When I woke up the next morning and glanced at the clock, it was already 8:00 AM. I'm not sure what happened yesterday—perhaps I was simply exhausted, or maybe it was the awakening of my Stardust. Either way, I drifted off into a deep sleep just one hour after starting my meditation.
"Well, I should get ready. Today, my brothers might finally come back."
With that thought anchored in my mind, I headed straight for the bathroom. According to the System's notifications, they should have reached the city perimeter by 5:00 a.m.
If my estimates were correct, they'd need at least an hour or two to finalize paperwork at the City Hunter Alliance. Unless they got caught up in some Hunter mess, they'd be walking through the front door by 11:00 a.m.
After a quick shower, I headed downstairs to the dining hall. Grandma Zhang had already left for work, but the scent of breakfast still lingered in the air—she'd left a spread waiting for me.
I finished my meal quickly, my mind already racing with plans. Once my brothers arrived, I wanted to head outside the city walls to hunt demons; we will get some soul essence.
However, reality checked my excitement. We'd likely have to lie low for a few days. My brothers' return wouldn't go unnoticed—it would immediately put the Hunter Alliance, the Mu Family, and the military on alert.
In a place like Bo City, the hierarchy of power is absolute. Currently, there is only one Advanced Level Mage in the entire city: the Great Commander of the military regiment.
Whether it is the Army, the Hunter Union, or the prestigious Mu Clan, every faction is scrambling to forge a solid bond with him. In this world, an Advanced Level Mage is the ultimate deterrent, and his favor can change the fate of an entire family.
It's not as if my brothers lack status among the Bo City elite. Every one of them is an alumnus of the Tian Lan Magic High School, the undisputed number-one institution in the city. However, the political landscape shifted recently; the former military commander, who was on excellent terms with my family, has already been transferred out.
My brothers haven't had the chance to meet the new Commander yet—a blank slate that everyone is trying to write their name on.
As for the Hunter Union? Well, their reputation speaks for itself. My brothers aren't just your average hunters; they are seasoned Hunter Masters, the kind of elites who handle the high-tier bounties that others are too terrified to touch.
Then there is the Mu Family. Among my five brothers, the youngest has managed to build a direct connection with Mu Zhuoyun, while the others maintain solid standing as respected acquaintances of the clan.
"Anyway, once my brothers return from their mission, I can just tag along with them to the Mu Family Villa."
And let's be clear: I am definitely not going there just to see Mu Ningxue... 😜
As I was lost in thought, the front door swung open and Grandma Zhang walked in, a radiant smile lighting up her face. It had been more than two months since I'd seen her look that happy. Just as I was about to ask what had happened, she stepped aside with a flourish.
"Xiao Yu, look who's back!"
Standing behind her was my brother, Zhu. At twenty-five, he was the youngest of my elder brothers.
In my family, magic seems to run in tight-knit circles. My three brothers were born in a single, mystical burst, each only one or one and half year apart. They grew up together, honing their talents as a trio. Even my two cousins joined the fray, their ages perfectly aligned with my eldest brother, creating a powerhouse squad of five young mages.
Then, there's me.
By the time I entered the world, the "first wave" was already transitioning into adulthood. My brothers weren't just older; they were a lifetime ahead, ranging from 14 to 17 years old when I was born. While they were mastering complex spells and venturing out, I was just learning to crawl. I'm not just the youngest—I'm a sequel born nearly two decades after the original trilogy! (His father and mother were quite active.😜)
"Brother Zhu! You're back!" I shouted. I wasn't faking the surprise; it was only 9:00 a.m. Based on the transit from the Yueyang City and System info, I hadn't expected him until at least 11:00.
"Why are you alone?" I asked, my brow furrowing. "Shouldn't the others be with you?"
Grandma Zhang and Brother Zhu moved to the table and sat down. Zhu took a deep breath before explaining.
"The others are still in Yueyang City. About a year ago, the Military and the City Council issued a joint bounty to investigate anomalies in Dongting Lake. After discussing it, our group decided to take the contract."
He paused, his expression darkening.
"As we ventured deeper into the lake's territory, the rhythm of the wild changed. The monsters were behaving erratically, stampeding toward the outer edges of the lake. We soon realized the terrifying reason behind the migration: a territorial war between Monarch-level demons in the central area."
As he recounted the experience, Zhu's face turned strikingly pale.
So that's it, I pondered silently. In the original timeline, perhaps this was the 'death day' for my brothers—caught in the crossfire of Monarchs while only prepared for Servant or Warrior-level threats. It would be miracle to be breathing.
"The moment we reached the city safely, Big Brother told me to head straight home," Zhu continued. "He knew the debriefing and confirmation process with the Magic Association would take a day or two, so he sent me ahead to Bo City to let you know we were safe."
He reached out, ruffling my hair. "But enough about me. How have you been, Xiao Yuzi?"
"I'm doing fine, Brother," I said, casting a playful glance at Grandma Zhang. "But look at Grandma! She won't listen to me. She insists on working every day even when she's exhausted."
"You little brat!" Grandma snapped, though the irritation in her voice was betrayed by the lingering smile on her lips. "Complaining about me the second your brother walks through the door? I'm not that old yet!"
The house felt full again. We talked for hours until the hunger finally set in. With a laugh, Brother Zhu headed to the kitchen to take over lunch duties, leaving the warm scent of home-cooked food to fill the air.
Looking at Brother Zhu, a wave of genuine relief washed over me. The System hadn't just handed me a collection of soulless puppets or scripted golems; it had given me something I never thought I'd possess.
In my previous life, I was an orphan. I'd had loyal friends—people who would've taken a bullet for me—but I never had a home. I never knew the quiet, unearned security of a shared bloodline.
Even though my brothers and cousins were constructs of the System, they didn't feel "created." They carried the weight of memories and the sharp edges of real emotions, perfectly mirroring the kin they were based on. They were vibrant, stubborn, and wonderfully alive.
"Hey, little Yuzi," Brother Zhu said, breaking my train of thought with a grin. "I'm heading over to the Mu family estate this evening. You coming with?"
I didn't even have to think about it. I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. We finished our lunch just like that—wrapped in the comfortable heat of mindless bickering and easy chatter.
To be continued.....
This chapter, if you like it the please show your support with power stones, if you have any questions or suggestions the please comment.
One last thing, please put your reviews because it's mean a lot and it's currently empty.
THANKS