As they approached, Reya couldn't contain her excitement. She had awaited their
return and rushed toward them, her joy palpable. “Big brother, catch me!" she exclaimed,
throwing herself on Lucenio both collapsing onto the ground, the moment filled with the pure joy of
a little sister reunited with her older brother. Reya oblivious to the discomfort she caused, playfully threw herself at him like a small stone hitting a mountain. Despite his pain,
Lucenio hid it behind a strained smile, not wanting to ruin the joyous reunion.
Alexander,taking Reya in his arms, teased, "Come here, angel. Didn't you miss your daddy?"
Reya, with innocent eyes, replied, "Yes, father, but big brother is shorter.” all the individuals burst out of laughing.
Eden, ever observant, saw the toll the journey had taken on them. Lucenio's bruises and his father's weariness, and Nolan's dazed and tired expression.Concern painted his expression as he asked, "What happened to you? It
looks like a meteor hit both you and Father. Even Nolan seems a bit unsteady. Was it truly
dangerous?
Alexander finally spoke, "It's a long story, and I'll share it all. But for now, let's go wash up and relax."
Kai, taking charge, informed Alexander that he would tend to the animal and return later at night.
Alaric, catching the moment, added, "Alexander, can Nolan spend the night here?"
“Yes, of course, he is more than welcome to stay," Alexander responded, his brows furrowing with concern. "But is something wrong?" The weariness in his voice mirrored the fatigue he felt.
"No, nothing, but I have an important meeting, and Merry and I should attend. We need to hurry now, and it's better to have Nolan stay here than staying alone at home," explained Alaric. He added, "So, buddy, what do you think of staying here?"
Nolan responded with a nod, "Yes, I would like to stay here."
"Great. i'll come pick you up in two days" Alaric confirmed.
Alaric turned to Alexander, his eyes reflecting a depth of concern. "Alexander, there's something I need to discuss with you before I leave,"
As they stepped outsiden "Okay, Alexander," Alaric began, "you're building something important here, but I urge you to tread lightly with the boy. He's resilient, but even the strongest can break."
Alexander replied "I'm aware Alaric, its a delicate matter but i need to help my kid but this is not the time to talk about it,but is this what you wanted to discuss?"
"No, not entirely," Alaric confessed. "I've been invited to the wedding, and I was asked if I could
persuade you to attend. It's more than just a celebration; it's a chance to mend what's broken and close the past.”
Alexander reassured him, "Don't worry about it, my friend. He came with his future wife and
talked to me. I am convinced that this is the way to fix everything.
After the small discussion, Alexander bid farewell to Alaric and Edmund. As they entered, a silence enveloped the atmosphere, shattered by a sudden, powerful scream, "YOU DID WHAT!" Aria's voice pierced through the stillness, followed by the sight of Alexander flying out of the house, crashing through the wall, and landing in the garden.Aria's stormed out of the house, exclaiming, "How could you subject my son to this?" Spears of wind-formed daggers circled around her, directed towards Alexander.
"Honey, take it easy. He's unharmed, and he successfully completed the exam," Alexander tried to calm her.
"PASSED THE EXAM?! He's battered and covered in scars! I explicitly told you not to hurt him!" Aria's initial anger shifted to deep concern as she turned to Lucenio, who attempted to explain, "I'm okay, Mom. This journey helped me find myself, and helped me decide to take the exam…”
Aria rushed towards Lucenio . She enveloped him in a tight embrace, tears tracing the delicate contours of her face. "Oh, my precious one,I dont care about anything. Your safety is my concern now."
Amidst the tender embrace, she pulled back slightly, gazing into his eyes with a mix of worry and
love. "Are you okay ?"
Lucenio, looking into his mother's eyes, whispered with a reassuring smile, "Mom, I understand your concern, and I appreciate it this journey has helped me grow and as I was saying I have will take the exam…”
He spoke, only to be silenced again but this time by his mother's hand, A resounding slap, a force that made him land Tossed next to his father "Wait! Why am I concerned about you?" she cried, In frustration and worry, emotions couldn't hide. “I told you not to take more than you can bite, yet here you are, wounded and barely can walk!"
