Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage

Chapter 100: Fury Family Traditions

CH100 Fury Family Traditions

***

Had Alex achieved something great by creating Rune-Tech?

Yes.

Maybe.

Most likely.

Was there infinite potential for greatness within Rune-Tech Magic?

No doubt about it.

However, none of it would have been possible if he hadn’t been given the chance in the first place.

A chance none of the other children his age ever got.

With that in mind, Alex knew he couldn’t compare himself to them.

Being superior to them... was expected.

Only when he brought proper glory to the Fury name—to his father, Earl Drake Fury—could he even begin to repay the debt he owed.

Sure, the telecommunication company he co-founded would eventually return the Earl’s investment... and then some. But it still wouldn’t be the same.

The Earl’s estimated fifty million gold investment had come during a time of financial strain for the man, and when Alex needed it the most.

By the time the company could repay that amount, it would be a time of abundance for Alex... and most likely of little need for the Earl.

In qualitative terms, the millions that would eventually be returned couldn’t hold a candle to the millions the Earl had once paid.

Alex’s face was solemn.

Earl Drake saw the shift in his son’s expression and nodded in satisfaction.

’Good,’ the Earl thought. ’The boy has grown into someone who can understand three meanings from a single word.’

”You’ve grown quite a bit.” A faint smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. ”In terms of maturity, you’re ahead of where I was at your age... but on the achievement front, you still have a long way to go.”

He leaned an arm on the edge of the magical table.

”I’m not telling you this to pressure you, but to make you aware—truly aware—of where you stand... and what stage you should be looking towards.”

”I understand, Father,” Alex said sincerely.

Earl Drake gave a long sigh and shook his head.

”You don’t have to be so stiff, boy. Honestly, you’re already as much of a wooden plank as I can bear to look at. Too damn quiet.

”I expected at least some ruckus from you at the Enclave. But what did I get? Silence. You don’t drink. You don’t get into fights. If it weren’t for Merlin’s letter informing me you’ve managed to capture his daughter’s heart, I’d have been worried you didn’t know how to flirt either.”

Alex gave a wry smile.

He didn’t know whether to be embarrassed or relieved.

Drake waved his hand dismissively. ”Jokes aside. I’m not saying I’m not glad you’re not causing trouble. But at the same time, you shouldn’t completely isolate yourself.”

He looked straight at him.

”Let loose now and then. Make friends. Forge bonds. Drink. Celebrate. Be seen.

”Men need friends and brothers, especially someone in your position. With enough of them, people think twice before they provoke you.”

The Earl’s tone grew serious. ”There’s a reason the saying ’there’s strength in numbers’ exists.”

Alex opened his mouth to argue. He wanted to say that there were strong people who didn’t need numbers—like his master, the terrifying dragon Merlin (Uthvaazgol)...

But then he paused.

Even Uthvaazgol relied on his own version of strength in numbers.

The DragonHold Enclave.

The very reason someone as powerful as the Ancient Dragon undoubtedly was, would establish an organisation like the DragonHold Enclave... was to gather people beneath his banner.

He might not have friends—in the sense Alex understood the word—but the Enclave provided him with subordinates and allies he could call upon.

With its staff, students, and residents, the Enclave gave the dragon access to a vast array of resources and connections. That network, in turn, bolstered his influence and power.

’Exactly as Father was implying...’ Alex realised.

He couldn’t afford to rely on himself alone.

In fact, even the telecommunication company he considered his future cash cow was a testament to the power of collective effort—strength in numbers.

Earl Drake gave another approving nod. Alex’s capacity to accept correction and reflect had become one of his most promising traits.

But just as quickly, the Earl’s expression turned stern once more.

”Let’s not dwell on the matter too long. The reason I summoned you here was to remind you that you’re now an official member of the Fury Family. Everything you do now reflects on us. Your achievements and glory will elevate the family name—but your failures will also stain it.”

Alex stood straighter.

”Going forward,” Earl Drake continued, ”I’ll continue to invest in you. Not as your father, but as Head of House Fury. That means you are no longer merely my son—you are now an asset of the family.”

He narrowed his eyes. ”In return, I expect complete loyalty to the Fury Family... at least until you have repaid all that’s been invested in you.”

Alex blinked. ”Only until the debt is repaid?”

Earl Drake nodded. ”Our Furor Bloodline makes us naturally rebellious. We are creatures of pride, and hate being beholden to anyone—even family. So we use pride itself as the leash.

”As long as your contributions to the Fury Family surpass what was invested in you, you will have repaid your debt. When that happens, you’ll be free to do as you please—even if it means challenging me for my seat at the head of the table.”

His gaze burned.

”This is the path every true Fury walks. I did it. Others before me did it. And you won’t be the last.”

Alex’s eyes sharpened with understanding.

It was a brilliant system—one designed not to restrain, but to guide. They didn’t chain their rebellious children. They leveraged their pride. That pride, which rejected domination, would never allow them to live in unearned comfort.

He could argue his way out of the debt in a number of ways. For example, the investment was uncontracted. He hadn’t asked for it, after all.

But he wouldn’t. He couldn’t.

He was far too proud.

Earl Drake’s tone turned solemn once more.

”Until the day you repay your debt and are officially released from your obligations, you are bound by our family’s ancient rules and traditions. As is every member of the Fury bloodline.”

Alex tilted his head. ”What traditions?”

”Three core ones,” Earl Drake replied. ”First—all Fury family members shall maintain and ensure the continuity of the bloodline.

”Second—there shall be no internal battles or power struggles between the direct forces of family members.

”And third—the strongest among us shall be tasked with guarding the Ancestral Awakening Grounds... and be recognised as the Head of the Fury family.”

**