As the younger members of the Mio family were being evacuated through secret tunnels that led into the forest, hidden forces moved silently through the city, converging south where the Mio estate was located. Led by the ruling family of Boom House, the Che familyâalongside members of the Qui family and other affiliated clansâthey arrived at the gates of the Mio residence with great pomp and ceremony. Their arrival was heralded by a fanfare that echoed through the streets, alarming the Mio elders and signaling that the wolves had come to slaughter the sheep.
Che Yato, head of the Che family and the current mayor of the city, spoke with a voice that rumbled like thunder:
"What has happened within the Mio family respected branch of our Boom Houseâthat would warrant activating such a great shield? Who dares disturb the ancestorsâ rest and steal the hensâ eggs before their mastersâ eyes?"
With an air of humility and strength, he presented himself as a just and honest leaderâbut those who truly knew him understood that nothing good ever followed when the mayor made his move.
The people in the streets watched with a mix of curiosity and dread. Some were excited by the prospect of a spectacle, while others fled to their homes, fearing the worst. Local businesses closed early, having heard rumors that the Mio family might drown in blood that day. Now, they saw who had come to collect that debt.
Mio Yoto, flanked by his elders, approached the gates to confront the arriving families.
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"Since when do I owe you an explanation for my actions, Che Yato?" he said with a firm voice. "My family is my responsibility. My problems as well. If youâve nothing more to say, you may leave."
At that moment, a sarcastic laugh pierced the airâRyoto had appeared at Che Yatoâs side, accompanied by a few bandaged men and bruised thugs. He loudly accused Mio Yoto of unjustly hunting him down and injuring him and his followers.
"Had it not been for divine providence and the intervention of Qui Su and the captain of the guard, Sir Cairus, I would no longer be alive!" he declared dramatically, demanding justice.
Qui Su and Sir Cairus confirmed the accusations with solemn conviction, while Che Yato smirked with satisfaction, clearly pleased by the theatrical farce he had orchestrated.
Mio Yoto, recognizing the trap, understood that it was all just a pretense to rob and humiliate him in public. Losing this confrontation would not only mean losing faceâit would also mean losing leadership of the family to his brother. He cast a wary glance at the man, suspecting betrayal. The situation was delicate and dangerous.
Meanwhile, deep in the underground tunnels, Huang Di, Mio Hio, and Sara continued toward the forest. Tension clung to them like fog, until Huang Di finally broke the silence:
"Are you certain that fleeing through the back tunnels is the best strategy? Have you considered that your enemies might anticipate this... and prepare an ambush?"
Mio Hio looked at him, hesitant, and sighed:
"Itâs true... that possibility exists. But it was the only option we had left."
"There is always another option," Huang Di replied, his gaze resolute.
Upon reaching the forest, the scene that awaited them was the worst possible outcome. Young masters, weapons drawn, stood helpless as their guards and servants were slaughtered one by one before their very eyesâturning the forest into a brutal slaughterhouse.