Aria worried, angry lioness emerged, her presence as an erupting volcano. Eden, perhaps unaware "I think it was fun! Next time, you need to take me with you; I am eager to use my fire powers."
His words, , misjudged the situation , earning him a deathly look from his concerned mother. A slap, a percussive echo of correction, sent him sprawling next to his brother and father, momentarily sharing the pain.
Aria cradled her daughter"Come on, Reya, you are my only hope now." With a beckoning to Nolan, she said, "Follow me, Nolan, so I can give you something to wear, and you may wash as I prepare lunch." Nolan, a silent
participant followed with fear of the lioness's gaze.
"mom is scary"
“Alexander with a knowing look, responded, "I know, son. I've known that for more
than 30 years now."
"Tell me about it. I said one word, and I went flying," added Eden.
The three burst in laughter till is was interrupted by y the maternal roar. "YOU THREE,
INSIDE NOW!"
Aftrer resting and healing the family, along with Nolan, gathered for the evening meal, conversation flowed, with
Alexander, Lucenio, and Nolan sharing the details of their adventure. Nolan, in particular,
described the fight with clarity, recounting his emotions at every pivotal moment. The family,
oscillating between excitement, worry, and even a hint of anger from Aria,
Eden interjected with admiration, "Wow, Father, you are so strong." Reya, chimed in, "So, big brother is stronger than Father?" Joy sparkled in her eyes as she awaited an answer. "He will be one day, angel," reassured Alexander.
Aria, ever the inquisitive mother, turned to Lucenio, remembering his mention of two conditions
for taking the exam. "Lucenio, what are these conditions?" Lucenio, outlined his first condition that Alexander answer a question with complete honesty.
With a sense of knowing, Lucenio delved into a question that hung in the air "during our fight on the scale of your power how much did you unleashed against me?"
Everyone waited for the answer "based on my current state less than half but if you're talking about my prime its probably less than 20%"
Aria, smiling knowingly, continued eating, understanding the weight of her husband's strength.
Eden's mouth gaped in astonishment, Nolan shivered, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
Lucenio, however, felt a peculiar surge,with a tremulous smile, he uttered, "Train, Father. I wish to face the prime you one day."
The room fell silent, the words left everyone breathless. Nolan, in particular, felt a sense of fear. Breaking the silence "Haha! Train, son, and I promise you, after your exam and your training, I will gladly face you without any boundaries or limits. Is that good for you?"
"Thanks, Dad. You've given me great motivation," replied Lucenio, the anticipation of the challenge ahead filling the room with a mix of fear and excitement.
Wow, mister, you're this strong!? Did you even have a rival?"
"Actually, I had two,one was in my childhood and the other you can say my lifetime rival one them is your father Nolan"
"My dad?"
"Yes, in our youth, we trained vigorously. He was the second strongest after me, wielding a
formidable staff. I overcame him, but not without immense challenges. He eventually chose a
different path. Don't tell him I shared this he wishes to keep it a secret."
Nolan accepted the pact, and then Eden, bubbling with excitement, asked, "Who is the second one?"
With a sad gaze, Alexander fell silent for a fleeting moment before murmuring "that is a tale for another day."
"And what is your second condition?" asked Aria
"I know the exam is on the same day as the wedding,
so I prefer neither of you to accompany me"
"But son there's time to attend both"
"No, it's not about time. I'm already nervous and Nol;an will go with me"
"But.." Aria's words were gently were gently interrupted "I understand, son. You
two go and then attend the wedding. Do not forget."
"Regarding the wedding in two days the party before the vowsand both families will be there naturally we are
invited,and everyone will be there" Aria elaborated
Lucenio felt the tremors of fear, echoes of past traumas and Alexander sadder than ever
After dinner,Alexander carefully arranged the armor in its place lost in thought hand pausing on his beard
gentle voice interrupted the silence. "It's been a while since you've worn those"
"Yes, it brings back too many memories. But look at it don't you notice something?"
"After all the battles not many could breach my armor,by my son did it"
"But it isn't a normal weapon, honey," the voice interjected.
