Hellius and Wexler looked at each other, shaking their heads. They increasingly couldn't believe that their sons truly kept such a big secret from their own fathers.
"Oh... come on... just forget about those wings!" interrupted Kazien, feeling a bit awkward being the center of excessive attention. "Those are just additional accessories. The important thing now is to prepare everything for what will happen in nine years! Everyone must become stronger before that time comes!"
Kazien's tone turned serious, making Hellius put down his cutlery.
"What exactly will happen in nine years, Young Master?" asked Hellius curiously.
Kazien looked straight at the general.
"The Evil God Lunarias will invade this world!"
Clang!
Someone dropped a fork onto a plate. They were shocked in disbelief hearing Kazien's words. The existence of an evil god? Invasion? That sounded like doomsday.
"The invasion is no joke!" continued Kazien with a warning tone. "There will be many dungeons appearing randomly in this world due to his doing! I hope, you can help me in destroying all those dungeons in the future. If not cleared within a certain time limit, then all the monsters inside will come out and destroy this whole world to the ground!"
Hearing the description of destruction that might happen to their peaceful world, goosebumps immediately appeared on everyone at the dining table.
Wexler nodded in understanding, his face hardening. "No wonder Lord Duke ordered us long ago to train harder and become stronger. It turns out it was for this."
"Yes, that's correct!" responded Kazien. "Because I was the one who asked my Father to make everyone strong and we must be prepared to face that disaster with our own strength."
Wexler's fighting spirit ignited. "In that case, we will all conduct more intensive routine training! I will order all troops in the Altavis territory to train even harder starting tomorrow morning!"
"That's better! But please don't be too hard when training them, give enough rest." advised Kazien.
Suddenly, Kazien remembered something crucial.
"Ah, one more thing. About the weapons and equipment that were once distributed."
Hellius straightened his back. "Do you mean the silver swords and armor given by Lord Duke back then?"
"Correct. Those weapons and armor I made from Silver Pholidota scales." explained Kazien. "That is special equipment. Please instruct the troops: Use all those weapons and armor only when that time comes and do not use them carelessly, because those weapons are the strongest weapons and armor owned by humans in this world right now! If they fall into the wrong hands, it will be a disaster!"
Hearing Kazien's explanation about the quality of the weapons, Hellius immediately understood and nodded respectfully. He was willing to carry out that important task in the future for the safety of many people.
The night grew later, but the warmth in the Altavis family dining room had not yet faded. After the empty plates were cleared, it was time for a temporary farewell. Victor and Virena bid farewell to return to Joltam City because they had great responsibilities there.
Victor stood tall in front of his father, Hellius. Although he was married and a leader, a son's respect for his father never faded.
"Father, we bid you farewell first." said Victor politely, bowing his head slightly. "We must return to Joltam immediately before midnight."
Hellius patted his son's shoulder proudly. His rough hand, full of battle scars, gripped Victor's sturdy shoulder. "Yes! Be careful. Be a good leader in Joltam! Do not embarrass our family name and the Duke's trust."
"Of course, Father! Leave it to Virena and me. We will guard Joltam with our lives." answered Victor firmly.
Shortly after, Kazien approached the married couple.
"Brother Victor, Sis Virena, are you ready?" asked Kazien to confirm.
Virena nodded enthusiastically. "We are ready, Kazien!"
Before they left, Virena turned to all the family members standing to see them off.
"Everyone, see you again! Stay healthy, all of you!" exclaimed Virena cheerfully while waving her hand.
Her wave was returned by waves from the entire family with warm smiles. Duchess Larina, the mother, stepped forward slightly, looking at her daughter's stomach with a gaze full of affection.
"Take care of the baby in your womb properly, Virena! Don't get too tired from working." advised Duchess Larina gently but firmly. "We are looking forward to the birth of our first grandchild! And make sure he or she is born healthy."
Virena rubbed her still-flat stomach gently. "Of course, Mother! I will take good care of it. I will let you know immediately if our child is born later! See you!"
Kazien then activated his magic. A bright white magic circle glowed beneath Victor and Virena's feet.
"See you again..." said Kazien.
As soon as they closed their eyes...
Zap!
In the blink of an eye, Victor and Virena disappeared from everyone's sight, leaving no trace other than fading particles of light in the air. They had moved tens of kilometers away, directly to their residence in Joltam, in just seconds.
In the corner of the room, Erica was once again left gaping. Her mouth opened slightly witnessing the miracle.
He really just sent them away like that? thought Erica in astonishment. Without a carriage? Without a horse? What kind of magic does my cousin possess?
After Victor and Virena's departure, Hellius and Wexler prepared to say goodbye. They picked up their cloaks, intending to return to their respective residences in the regional military complex.
However, their steps halted when Kazien's voice called out.
"Wait a moment!"
Kazien walked closer, preventing them from leaving.
"What is it, Young Master?" asked Hellius surprised, his thick eyebrows raised.
Kazien's eyes glinted playfully yet full of spirit. "Don't go home yet. Let's spar again! It's been a long time since I sparred with you, Commander Hellius!"
Hellius looked at the dark night sky outside the window. "This late at night?"
Kazien grinned. "War doesn't only happen during the day, right? The enemy won't wait for the sun to rise to attack us."
A logical and irrefutable reason. Hellius laughed heartily, his fighting spirit as an old soldier instantly ignited.
"Hahaha! You're right! Good reason!" exclaimed Hellius while taking off his cloak again. "Let's spar! Honestly, after seeing those wings earlier, I'm also curious and want to try fighting a Demigod again! Let's see how far the difference in our strength is now!"
Without wasting time, Kazien and Hellius headed to the spacious backyard of the mansion.