A week after I reunited with my family, we were doing much better. In both our emotional and physical state. Especially Emma who was looking better by the day, she got proper sleep, ate her meals, and was able to walk around freely now.

Turns out that Gabriel and Louie, the two adventurers who brought me back, are childhood friends with Leon. They went to the same school and trained together with the sword.

After Leon paid them the 200 gold for finding me they split it fifty-fifty among each other. Leon also mentioned that those two are the type who'll do anything for money.

"Ready to go?" Leon asked, turning his head to look at me as we both waited in the lobby of the hotel.

"I'm all done. So what's taking so long?" I questioned, impatience clear in my voice. Right now we're getting ready to meet up with Leon's party at a nearby tavern.

They're all pretty eager to see me. When I got back none of them came to visit because they wanted to give our family some space but now it's about time we meet them.

I wore a long sleeve brown colored shirt with a black coat and dark trousers. My hair got very long that Emma tied it back in a messy bun, my front hairs weren't as long so they fell covering my forehead.

"The girls are still getting ready," Leon replied, answering my previous question. Ha! It's the same in both worlds then. I thought as I noticed Leon's expression turn serious. "Are you. . . Okay?" He spoke. "Ever since you got back you've been acting weird."

Really? It must be his imagination, I don't think my behavior is any different from how it usually is. "Yes, I'm alright," I replied while petting Flare.He looked like he had something to say and was about to speak but I stopped him. "I know you're curious as to what happened after I fell," I said. "I'll tell you everything, but right now is not a good time."

"Yes, I know," was the only thing he said before everything went quiet. I'm sure he's very eager to hear my story but even he understands that this isn't the right time or place for that.

"Arata!" shortly after, I heard Hanna's voice call my name. "How do I look?" she said, walking up to me along with Emma and Mia.

All three of them were wearing simple dresses with neatly combed hair. "As plain as always," I said with only one glance at her outfit.

"Hm!" she grunted, hearing my comment. "Shut up!" she said as she tried to smack me but I instinctively dodged. Whoops, I didn't mean to do that. "Huh!? Don't dodge me!" she then grabbed me and held me in place, smacking me hard on the head. I put my hands up in defense causing her to get a good look at them. "What's that?"

"My hand," I replied simply.

"No!!!" She exclaimed giving me another smack "What is on your hand!" she said, then grabbed my right hand, faced it up, and took a look at it. "What's this weird mark." without giving any warning, I activated the rune, making it glow gold. "Wow!" she let out, looking at it with sparkly eyes.

"What is that?" I heard Leon say as he and the others got closer to see.

"Cool, right," I pointed out as they all gave me weird looks. "I'll just show you," I then said disregarding the awkward silence. "Hanna conjure a ball of water."

"Okay!" with a determined look she did as I said and a ball of water floated on her hand.

"And now I'll activate it," I said focusing my mana on the palm of my hand and pointing it toward the ball of water. As soon as I did the water burst apart.

"Eh!? What was that!? It felt weird," Hanna said, sounding confused. "When the thing in your hand started glowing the water ball exploded," She pointed out. "Can you blow up spells with that?"

"Not exactly," I said.

"Then what exactly does it do?" Leon asked.

"By distorting the population of individual particles of mana, the balance that holds a spell in place is broken, essentially destroying the spell," I explained

Hearing my words every one looked confused but no one spoke up as they pretended to understand. "So. . . You can blow up spells?" Leon asked using Hanna's words. Why did I even bother? I thought with a mental sigh as I only gave him a nod. "How did you obtain it?"

"In a cave," I answered. "I accidentally stepped on a magic circle that held me in place. Then while getting showered under a white light it just engraved itself onto my hand."

"Oh!? So it's an engraving?" Emma said surprised then took a closer look at my hand. "A real engraving."

That's just like Deleina said. I thought as I watched her examine it closely. "Is having one that rare?" I asked.

"In a way. . ." Leon started to say, unsure if to agree or disagree. "There are many runes, all with different effects, some weaker than others. There are people who use them. And once engraved they can never be removed."

"So what would you rate this one?" I asked raising my hand for him to see the rune.

"If it can render mages useless by destroying their spells, then it might be a useful thing to have." He said. "Good thing I'm not a mage then."

"The rune can also mess up the internal mana control of a person or beast making them useless." I said. "So if you rely on mana for speed and strength, I can take it away."

"Oh! Now that's just not fair!" He said, sounding a bit jealous.

"Don't worry. My control over the rune isn't perfect." I said with a small chuckle. "If you're mana control is better than my control over the rune. Then you'll be more than capable to negate its effects."

"Oh? Is that how it works?" he said then paused as he looked at me. "Then it might actually have a high rank."

