Solanky sneakily left the ground where the elites were training without being detected. He rushed back home, the moment he got home, and called out for his younger sister, Elisa, to give her the stolen loot of manuals. Elisa was excited to get the new manuals because she had been stronger and agile each time she learnt and practiced the manuals her big brother brought back home. A few days passed, and the king of the Bayoka clan declared that all clansmen with elite features should make a trip to the capital for nurturing. The moment Solanky heard this, he was elated because Elisa, his younger sister, was a genius even without guidance from an elite elder or trainer; she could still match the elites who had guidance and resources from the tribe.
Solanky, Elisa and their mother got an invitation to move from the outskirts of Makeke and stay within the capital where most elites were found. Solanky been cautious as ever knew there was no free meal for a person like him who looked different from the elites and the regular clansmen, so he opted to serve as an errand boy for the grand elder which was even more difficult than serving directly under the king himself.
Elisa got into the training camp of the elite and her mother was accepted by the queen to serve under her because during the selections Elisa proved that without any guidance she could make it into the top ten elites of that generation which gathered respect for her and her mother but Solanky was still despised by the upper echelons of the clan because he looked nothing like them or regular clansmen who looked like the founding ancestors.
According to the traditions and norms of the tribe anyone who didn't have the common features of the ancestors or elites were to be treated as outsiders. The upper echelons did everything in their power to make sure Solanky was separated from his sister and mother by any means necessary because they believed Solanky was a bad omen for a genius like Elisa and would only distract her.
To do this, the upper echelons of the clan easily agreed on Solanky serving the grand elder, which meant he would be taken to a distant town far away from the elite camp. Solanky politely requested to see his mother and sister for the last time, but the upper echelons refused his request and blatantly told him he was not qualified to meet a genius like Elisa. Solanky was fuming with rage, and he instantly replied, "Genius… huh, where were the upper echelons when a thirteen-year-old boy defended her during our time in the outskirts?" The proud voice quieted down when he heard the voice of Solanky.
He continued "where were you guys the time she fell into the den of the ancient silver blue leopard when I had to use my life as bait just to let her escape death. Where were you?" the people around were talking in a hushed tone discussing the bravery of Solanky was only thirteen and managed to lure one the most dangerous beasts without getting killed. Solanky, who was now sixteen, didn't have any kind of fear of the upper echelons because his days in the outskirts were filled with only danger, something some of the upper echelons had no idea of or didn't dare say they could survive unscathed even at their current level. One man spoke up and said "it is tradition to protect the dazzling ones from any of form distractions…" he didn't even finish his words and Solanky said "that's some bullshit you are speaking you now know the worth of my sister after the countless chase and hostility when I stole manuals you refused to give her for having the elite bloodline and physique all because we didn't live in the capital and we looked poor".
The yard was quiet and the onlookers were amazed at the courage of Solanky, a clap was heard and it was none other than the grand elder who was moved by Solanky's determination not let hypocrisy slide just because he wasn't an elite. Everyone turned to look behind them the moment they turned then they all knelt on one knee to greet the grand elder who was dressed in a white linen robe and exuded an ancient aura of dominance and power.
Solanky was the last to kneel, but in the process, the grand elder stopped him and told him to follow his ship, but Solanky refused and said he wasn't leaving until he said his goodbyes to his sister and mother. The grand elder smiled and said, "I knew you wouldn't leave without them." He gestured his hand, and Elisa and her mother were summoned to meet Solanky before he left with the grand elder.
Elisa, who was one of the top five among the younger generations and youngest only at the age of fourteen, and was nicknamed the goddess of strength, ran towards her brother and leaped into his arms, crying, but it had been two and a half years since they had been separated. Solanky held her tight and said "it's okay how the so called goddess of strength cry like the goddess of sobs in front of the ghost of the void… didn't she know ghosts can't cry" they both chuckled and their made her way to them hugging them both and told Solanky to take good care of himself when he leaves.
Solanky bid farewell to his mother and sister and walked into the cabin of the grand elder's ship and left. Within the ship, Solanky knelt on one knee and thanked the grand elder for fulfilling his last wish, and he is now willing to serve the grand elder everywhere he goes. The grand elder nodded in satisfaction when he looked at Solanky.