novelnext Chapter 313: Guess who else is there??
Chapter 313: Guess who else is there??
The next morning was a public holiday.
Usually, Pearl Villa welcomed the day with the sounds of birds, laughter from the twins, and sometimes truck, Today was different.
The peaceful sky above the villa suddenly thundered.
The sound of helicopter rotors echoed across the wealthy neighborhood.
One helicopter.
Then another.
Then another.
The noise became so overwhelming that people from nearby residences stepped outside to see what was happening.
At Pearl Villa’s compound, everyone had gathered.
Miles stood calmly with his arms folded.
His expression was serious.
Behind him stood Elena, Daniel, Monica, Hope, and Asher.
The twins were practically vibrating with excitement.
Their eyes sparkled as the helicopters hovered overhead.
Ropes dropped from the aircraft.
Figures began descending one after another.
Swift.
Precise.
Disciplined.
Like warriors from another era.
Asher pointed excitedly.
"Big bro!"
"Are they ninjas?"
Hope immediately disagreed.
"No."
"They are samurais."
"They definitely look like samurais."
Miles said nothing.
A small smile appeared on his face.
Monica stared at the descending warriors.
Her confusion only grew.
She recognized their clothing.
She recognized the symbols.
And that made the situation even stranger.
"Boss?"
"Why are Ancient Clan disciples here?"
Elena blinked.
"They are the people from Clarissa’s place?"
"The place we visited during vacation?"
Daniel shook his head slowly.
"I don’t think they belong to one group."
Monica narrowed her eyes.
"Boss."
"Why are disciples from all five clans here?"
Miles finally spoke.
"They aren’t disciples."
"They are masters."
Monica froze.
"What?"
Before she could ask another question, someone came running through the front gate.
Olivia.
She looked up at the helicopters.
Then at the warriors.
Then at Miles.
"What is going on here?"
The helicopters slowly pulled away.
Silence descended over the villa.
Then the warriors advanced.
Fifty people.
Ten from each clan.
Their synchronized footsteps echoed across the compound.
The sight was intimidating.
Every warrior carried traditional weapons.
Swords.
Spears.
Polearms.
Weapons polished to perfection.
They stopped several meters before Miles.
Then simultaneously drew their weapons.
The sharp metallic sounds echoed through the air.
They held their weapons vertically before them.
Both hands gripping firmly.
Heads lowered.
Respectful.
Disciplined.
Five individuals stepped forward.
One representative from each clan.
The leaders.
They bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Leader."
The atmosphere became strangely solemn.
Even Monica felt goosebumps.
Miles nodded calmly.
"At ease, everyone."
One man stepped forward.
He wore a crimson robe decorated with golden phoenix feathers.
The symbol of the Phoenix Clan was embroidered proudly across his chest.
"Leader."
"I am Darius Emberfall of the Phoenix Clan."
He gestured toward the others.
"This is Reina Frostveil of the Snow Clan."
A silver haired woman stepped forward gracefully.
"Ren Kurogami of the Raiju Clan."
A tall warrior with sharp eyes bowed.
"Aerin Windrider of the Sylph Clan."
A woman dressed in flowing green robes smiled politely.
"And Marina Vexley of the Kraken Clan."
A powerful woman carrying a spear nodded respectfully.
Darius continued.
"We have brought a declaration from the Clan Supreme."
He handed a sealed scroll to Miles.
"Beginning today, we five will serve as your Generals."
"We will command the Supreme Martial Artists of our respective clans."
"Currently, ten warriors from each clan have arrived."
"The Clan Supreme has also sent the Supreme Martial Arts manuals."
Several beautifully crafted books were presented.
Miles accepted them.
Then handed them to Monica.
Monica accepted them automatically.
Her brain had already stopped working.
Miles looked toward the five leaders.
"Darius."
"Reina."
"Ren."
"Aerin."
"Marina."
"Those surnames sound familiar."
The five exchanged glances.
Marina answered.
"We are descendants of the founders of our clans."
Olivia blinked repeatedly.
Miles raised an eyebrow.
"I heard descendants are rarely allowed to leave clan territory."
Ren nodded.
"That is true."
"But you are not an outsider, Leader."
"Our Clan Leaders officially recognize you as one of us."
Aerin smiled.
"Your name has already been carved into the clan tablets."
The family listened quietly.
Trying to understand what exactly was happening.
Hope and Asher looked as if they were watching a fantasy movie.
Meanwhile, Monica was completely lost.
Suddenly Miles’ phone rang.
The caller ID displayed a name.
Clarissa.
Miles answered.
"Clarissa?"
"How is it, Leader?" came her cheerful voice.
Miles sighed.
"Leader?"
"You need to master a Supreme Martial Art before calling me that."
Clarissa laughed.
"Understood."
"Understood."
"I cannot learn one."
"The rules won’t allow it."
