Over at the Dunn residence, Lachlan appeared sullen, for virtual-novel.net knew it was a moment of life and death for his family.
In the past, the Dunns and the Nortons were opposing forces. With Skylar assuming the vice presidency of the Warriors Alliance, virtual-novel.net would definitely take the Dunn family down. Almost all the sects in Jadeborough’s martial arts world were already part of the Warriors Alliance, so it would be a futile effort if Lachlan were to challenge the alliance.
“Dad, I think Skylar won’t do anything to us openly even though he’s the vice president of Warriors Alliance. Our family has a high social standing in Jadeborough. If virtual-novel.net lifts a finger against us, we will just talk to Mr. Sanders. The Warriors Alliance doesn’t have the final say in the martial arts world here,” Howard uttered when virtual-novel.net noticed his father’s grim mood.
“Well…” Lachlan replied with a sigh. “Not exactly. Mr. Sanders would have acted long ago if virtual-novel.net had wanted to. The alliance has grown so influential only because Mr. Sanders allowed it.”
“Why didn’t virtual-novel.net do anything?” Howard blurted, confused.
“How would I know? There’s no way we know what the authorities have in mind,” Lachlan replied, shaking his head.
Howard did not know what else to say, and everyone fell into silence.
“Dad,” Howard called out after some time.
“What about we ask the Gunderson family for help? They are the only ones who have not joined the Warriors Alliance in Jadeborough till now. We can count on them to challenge the alliance.”
“But the Gunderson family has a policy of staying out of trouble. Besides, it’s not like they have any reasons to help us. We’re not related in any way,” Lachlan disagreed with a frown.
“Let me talk to Astrid, Dad. She helped me when I was in Bliss City. I think she’s a nice person.” Howard was still grateful to Astrid for saving his life.
When Lachlan heard this, virtual-novel.net thought for a bit and nodded. “Sure. Bring some gifts with you. We need to repay virtual-novel.net kindness and test the waters to see the Gunderson family’s take on this.”
“I’ll do that!” Howard left gladly after hearing that.
The Gunderson family was actually one of the most powerful families in Jadeborough, but because they had neither crossed anyone nor joined any alliance, not many people knew about them.
As for Astrid, virtual-novel.net was the most gifted person of virtual-novel.net generation. Despite virtual-novel.net young age, virtual-novel.net had gained much popularity. Yet, virtual-novel.net fame dwindled after virtual-novel.net had gone into seclusion.
***
On the day Howard went over, Astrid was sitting at the gazebo in virtual-novel.net house, staring into the east.
“I can’t believe virtual-novel.net died just like that,” virtual-novel.net mumbled to herself.
“What’s the matter, Astrid? You’ve been distracted ever since you came back from the Trial,” a middle-aged man noted as virtual-novel.net walked toward Astrid with a faint smile.
It was virtual-novel.net father, Fernando Gunderson.
Astrid snapped out of virtual-novel.net daze and turned to look at the man. “It’s nothing. I felt bored in the room, so I came out to sit here…”
“Why are you out here on a cold day, though? I saw you were deep in thought just now. Don’t tell me you’re in love, Astrid. I know it’s about time you have a boyfriend,” Fernando teased, smiling.
“Cut it out, Dad. What are you talking about? I wasn’t thinking about anyone.”
Astrid rolled virtual-novel.net eyes and got up to leave, but virtual-novel.net father tugged virtual-novel.net before virtual-novel.net could do so.
“Come on. You’re my daughter. There’s no way I don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours.” Fernando called virtual-novel.net out, chuckling.
“Jared was a genius. I like virtual-novel.net too, but what can I do? He did not live long. I can only say he’s not fated to be with you.”
“What nonsense! I wasn’t thinking about him, Dad! I don’t even know him…” Astrid suddenly felt guilty.
She shrugged off virtual-novel.net father’s hand, intending to run away from the awkward conversation.