"Runes are ranked?" I asked.

"Yes from lowest to highest is Rune, High Rune, Rare Rune, and Grand Rune," He said. I wonder what mine ranks. I thought as I listened closely to his words.

"From there they stem into a more complicated system called sigils which are runes that get combined together to create something entirely different. As for the ranking it's pretty much the same as the runes. Sigil, High Sigil, Rare Sigil, and Grand Sigil," he explained

As I stayed silent, taking it all in I noticed Emma re-tying back Mia's hair. "Anyway, isn't it about time we leave?" I pointed out looking back at Leon.

"Eh?" he let out a gasp in realization. "That's right! We have to meet the party! I almost forgot! let's get going!" at his words we continued on our way.

-----

As we stood outside the tavern I noticed that it was the same one we had came to before we crossed to Canavar. I felt nervous to walk in but I knew I had to. They needed to know that I was fine and that our family was okay too.

I also wanted to see them. But I don't want the atmosphere in there to be all awkward since everyone's focus is going to be on me.

Okay, I'll just play it cool. I thought as we walked in. "Arata?!?" immediately I heard a familiar voice call my name. It was Luna greeting me with open arms.

"Hey Luna, long time no see," I said sidestepping her attempt at giving me a hug. "How are you doing?"

"What do you mean 'how am I doing?' You're the one who fell off the cliff, remember?" She said, looking relieved to see me. "So how are 'you' doing?"

"I'm doing just fine. Thank you for asking." I said then walking past her. I came to a stop as I felt a hand grabbing my shoulder.

"Why do you always have to ruin the moment!" Luna said angrily. "We could've had a passionate reunion you know? Something like you running up to me, hugging me, and saying how much you missed me."

"Keep dreaming," I told her as I turned back around but stopped mid-step. "Though, I am glad to see you again," I said facing away from her. I thought I heard her giggling behind me but my attention turned to the rest of the party.

"Arata!" Diana, Julian, and Monty said at the same time while Felix had the same angry expression he always had.

"Hey," I said with the wave of my hand. "I'm just fine, you see," I spoke with outstretched arms. "Nothing to worry about."

"We can see that," Julian said a bit skeptical about my behavior. "So? How was the journey? Did you get back all by yourself?"

"No," I replied. "I had company."

"Company?" He asked. "I can't imagine the beasts in Canavar being good company."

"They weren't beasts," I told him. Well, they were beasts but not dangerous ones. "They were Centaurs."

"Centaurs?!? Is that true?" He asked looking towards Leon for confirmation.

"Yup, on the report that Gabriel and Louie gave me. He was found traveling with Centaurs." Leon replied.

At his words, everyone seemed to be shocked at this. "How deep into Canavar did you go to have encountered one?" Julian asked, then his eyes went wide as if he had just realized he did something wrong. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "It's not right for me to ask such questions when you just returned."

"It's alright," I said. I didn't go that deep into Canavar, The Centaurs were just too far south.

"Hey, Felix aren't you going to welcome him back?" Julian asked him. "After you worked so hard to look for him."

In return, Felix turned a bit red in embarrassment. "Oh? So you missed me that much?" I mocked covering my smirk with my hand.

"Shut up! I wasn't doing it for you!" he said then turned away completely embarrassed as he walked away.

"If it makes you feel any better I missed you too!" I joked, calling out to him. Bringing my hand up to my mouth so that my words would reach him.

"I TOLD YOU TO SHUT UP!!!" he yelled across the room, without turning back as he sat down at a nearby table.

"That kid is scary," I heard Hanna say from behind me. To Which Mia then hummed in approval

"Haha!" Julian let out a small laugh. "Don't get the wrong idea, Felix was one of the ones that worked equally as hard as your father to look for you."

"I heard. But I'm just glad he's still the same as he was before," I replied.

"Hey!! Arata, right?" my ears perked up at the mention of my name by a voice that I did not recognize.

As I turned to my side I noticed it was that Sophia girl that called me. I don't know her very well. I only met her once before when we left the village. "Oh, hey, it's you?"

"Yup, nice to see you again kid!" she spoke, showing a bright happy smile. "Listen, I know we don't know each other that well but the other guys seem to think quite highly of you. So I hope we can get along as well," she said as she raised her hand.

"Yes I hope so too," I replied taking her hand, and giving her one firm shake as we stared at each other.

"Now let's get to the main event of this meeting!" Luna said excitedly from behind me as she then grabbed my hand, taking me to the table where Felix was sitting. "Wait here!"

She took off leaving me alone with Felix for an awkward moment before the rest of the party sat down with us. After some time of talking among ourselves, several servers came out with plates of food and drinks. Placing different ones on the table right in front of every guest then finally a cake in front of me. "Happy birthday!" Everyone cheered.