"I wanted to come personally though."
Her tone became serious.
"Preparations are complete."
"Hundreds of Supreme Martial Artists are waiting."
Miles blinked.
"Hundreds?"
"Your fault."
Clarissa replied immediately.
"You activated the disk."
"Now they’re your responsibility."
"Find them a base."
"A place to live."
"A place to train."
"A place to operate."
"Within two weeks they will all be with you."
Miles rubbed his forehead.
Clarissa sounded entirely too happy.
"And another thing."
"The clans want them trained in modern technology."
"That was one of the conditions."
Miles laughed.
"So two birds with one stone?"
"Says the man who secretly tricked all five clans."
"Consider this your punishment."
Miles chuckled.
"Punishment?"
"If you want, I can take care of all five clans for decades."
Clarissa sighed dramatically.
"I know."
"I know."
"Take care."
"Good luck."
Then the call ended.
Everyone looked at Miles.
Miles turned toward Monica.
"There is a private island south of the port."
"Around nine hundred hectares."
Monica frowned.
"Wasn’t that owned by an American businessman?"
"That’s ours."
Monica froze.
"What?"
"Why don’t I know about this?"
Miles smiled.
"You do."
"I gave you the documents years ago."
Monica’s eyes widened.
"Wait."
"The island named Floating Elves?"
"That one."
Miles nodded.
Monica covered her face.
"Let me guess."
"You changed the name after buying it."
Miles laughed.
"Yes."
"Boss..."
Asher’s eyes shined.
"Big bro."
"You own an island?"
Miles grinned.
"Who wants to go fishing next Sunday?"
"Me!"
"Me too!"
Hope and Asher jumped excitedly.
Elena simply shook her head.
"It doesn’t surprise me anymore."
Daniel nodded.
"I am more interested in fishing."
Olivia looked around helplessly.
"Is this a normal day for your family?"
Miles smiled.
"Says the woman who owns mountains of tea plantations."
Everyone laughed.
Elena clapped her hands.
"Enough standing around."
Then she looked toward the warriors.
Her warm smile instantly appeared.
"Come."
"Join us for breakfast."
Olivia smiled.
"Thanks, Aunt."
Elena nodded before turning toward her son.
"Ask them if they will stay."
Ren immediately bowed.
"That won’t be necessary."
Elena folded her arms.
"Why not?"
"You just said you follow my son’s orders."
"Therefore I order my son to ask you to stay."
The warriors stared.
Miles stared.
Monica looked away to hide her laughter.
Elena looked at Miles expectantly.
Miles surrendered immediately.
"Of course, Mom."
He turned toward the warriors.
"All of you are having breakfast here."
"The Clan Supreme told me to take care of you."
"And nobody escapes my mother’s cooking."
For the first time, several Supreme Martial Artists looked nervous.
Elena immediately turned toward the staff.
"Begin preparations."
"We are making pancakes on the lawn today."
Reina stepped forward.
"We will help."
Ren nodded.
"Yes."
Aerin smiled.
"It would be our honor."
And just like that, the legendary warriors who terrified enemies across the world found themselves preparing pancakes under Elena’s command.
The lawn was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly made pancakes.
Large tables had been arranged beneath the morning sun.
The Supreme Martial Artists of the five clans sat together with surprising discipline while Elena directed everyone to sit like a general commanding an army.
Even the legendary warriors who could split stone with their bare hands obediently followed her instructions.
Miles watched the scene with amusement.
A few hours ago they had arrived looking like ancient heroes stepping out of history.
Now they were treated like esteemed guests.
Life was strange.
Miles looked toward Darius.
"In a little while, cars will arrive."
"They will take all of you to Sterling Security."
Darius nodded respectfully.
"Understood, Leader."
"They will explain the purpose of your deployment."
Miles continued.
"The people there will become your eyes and ears during the coming days."
"You can trust them."
"They are family."
Darius placed a hand over his chest.
"We understand."
Nearby, Ren, Reina, Marina, and Aerin exchanged looks.
None of them had expected their first mission under the Ancient Warrior Order to begin with pancakes.
Monica walked over carrying a cup of coffee.
She still looked suspiciously at the warriors.
Some part of her brain had not fully accepted that fifty Supreme Martial Artists were sitting in Miles’ lawn.
"What’s going on exactly?"
"What operation are we talking about?"
Miles took a sip of juice.
"I’ll explain later."
Then he looked at her.
"You mentioned there was someone important I needed to meet today."
"The important person."
Monica froze briefly.
Then nodded.
"Yes."
"The meeting got postponed."
Miles raised an eyebrow.
"You sounded like it was urgent."
"Very urgent."
"What was it about?"
Monica immediately looked away.
"Nothing."
"I’ll tell you when it gets rescheduled."
Miles stared at her for several seconds.
Monica refused to make eye contact.
