Contents
Chapter 34: Unreasonable
Overview
At Ru’s graduation dinner, Niko shocks the family by rejecting clan service and college to join GSI. Hilo erupts, disowns him, then breaches GSI to confront Jim Sunto. Sunto refuses bribery or pressure and keeps Niko, signaling a public rift that threatens No Peak’s authority as jade privatization advances.
Summary
During a celebratory family dinner for Ru’s high school graduation and upcoming entry to Jan Royal University, the Kauls discuss Ru’s studies and future. Encouraged by Hilo, Ru considers social sciences to help stone-eyes. The mood turns when Ru asks about Niko’s path.
Niko reveals he will neither pursue promotion as a Fist nor attend college; he has accepted a job with Ganlu Solutions International. Hilo explodes, roughs Niko against the wall, and condemns mercenary jade work. Wen, devastated, leaves the room. Offered a chance to retract, Niko refuses, invoking the loss of his parents and questioning clan expectations. Hilo issues an ultimatum; Niko walks out despite Ru’s pleas.
At dawn, Hilo arrives at GSI with four Fists, tears open the gate, and confronts Jim Sunto amid an armed standoff. Sunto de-escalates and brings Hilo to his office. Hilo accuses Sunto of poaching his son and offers a large payoff to void the contract.
Sunto refuses on legal and strategic grounds, asserting Niko signed willingly and that GSI’s mission and protection under Espenian institutions stand. Hilo warns of lasting enmity; Sunto counters that the clans are becoming obsolete and orders Hilo off the property. After a tense pause, Hilo withdraws with his men, unable to retrieve Niko but promising future reckoning.
Who Appears
- Kaul Hiloshudon (Hilo)Pillar of No Peak; clashes with Niko, storms GSI, fails to reverse the contract, vows payback.
- Kaul Nikoyan (Niko)Declares he’s joining GSI, rejects clan path and college, leaves home despite Hilo’s ultimatum.
- Kaul RuHonored for graduating; mediates during the conflict, urges Niko to reconsider.
- Kaul WenHilo’s wife; supports structure for Niko, leaves in anguish when he chooses GSI.
- Jaya KaulWitnesses the blowup; reacts with shock as Niko escalates and departs.
- Jim SuntoHead of GSI in Kekon; defuses standoff, refuses Hilo’s bribe, keeps Niko employed.
- Kaul Wan RiaHilo’s elderly mother; present early at dinner, then retires.
- SulimaAssists Wan Ria from dinner; peripheral presence.
- Lott JinHorn of No Peak; accompanies Hilo to GSI, holds position during the standoff.
- Vin ToroNo Peak Fist; part of Hilo’s armed contingent at GSI.
- SuyoNo Peak Fist; backs Hilo during the GSI confrontation.
- ToyiNo Peak Fist; stands with Hilo at the compound breach.