"Yes, his choices were interesting. After this journey I've decided that after the wedding, I'll start preparing him. I broke the first chain today it’s too late to stop now"
"Honey, give him time it's too early. Please stop rushing him let the spark of his potential glow at its own pace let him enjoy his childhood,I know you do not want to repeat that day but everything changed now"
"You are right, but I will continue. After today, he won't stop we can't stop it its too late"
Their conversation was interrupted by Kai's entrance,Aria bid farewell to the two men. 'Don't stay here too long you both need rest"
"We will, honey" Alexander assured
her,Kai added "Good night, Ms. Aria."
With a piece in hand, Kai presented it to Alexander
"You found it? Did he see it?"
"No he was blinded with anger,but he chose wisely."
"I need to apologize to Aria again,but I'll go throught it"
Kai, the loyal
confidant, inquired with a hint of doubt, "Are you sure, Captain?"
"Yes it was my life purpose and I gathered everything I need to help him
You’ve also done a lot, and I can't repay your efforts."
Kai, humbled, stated,
'Helping you, Captain, is enough for me. But your last command was worrying, are you sure?"
"Yes it's time"
moving to the rooftop where the boys were talking
“I really can’t believe you fought Dad and even threatened to kill him,” exclaimed Eden
“I believe he didn’t mean it" added Nolan
"Actually i meant it it was not a mere training I couldn't control myself"
"How could you think that!to kill our father!"
"I dont know it was a dance of thoughts and emotions but actually I was happy" confessed Lucenio
Aria intervened, checking on them, “Come on, boys, time to sleep. Especially you, Lucenio. I
don’t want your injuries to reopen.”
As they descended, Nolan grabbed Lucenio’s arm, “Okay, this is enough. Your thoughts are controlling you and dont think i didnt notice you hiding your left arm I saw black blood on the sand when will you tell them?!"
"I promise give me till after that day and I'll tell them"
“Fine, after that day, or else,” Nolan warned.
Afterwards everyone went to sleep , except for Lucenio, who was immersed in thoughts about everything,
the whispering coming back to him and especially the looming encounter with the monster
waiting for him at the party.
In the heart of a mountain village, Alaric, Edmund, and Merry descended from their carriage. The
air bore an aura of respect as the villagers acknowledged their presence, recognizing them as the
proprietors of this land.
r. A subtle shake led them to an old woman, knitting
alone on a chair. When Alaric uttered the word "ptah," the old lady ceased her knitting and threw
a needle through an eye-shaped opening, revealing a secret path. They entered a room where a
man, hidden in shadows, was diligently skinning something, a haunting melody escaping his lips.
“Master, we came back," Alaric announced, but the man continued his task, silent and unfazed.
Merry spoke, "The snacks you gave us, we tried on our son and Lucenio, as you ordered." "It did
wonders on Nolan, boosting his powers. He could use numerous abilities before collapsing,
during the test but it didn't affect Lucenio," explained Alaric. The man, with a rough voice,
replied, "Dear Alaric, these weren't boosters for abilities they unlock or give a peek into the
potential of the individual"
"So master it did work then on lucenio that explains it"
"Edmund show me."
Edmund removed his eye, a prosthetic one, and presented it to the mysterious man.The man had his hand covered in blood and a weird tattoo on his hand that wasn't clear of the blood but you can see a tattooed blue string over it.
He placed it in the
man's palm, and it faded in the air, turning into blue dust. A screen-like projection opened,
displaying the test, the events, and the intense fight. Alaric relived the feelings and the shiver,
while Merry was shocked by what she saw. The mysterious man erupted in laughter,
"HAHAHAHA, Alexander, you never disappoint. Your family is interesting, hahahahahaha." He
added, "This boy, what have you done, Alexander? These looks can go through your souls."
"This is great news. You can go now, Alaric. We will have a meeting soon. Get ready. Good job,
and don't feed these boys any more of these snacks," the man declared. With a gesture, Edmund
received a new eye identical to the first. They left, leaving the mysterious man to his skinning and laughter.
"Oh, Alexander, my good man. You've always been an unpredictable individual, and now your son. Hahaha, amusing HE SAID AMUSIGN HAHAHAHAH ,"”sadly these drugs did not work on this scary boy we have a long way to go oh well there is other occasions he said before beheading the creature he was skinning , laughing as the day's events concluded.
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