Lyra's scan confirmed it: Johan's mana fluctuations spoke the truth. Through their neuro-link, Adam and Lyra understood that Johan's story was genuine. Adam decided to share only what was necessary. "We are heading to the human civilization," Adam told Johan. "Vlad is waiting for us there."
Johan's eyes widened, a smile of pure happiness spreading across his face. "Please, bring me along with you," he requested excitedly. "I will do my best to protect you throughout the journey. My only hope is to see my family again, even if the chances are slim."
Adam, trusting his connection with Vlad and Johan's truthful account, replied, "I am more than willing to take you with us. I owe you my life." Johan extended his hand, and Adam met it, sealing their agreement with a firm handshake.
"So, how do we get there?" Johan asked Adam, contemplating the journey ahead.
"Our plane is located in the forest area; we can start flying to our next destination from there," Adam replied.
"How did you even land a plane in the forest?" Johan asked, confused.
"Just see for yourself once we're there," Adam said with a knowing grin.
Aboard the Transformed Plane
Johan teleported them to the forest edge. As they walked towards the plane, Johan looked around, confused by the lack of a runway. Adam simply opened the door, and they all entered the private plane. Lyra pinpointed the next airport for refueling, and Adam donned his mana armor, merging the universal tool with the plane.
As the plane ascended vertically into the sky, Johan watched, amazed, as the wings shifted and changed form, lifting the plane higher into the sky. "Wow, that is impressive," Johan exclaimed, looking at Adam's ability and his mana armor.
Lyra told Adam he could release his universal tool and relax, as she would pilot the plane. Johan watched Lyra pilot with ease, clearly impressed. Azrael, still wary of Johan, sat close to Adam. "Azrael, he isn't a bad person," Adam whispered, patting Azrael's head. Azrael, however, remained wary, avoiding Johan altogether.
Lyra informed them that at their next destination, they might need to find a place to rest, as everyone except Johan needed sufficient energy to recover and stay alert. Johan assured everyone he would protect them all at the next destination. Lyra switched the plane to autopilot and went to get them something to eat. Johan requested some snacks, and Adam took some canned food for himself. Adam pricked his finger, letting Azrael drink a drop of his blood. Azrael instantly seemed full.
"Why are you able to eat snacks?" Adam asked Johan, "When Azrael finds it repulsive?"
"I'm not sure," Johan explained. "After Vlad gave me his blood, I'm able to eat as normal, with taste buds." Adam wondered if Azrael would be able to recover his taste buds if he received Vlad's blood.
Lyra, through the neuro-link, believed Vlad's blood might be different due to some unknown circumstances. Lyra then informed Adam, "Vlad may be an otherworlder, just like Serbas." Adam considered the possibility, even wondering where both of them originally came from.
Johan switched on the TV, scrolling through movies. He lay comfortably, without a care in the world, munching on chips. "I was watching this drama halfway when the whole incident happened at the airport," Johan explained.
"I don't want to miss the next episode—the girl betrayed him with his best friend!" Johan pointed to the actress in the story, engaging both Adam and Lyra. Adam was amused by Johan's carefree nature, simultaneously glad to have him on their side.
"To be honest, I was pissed that the other evolved variants showed up, even after I warned them not to enter my territory," Johan continued, munching on his food.
"However, both of you are as entertaining to watch as this drama. I was rooting for both of you!" Johan giggled, recounting the earlier events.
"Once I saw Lyra crying to save her lover, I was touched—not like the witch in the drama betraying her lover. I wanted to see the happy ending and came to save the day, and also to remove those pesky rats in my territory. They keep causing problems in my area. Once they even disrupted the airport signal, causing me to not be able to watch my show for half a day. You know how it goes; all of them went poof into a bloody mess," Johan finished, speaking jokingly with his carefree demeanor.