Finally Miles sighed.
"Okay."
"I guess."
Elena suddenly appeared beside him.
"Are you free today?"
Miles smiled.
"Tell me, Mom."
"What happened?"
Elena looked slightly troubled.
"Your father isn’t feeling well."
Miles immediately became concerned.
"What happened?"
"His stomach."
"He has been uncomfortable since morning."
Miles nodded.
"Did he take medicine?"
"Yes."
"I forced him to stay home."
Elena looked toward the distance.
"The problem is The Atelier is completely booked today."
"There are several important guests."
"Usually your father takes care of them personally."
"I have enough staff."
"But if you’re there today..."
"I’ll feel more relaxed."
Miles laughed softly.
"Looks like my mom has more important connections than I do."
Elena rolled her eyes.
"Very funny."
Miles smiled.
"I’ll help."
"Just order me around."
Elena patted his shoulder proudly.
"That’s my son."
Not long afterward several vehicles arrived.
The clan warriors began boarding them.
The five generals saluted before departing.
One by one the vehicles disappeared beyond the gates.
And gradually Pearl Villa returned to its peaceful atmosphere.
Meanwhile Monica stepped aside while talking on the phone.
"Did you find her?"
Alice’s voice came through immediately.
"No."
"She left me a message."
Monica frowned.
"What did it say?"
"She wants to spend today alone."
"Apparently she needs some fresh air."
Monica became thoughtful.
"Should I send someone to look after her?"
Alice shook her head even though Monica could not see it.
"No."
"I think we should give her space."
"Let’s arrange the meeting another day."
Monica sighed.
"Alright."
The call ended.
A short time later Miles and Elena arrived at The Atelier.
The restaurant was bustling with activity.
Every table was occupied.
Staff moved constantly between guests.
The sound of conversations mixed with the aroma of delicious food.
Elena immediately disappeared into the kitchen.
Miles naturally began helping around the restaurant.
Guiding guests.
Taking requests.
Greeting customers.
Several regular visitors quickly recognized him.
Others were surprised when they learned he was Elena’s son.
One middle aged woman laughed happily.
"No wonder he’s handsome."
"Mrs. Kellar, your son inherited all the good genes."
The surrounding tables burst into laughter.
Elena walked out of the kitchen.
"I heard that."
The woman laughed even harder.
Miles could only smile politely.
Hours passed.
The afternoon gradually turned into evening.
Then Miles noticed something unusual.
A group of musicians near the performance area looked worried.
They were gathered together speaking anxiously.
Miles walked over.
"What’s wrong?"
The violinist looked relieved upon seeing him.
"Boss."
"Our pianist suddenly fell ill."
"He had to leave."
Miles glanced toward the empty piano.
"And?"
"The replacement won’t arrive in time."
"We’re going to miss the performance schedule."
Miles thought for a moment.
"Can’t you perform without a pianist?"
The violinist shook his head.
"Unfortunately not."
"Our arrangement requires it."
Miles looked toward the piano.
Then toward the music sheets.
"You have the sheets?"
"Yes."
The violinist handed them over.
Miles quickly scanned the pages.
Then smiled.
"How about I play?"
The entire group froze.
"You can play?"
Miles chuckled.
"A little."
"I’m not perfect."
"But I won’t ruin your performance."
The musicians immediately brightened.
"Thank you, Boss."
"We thought we would disappoint Mrs. Kellar today."
Miles shook his head.
"Your pianist got sick."
"That’s not anyone’s fault."
"Arrange a replacement."
"I’ll help until then."
Soon the performance began.
The lights dimmed slightly.
Guests settled into their seats.
Conversations became quieter.
Then Miles sat before the piano.
Soft surprise spread across the restaurant.
Nobody expected Elena Kellar’s son to personally perform.
His fingers touched the keys.
The first notes echoed through the room.
Gentle.
Elegant.
Emotional.
The violin joined.
Then another instrument.
Soon the entire ensemble blended together beautifully.
Many guests closed their eyes.
Simply enjoying the music.
At a corner table near the back of the restaurant sat a lone woman.
She had arrived quietly.
Without drawing attention.
Her eyes never left Miles.
Not for a second.
Every note.
Every movement.
Every expression.
She watched it all.
...
Meanwhile inside her apartment, Alice’s phone vibrated.
She immediately answered.
"Miss Monica?"
Monica smiled slightly.
"I just received today’s guest list from Aunt Elena’s restaurant."
Alice became curious.
"And?"
Monica looked out the window.
"Guess who’s there."
Alice immediately understood.
"You mean Chloe?"
"It’s possible."
"She was so happy after visiting last time."
"The place felt like home to her."
"We should let her enjoy herself."
Monica smiled.
"That’s not the interesting part."
Alice blinked.
"Then what is?"
Monica’s smile widened.
"Guess who else is there."