Max led Mu Qing and Lan Xue through the academy grounds, moving past wide courtyards and training halls, until they reached a quiet, private pavilion at the heart of the Dean's residence.
The place was peaceful, surrounded by a small garden and gentle streams—clearly reserved for someone important.
Max stepped onto the main platform, and just as he reached his seat beneath the pavilion's shade, three figures appeared almost at once.
Gwen, Malaika, and Rize.
They didn't hesitate for even a second.
"Max!" Gwen said brightly, rushing forward.
Malaika and Rize followed quickly behind her.
Before he could even say anything, they embraced him together—Rize wrapping her arms around his neck, Gwen hugging his waist, and Malaika kissing his cheek without a word.
"You're finally back," Rize whispered, her voice warm and teasing.
"We missed you," Gwen added, pressing close.
"You took your time," Malaika said flatly, but even she couldn't hide the soft smile on her lips.
Max chuckled and let the moment last before finally gesturing behind him.
"Right… I brought company."
The three girls looked up—and their eyes fell on Mu Qing and Lan Xue, who were standing quietly just a few steps away.
"I know it might be sudden," Max continued, his tone calm but direct. "But I wanted to be honest with you all. These two—Mu Qing and Lan Xue—joined me during my travels. I didn't expect anything at first, but…"
He paused.
"They earned my respect. And… my heart."
Mu Qing and Lan Xue said nothing at first, both waiting to see the reaction.
Rize was the first to step forward. She studied the two girls for a long moment—then smiled faintly. "As long as they respect you… and us… I don't mind."
Gwen nodded. "We've always known someone like you wouldn't belong to just one person. But we trust you."
Malaika crossed her arms but gave a short nod. "Just don't bring us weak girls," she said with a raised eyebrow. "These two look like they can fight."
Mu Qing smirked. "Oh, we can."
Lan Xue gave a polite bow. "We came here to walk beside him, not cause problems."
Max exhaled slowly, a bit of relief in his eyes. He looked over the five women now gathered in the same place—and for once, there was no tension. No hidden claws.
Just acknowledgment.
Acceptance.
Moments later
The afternoon sun filtered gently through the tall pavilion pillars, casting soft patterns across the floor. The quiet bubbling of a nearby stream and the rustle of leaves added to the peaceful atmosphere.
Max sat in the center of the wide circular platform, relaxed but composed. Around him, Gwen, Malaika, Rize, Mu Qing, and Lan Xue settled in a loose circle—some sitting cross-legged, others leaning on cushions.
It was the first time all five of them were together.
Max looked at them—each one different, each one strong in her own way. Then he let out a long breath.
"I guess it's time I told you everything," he began.
Gwen leaned forward, chin resting on her palm. "We're listening."
Rize gave a small nod. "Start from the beginning."
Max didn't rush. He began with how he left the academy in secret—disguised and hidden—choosing to travel without revealing his true identity. He told them how he had taken the name Feng, entered the Spirit Arena circuits, and wandered through city after city, keeping a low profile.
"Most people only saw me as a Spirit Elder traveling alone," he said.
Mu Qing raised an eyebrow. "That explains how we met you in Barak City. You were too strong to be a regular Spirit Elder."
Lan Xue nodded beside her. "You already had the strength of a Spirit King, maybe more."
Max gave a faint smile. "I wasn't trying to hide forever. Just wanting to explore this beautiful world."
He then recounted the tournament at Barak Academy—how he'd first entered as a quiet outsider, only to face off against Shrek Academy's full team, including Tang San and Dai Mubai.
"And you beat them all?" Malaika asked.
"Lan Xue and Mu Qing handled most of the fights," Max said simply. "But yes. We didn't lose a single round."
Malaika gave a rare smile. "Serves them right."
Rize's eyes lit up. "So that's why the name Barak Academy started spreading suddenly—because of you."
He nodded calmly. "We didn't stay long. There was no point. No one else could challenge us."
Rize leaned forward, her usual playful glint returning. "So, what now?" she asked. "Back to being the Dean full-time? Sitting in meetings and scolding clueless instructors?"
Max chuckled softly.
Before he could answer, she added, "Because if you ask me, it's a waste. You're strongest when you're out there, not locked up behind academy walls."
She stood up and stretched. "How about it? Let's do it again. Just like before—travel across the continent. Only this time, we all go."
Malaika and Gwen's eyes lit up immediately.
"I'm in," Gwen said with a smile.
Malaika nodded. "It's been too quiet here anyway."
Mu Qing gave Max a sideways glance. "So, this is normal for you? Wandering around and leaving chaos behind?"
Lan Xue smirked faintly. "He's not one for sitting still. I figured that out weeks ago."
Max looked at them all—then slowly stood up.
He gazed out beyond the edge of the pavilion. The wind had picked up slightly, rustling the trees. Somewhere deep down, he already knew he couldn't stay in one place for long. That wasn't his nature.
"I made Ghidorah Academy into what it is," Max said quietly, his gaze distant for a moment. "But it doesn't need me to babysit it."
He turned back to the girls, the usual calm fire flickering in his eyes.
"We'll leave again. All of us. Travel the world... enjoy the view."
The girls nodded in agreement.
Lan Xue added with a small smile, "And challenge the strong."
Mu Qing raised an eyebrow and glanced between them. "So, we're going to be fighting powerful opponents again?"
But her words were met with laughter.
Not from Max—but from Rize, who shook her head with a grin. "Challenge the strong? You mean Max challenging someone?"
Gwen covered her mouth, giggling. "That's assuming anyone can challenge him."
Malaika smirked and added dryly, "He could probably sneeze and destroy the whole world."
***
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