Five days later, a group composed of two women and one man could be seen coming out from a big building.
''It's good to be back. I miss the air here.'' Alex spat while inhaling Avalon's fresh air.
''Well, the floating capital hasn't changed since all this time. It's not back to be back.'' Lilith commented, and Kuina, standing next to her, was confused, so she turned toward Alex, who chuckled. He knew what she wanted to say; not only did she get stronger after getting that inheritance, her personality had slightly changed; when she talked, it was as if she was an old monster of 200 years.
'Well, she is indeed an old monster.' Alex thought while checking his surrounding. Because they were disguised, people didn't recognize them.
The three took a carriage and headed straight to Alex's manor. Fifteen minutes later, they arrived. Just as Alex stepped out of the carriage, he saw something flying toward him, his first reaction was to dodge, but he stopped when he saw the red hair.
Immediately Alex caught Gracier, whose smile was bright like the morning sun.
''I'm back, Alexandra,'' Alex said with a smile that didn't lose his sister.
''Welcome back, brother; I miss you so much.'' Gracier, who had gained a few centimeters and had become more beautiful, rubbed her cheek against Alex's cheek. In his absence, she would act mature, becoming devil, but when she saw him, she would become docile like a little angel.
Alex affectionately rubbed his sister's hair after putting her down.
''I miss you too.''
''Welcome back, Princess Lilith, Princess Kuina.'' Gracier didn't forget to greet those two behind Alex.
''You are always cute, little Gracier. It's good to see your lovely face again.'' Kuina said as she approached Gracier to pat her head; Gracier didn't refuse.
Meanwhile, Lilith waved at Gracier, feeling that this girl did resemble Emilia, not in the face but potential; no, she was slightly better; she seemed to have perfect control over the Fire element as red mana surrounded her body if she was their queen.
'Interesting!' Lilith mumbled while looking at the group coming; Gracier must have been with them but got separated because she was too impatient to see her brother. Among this group was someone she was familiar with, her past friend; after she regained her memories, she felt a bit isolated as if she was in a foreign land; however, the presence of this person made that feeling, the loneliness go away.
Maria, Sakuya, Luna, Artemia, and Sera came and welcomed the group. If it weren't because she was maintaining a proper image, Sakuya would have jumped on him. That day being sent away without him almost broke her heart into thousand pieces; although she believed in him, her heart didn't listen to her mind. It's only recently when she learned that he had escaped and was doing fine, that she let go of her worries.
''Let's not stand here,'' Maria suggested. The others nodded and followed her. The Ice Empress had become more beautiful; her temperature, although cold it wasn't to the extent that would make people fear her; on the contrary, it added a certain irresistible charm that drew you in.
Looking at her and at the others, Alex took a deep breath and once reaffirmed his goals, strength, and a stable environment for them. If this means conquering the world, turning the universe into his empire to provide them a safe haven, then he would gladly do it, it won't be easy but he would do it.
Unbeknownst to him, Maria was secretly watching him; she could see what he was thinking about, she sighed.
'This fool, thinking of doing everything by himself. We are here, you know. We are trying hard not to fall behind. I need to teach you this, through the hard way if possible.' Then she grinned; Sakuya and Luna walking beside her, felt a chill run down their spines; they looked at Alex with a look of pity.
''What?" Alex sensed their gaze and asked, confused; however, the only response was a smile.
'Forget it; it's nothing important.' Alex consoled himself thinking so.
Blue Haven Manor, main hall.
The group sat around a big table. Maria was the first to open her mouth.
''Once again, welcome. It's must have been hard on you. I'm glad you are all back fine and sound.''
Alex and Lilith nodded, then Artemia was the one to talk next.
''Alex, Lilly, and Kuina, welcome back. I know you just came back, but you must have heard about the tragedy that befalls the Wolfang Empire. The enemy was closer than we thought; we need to hurry and strengthen ourselves to prepare for what was about to come, and believe me, it wouldn't take long. In a few days, classes will resume at the academy. At the same time, I've heard that the headmistress and the Adventurer guild master has decided to graduate us if the chosen among us came out victorious from a certain dungeon.''
'It must be the same dungeon Kuina's mother talked about. I'm getting more and more curious about this dungeon.' Alex said while looking forward to the said dungeon; what's so special about this dungeon?
''Alex, the guild master, wishes to see you as soon as you got a good rest,'' Sera announced, and Maria nodded; she seemed to have been aware of this news.
''I see; I'll see her when I'm free. By the way, how about Leon and Eris? I can't contact any of them.''
Alex inquired as he couldn't get in touch with them; not even Kuina could; when he asked about Eris, Kuina flinched and started stuttering.
Although he was curious about why Kuina behaved like this, he couldn't pry open her mouth no matter what, so in the end, he still dropped the matter.
It was then Alex noticed the unusual silence inside the wall after he raised that question, just as he was about to open his mouth to ask what going an unexpected visitor entered.
''Welcome back Alex; I was waiting for you.'' Eris, who shouldn't be here, appeared from one of the rooms of the manor.
''Eh?"