to her spiteful words. "I would not mind under normal circumstances. But we do not know which Stronghold they hail from. Or which race."

"Because the power they hold, is not something the likes of us, or any Stronghold around here can fathom. So we have to at least know, whether they are humans, or not." He concluded apathetically.

Then added, "Which brings us to today's matter. I would like for you all to at least try, and find out who these people are, and where they belong. Anyone who can find that out, will temporarily obtain the right to the throne." He said.

...!!!

The children vying for the throne perked their ears at those words. Especially the eldest brother and the eldest sister, as well as Adison. Adriana and Alison did not seem to care much about it.

"If you understand, you are all dismissed. You women remain, the rest, leave." He said, and it was also the moment when Adison stopped thinking back to that moment.

He once again sighed, and sat back on his throne, looking up at the ceiling. Ninth also did not speak, and admired Adison's handsome disposition.

Everything was at peace and tranquility. But as always, peace never lasts. At that moment, a knock could be heard from outside his study.

Knock~

Knock~