In return, I stayed quiet. My eyes widened a bit as I was stunned by what just happened. "What's wrong?" Leon was the first to ask.

"I'm fairly certain that today is not my birthday," I replied. After those words left my mouth every one turned their gaze to Leon, giving him a weird look.

"Well. . . Your birthday passed while you were lost in Canavar," Leon pointed out, looking uncomfortable as he tried to shake off everyone's eerie eyes."This is a party to celebrate your return along with your birthday."

"Oh? Is that what it is?" I said unsure how to respond. "Well. . . Thanks." I wasn't expecting they'd throw a birthday party for me. So I don't know what to say. Should I be happy? I certainly am happy to see everyone, but. . .

"You don't look happy about it," Luna said as she brought her bottom lip forward into a pout. "We worked hard to set this up for you, you know."

"I'm sorry it's just that. . . I wasn't expecting something like this, I'm not sure how to react," I said but they didn't look convinced. "I really am thankful."

"Well, I guess that will do for now," Luna spoke, letting out a sigh as she closed her eyes. "You never struck me as the type of person that expresses their feelings anyway," hearing her words I gave her a small smile in response.

"Well, let's get this party started!" Leon happily declared, grabbing his mug and raising it to the air.

After that, we spend the next few hours 'partying'. I had fun spending time with everyone. Emma told embarrassing stories about us while Julian shared some too.

Mia and Hanna avoided Felix at first because he was 'scary' according to them, but when I introduced them, to my surprise, he was very polite. Diana and Monty asked me some questions about my journey which I answered the best I could.

As time passed, the later it got. Mia fell asleep in Emma's arms while Hanna looked groggy as she stood beside me. That's when we decided to call it a day. "So? When are you guys leaving?" Julian asked Leon.

"I already bought the tickets. We're scheduled to leave in three days," Leon responded.

"Three days, huh?" Julian said. "I'm moving to the capital as well once Felix is old enough to attend school."

"Really? Then it looks like he and Arata will be going to the same school then," Leon pointed out, then turned to look at me. "You hear that Arata?"

"I heard," I responded, looking up at him from where I was standing. "I'm right next to you."

"You hear that Felix?" Julian then asked Felix as Leon did me.

"I'm also right next to you!" Felix responded, sparing only a single glance up at Julian.

Hearing our similar reply they both chuckled "well, until next time," Julian said stretching out his hand.

"Yeah, see you later," Leon replied, taking his hand and showing a small smile.

After saying our goodbyes we made our way back to the hotel. On the way there, I basically dragged Hanna by the hand while Leon carried Mia back.

Once inside, Leon laid Mia down gently on the bed, then I laid beside her, and Hanna next to me. I spend some time awake as I stared up at the ceiling while Hanna fell asleep as soon as she laid down.

I thought I heard Leon and Emma talking from the other bed but didn't pay attention as my body let out a weary sigh and my eyes closed shut.

-----

I spend the next three days in peace, spending time with the party, and my family. I had lots of fun going shopping, eating street food, and exploring the city. However, all things must come to an end, no matter if it's good or bad, it was time to leave.

After saying our goodbyes to the party, we were now at the train station. Before entering the train, we bumped into a man dressed in fancy clothing to which Leon gave our tickets to.

Looking closely at our tickets the conductor looked back at us with a smile. "Go right ahead," he said, outstretching his arm to welcome us inside.

"Follow me, everyone," Leon said taking the lead. Inside the train, we walked through the small hallway which to our left was comprised of roomettes. Passing each room Leon stopped before one. "Here it is, B-2!"

Our roomette number was B-2. It was a small room with two seats that opposed each other, cabinets lined up along the ceiling, and a large window sat on the wall. "Wow!" Hanna said in excitement as she walked inside. "It's so small, and yet everything is so neat."

"If we're going to be here for two days how are we going to sleep?" I asked. Sure the seats are cushioned but there are only two. And I don't want to sleep on the hard floor.

"The seats can be stretched into beds," Leon responded. Oh? So it's like a sofa bed.

Based on the size of this room it'll cover up the entire floor. "It's going to be cramped," I pointed out.

"Is that a problem?" Emma said spoke up, showing a smile as she looked my way. "I'm kind of looking forward to it."

"Me too! This trip is going to be so much fun!" Mia said with excitement laced all over her childish voice.

"Yes, I agree!" said Hanna with the same delighted expression as Mia. Then she turned and looked at me. "What about you, brother?" she asked, her gleaming eyes peering straight through me.

"Yes, I'm looking forward to this ride as well," I commented, showing a small smile as I sat down and stared out the window with Flare quietly resting in my lap.

