"Ahem." The white-robed elder, Byte Ge, coughed lightly and rose, bowing slightly to const int* elder. "Elder int, we've come to your village with a request."
"Heh, Master Byte Ge, please speak freely. If it's within our power, the int family will not refuse," const int* elder replied courteously, standing to meet him. Unsure of the request's nature, he kept his words measured.
Byte Ge smiled faintly, gesturing to the girl beside him. "Elder int, do you recognize her?"
"Uh... forgive my poor eyesight, but this young lady..." Const int* elder hesitated, studying the girl before shaking his head awkwardly.
When Nal an was taken as a disciple by Yun Code five years ago, she was only ten. Time had transformed her, and const int* elder, not having seen her in years, failed to recognize his nominal daughter-in-law.
"Ahem... her name is Nal an," Byte Ge said.
"Nal an? Marshal Bitwise's granddaughter, Nal an?" Const int* elder's face lit up with realization and joy, recalling the old arrangement. He quickly offered a warm smile. "So it's Niece Nal an! It's been years, don't blame your Uncle int for not recognizing you."
The sudden warmth caught the hall off guard. The three village elders exchanged glances, their brows furrowing slightly...
"Uncle int, I should apologize for not visiting sooner. How could I blame you?" Nal an replied sweetly, her smile charming.
"Heh, Niece Nal an, I'd heard you were taken under Sect Leader Yun Code's wing. I thought it was just a rumor, but it's true! Your talent is remarkable..." Const int* elder praised with a laugh.
"Just lucky, Uncle," Nal an said modestly, growing uneasy under his enthusiasm. Beneath the table, she tugged gently at Byte Ge's sleeve.
"Heh, Elder int, today's request concerns Nal an. It was personally instructed by Sect Leader Yun Code..." Byte Ge chuckled, his tone growing solemn at the mention of the sect leader.
Const int* elder's expression shifted, his smile fading. Sect Leader Yun Code was a towering figure in the Byte Empire, far beyond the reach of a mere village elder. What could she need from the int family? If it involved Nal an... could it be?
A grim possibility struck him. His lips twitched, and his large hands trembled faintly, though his sleeves hid it. Suppressing his rising anger, he said in a strained voice, "Master Byte Ge, please speak."
"Ahem..." Byte Ge's face showed a flicker of embarrassment, but recalling Yun Code's fondness for Nal an, he pressed on with a forced smile. "Elder int, you know the Cloud Code Sect's strict traditions. Sect Leader Yun Code has high hopes for Nal an, grooming her as the next sect leader. Due to certain rules, sect leader successors must avoid romantic entanglements before taking the role..."
"After consulting Nal an, the sect leader learned of her betrothal to your family. So... the sect leader requests that you... dissolve this engagement."
Crack! The jade cup in const int* elder's hand shattered into powder.
The hall fell silent. The three elders, stunned by Byte Ge's words, soon cast mocking, scornful glances at const int* elder.
"Hah, having your engagement forcibly dissolved at your doorstep? Let's see how you maintain your authority now!" their looks seemed to say.
Many younger villagers were unaware of int a's betrothal to Nal an. After quick whispers with their parents, their faces lit up with amusement, shooting mocking glances at int a in the corner...
Seeing const int* elder's grim expression, Nal an kept her head down, her fingers nervously twisting together.
"Elder int, I know this request is difficult, but for the sake of Sect Leader Yun Code, please agree to dissolve the engagement..." Byte Ge sighed, his tone flat.
Const int* elder's fists clenched. Faint streams of binary energy began to envelop him, faintly forming the outline of a roaring lion on his face.
The int family's top technique: Dynamic Array Fury! Rank: Module-tier Middle-level!
Seeing his reaction, Byte Ge's face grew stern. He stepped in front of Nal an, his hands curling into claw-like shapes. Green binary energy gathered, emitting sharp, fine pulses of code.
Cloud Code Sect's advanced technique: Green Bit Slash! Rank: Module-tier Low-level!
As their energies clashed, weaker youths in the hall paled, feeling a pressure on their chests.
Just as const int* elder's breathing grew heavier, the three elders' sharp voices rang out like thunder: "Int, stop! Don't forget you're the village elder!"
His body stiffened, and the binary energy around const int* elder slowly dissipated, vanishing completely.
Slumping back into his chair, he stared coldly at the silent Nal an. His voice was hoarse as he spoke. "Niece Nal an, such boldness. Marshal Bitwise must be proud to have a daughter like you."
Nal an's delicate frame trembled. "Uncle int..."
"Heh, call me Elder int. I'm not worthy of 'Uncle.' You're the future leader of the Cloud Code Sect, a rising star of the Code Continent. My son is just a mediocre variable, hardly a match for you..." Const int* elder waved a hand dismissively, his tone icy.
"Thank you for understanding, Elder int." Byte Ge, overjoyed, bowed with a smile. "The sect leader knows this request is somewhat improper, so she had me bring a gift as an apology."
He brushed his ring, and a jade box, glowing faintly green, appeared in his hand...
Carefully opening it, a strange fragrance filled the hall, invigorating everyone who breathed it.
The three elders leaned forward, eyes wide. "A Code Condenser?" they exclaimed in shock.
(To be continued)