Shortly after, the train took off. And so we spend the entire day having fun, playing games, eating snacks, and solving puzzle games. Then when night came we extended the seats into beds and laid down together.

A few hours later, it was already past midnight and everyone was asleep, except for two people. I slowly opened the door and signaled Leon to come with me. We made our way down to the food hall and sat down at one of the many empty tables.

It was dark, our only source of light was the bright moon staring down at us, as we both stared back. "So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?" Leon asked as I wasn't saying anything.

"I'm sure you already have some idea. . ." I started to say, looking up at him with a serious expression. "You've been waiting patiently these last couple of days and I appreciate it. So now I'm going to tell you what happened after I fell."

"I'm listening," he replied, his tone of voice as serious as mine.

And so, I told him everything. From the moment I fell, waking up to the Centaurs, finding the rune, the confrontation between the Centaurs, the fight with the earthen mage, finding flare, and finally our return.

I even told him about Amarok and the other Lycaons along with the Exosia Orb that's in my possession.

"The leader of the Lycaon tribe?" he spoke, shocked by what he heard.

I nodded. "And if you doubt me. Flare is proof since she's also Lycaon," He was at a complete loss for words.

"And the Exosia!?" he asked "An item like that is way beyond rare! I mean it's a world treasure!" at his request I pulled out my leather bag and set it down on the table. "That bag?" he spoke, recognizing it, "It's the one that you persistently told us to never open."

"Yup," replied as I untied the top in order to open it. pulling out the orb I handed it to him. "Here it is."

"This is. . . Unbelievable," he said, not being able to believe what was right in front of him. "If anyone found out you held something of so much value they'd do anything to get their hands on it," as his attention shifted back to me he fell quiet. "What's wrong?" he asked noticing my expression.

"You know the earthen mage I told you about. . ." my voice faded out as I remembered what I did to him. "I. . . I. . ." I trailed off once more as my body shook nervously. ". . . I launched an attack that ended up killing him."

Hearing my words his eyes went wide. "I didn't mean to. I didn't want to," I said quickly, shaking my head my head in denial. "It all happened so fast." quite literally. "It's an awful feeling to know that. . . I ended someone's life. I don't. . . Want to be a murderer," I spoke, my voice shaky and my fingers trembling.

I stopped speaking as I felt a hand over my shoulder, it was Leon who pulled me close. "You didn't have a choice. You don't have to be a murderer. If you hadn't killed him, I'm sure he would've killed you. You will continue to have encounters like this in the future."

"I know it's not easy but just know that I'll be here for you, your mother, and sisters too. None of us will view you differently. If you need a place to belong, to feel comfortable, to feel accepted, we are always going to be here for you," He said in an attempt to comfort me.

Sure it helps. But he doesn't need to. Just being here is enough.

"You're so brave you know, even after going through all of that. You still put on a brave face," he added, pulling me back to get a good look at me. "Here," he said, handing me the orb. "You risked your life for this, and I'm sure it'll be useful to you in the future. Not just to protect yourself but our family as well."

"Now," he continued, getting up from his seat. We should head back now. It's pretty late," he said. Without another word, I followed him back to the cramped room and laid down next to the others.

-----

It was early in the afternoon as the capital came into view. Strange beasts along with soldiers were lined up for defense along the large walls. The train passed through an opened gate to the inside of the capital.

Inside, were large buildings, some taller than others, along with people walking through the busy street. At a distance, I was able to see a huge castle. Such a large city that Brixton paled in comparison. In this place, I could really get lost.

The train stopped at a station close to the outer wall. After getting all of our things ready we got off. Outside, a couple of men walked up to Leon. They talked for a bit, then he motioned for us to follow.

Leon lead us to a fancy carriage that waited outside of the station. Butlers took our luggage and placed it inside, with us getting on right after. With a loud whipping sound of a lead, the carriage started moving.

The whole ride there, Leon was nervously fiddling around. As we got closer to the center of the capital the streets looked more packed with people as well as carriages and stands.

After some time of talking among ourselves and calming Leon down, we arrived at a giant mansion on top of a wide hill. The carriage went up a long ramp to a flat area up above, it was wide with railings at each side.

As giant gates sat in front of us we got off, bringing out luggage down with us. "We're here," Leon said, his voice sounding a bit tense.

"Wow!" I let out as I stared up at this home in which I could only dream of living. "I didn't expect this place to be this big," I pointed out. Both the capital and the mansion.

"Well, let's get going," Leon said as he walked pet me. This place is where Leon grew up. A lot of things must be going through his mind right now. I thought as I saw him turning back to look at us. "Remember," he added nervously. "Be respectful."

Behind him I noticed the guards opening the gate, revealing several people standing on the other side. Taking in a deep breath we all began walking forward.