Luxario, “Let him go. We still need to track his organization.”

Alex was reluctant but stopped anyway.

“Nina and R-1?”

“They’re safe, Merissa is looking after them. Nina’s fine but Clare’s girl? she’ll need a lot of rest. She’s very severely hurt but she’ll live. As for the people you sent over to me, they are taken care off.”

“I suppose you have good reason to let him get away.” Alex asked glancing at Luxario.

“I placed a tracking spell on him. He’ll run back to his nest and the Council will have the whole pack cornered. Besides I don’t suppose you have any mana left.” What Luxario said was true, the last attack had seeped the remaining bit of mana. He had barely managed to contain that tiny earthquake.

“Where are the other two you guys fought?” Luxario asked.

“Nina placed them in a binding spell and they’re unconscious, we need to take them to City Locis.”

“Why there?”

“The help I was referring to is there.”

“Wait before we go, tell me how did you blocked his spell?” Luxario asked curiously. Before stepping in he had watched the small encounter between Alex and Oz.

“You were watching me?” Alex asked narrowing his eyes as if asking ‘why didn’t you interfered earlier?’ Luxario simply looked away whistling as he avoided the question.

Alex sighed as he answered the question. “I didn’t block it, I redirected it further into the ground. I would have been swallowed by the earthquake if I had tried to take it head on.”

“Huh… is that so?” Luxario had complicated feelings right now though he didn’t show them.

This was because he had never used that attack in such manner ever before.

“But you knew, that right?” Alex asked.

Luxario, “Yes of course, um, nice work figuring it out on your own. Let’s get going then.” Luxario could never confess of him being unaware of using it in such manner.

Later that day on Emerald.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that they say exactly what I tell them to say. This’ll help negate the rumors about you being able to wield Legendary treasures” Damian Marley assured. Alex’s goal was simple to put out other rumors or rather the truth through the mouth of those mercenaries so that he could be left alone.

Alex, “Thanks for the help.”

“It’s nothing compared to the trouble you had, it’s the least I can do to make up for it. But I have to say it’s quite a shock to see you again, O~ Supreme Protector.” Damian smirked saying the last part with in a teasing manner.

“You little devil, you really believed I died” Luxario chuckled.

Damian, “Well your performance was quite good, who wouldn’t believe?”

Alex, “You guys can have your little catch up I’ll be leaving then.”

Luxario, “How do you plan to go home?”

“I can manage.” Alex said as he waved his hand walking away.

After Alex departed Damian and Luxario chatted a little in Damian’s office. Initially Damian couldn’t believe his eyes when Alex came along with Luxario. It was no secret that they were the best of friends since they were little. One could only imagine the shock of seeing their best friend again after having accepted that they had passed away. They laughed back to their old days catching up with each other.

Damian then suddenly asked, “As much as I am happy to see you’re back… a question comes to mind …why have you decided to come back now of all times? Is it because of some…”

“Yeah, it’s those damn prophecies again.”

“And it has something to do with that kid?” Luxario nodded in reply to Damian’s question.

“Well, what are we facing now?” Damian asked, his face a bit tense.

Luxario, “Something worse… much, much worse than before and that kid …might be our only hope.”

…

Alex had visited the Council’s Hospital in City Locis. Rose was transferred here after Merissa performed emergency treatment on her. He was able to enter the hospital but was not allowed to go beyond the general wards on the 1st floor where all the council agents and guards were admitted. He tried to persuade them but after getting a warning from the guard Alex thought better to return. However, before he could leave a familiar person appeared there.

“He’s with me.”

“Yes, my lady!” The guards nervous that they had blocked an important person’s acquaintance hurriedly said in unison as they made way for him.

“Didn’t expect to see you here Alex.” Clare one of the executives of Council stated a bit surprised.

“I am here for the same reason as you.” Alex said as he went up to the 8^th floor in an elevator accompanied by Clare.

“To check on her? I thought you two were not friendly.”

“The one who isn’t friendly is her.” Alex said remembering her strict manner of speaking. Then releasing a small sigh, he continued, “Regardless, she protected me after all. The least I can do is visit.”

“I see, you have good manners.” Clare said with a slight smile.

They walked in silence for some time before Alex finally asked, “You aren’t angry or displeased at me or something?”

“And why would I be?”

“I know the Council isn’t in favor of protecting me and stuff—

“Well, it isn’t exactly the Council’s choice to leave you alone rather the Ministry of Justice, the regulatory body for the Council. Though there are many within the Council who seem to agree with them. But it doesn’t surprise me considering the little stunt you did in front of so many cameras.” Merissa explained referring to the magic mirrors used as cameras.

“Yeah, I am aware but you sent R-1 to protect me and I presume Merissa might have asked you for this.”

“Hmph.” Clare, agreed slightly impressed by his perception.

Alex, “Then she got hurt tryi—

“Trying to carry out her mission and nothing else. This is the Council Alex; we deal with the worst of the worst situations. Naturally people even die in this line of work.” Clare stated making him understand that this was their job and it didn’t warrant his concern. The two waited outside Rose’s ward and waited for the nurse to let them enter.

Alex, “I know that… but this plan, I carried it out with the specific intention of Nina and R-1 not getting involved. But they did and I do feel a little responsible for things.” Clare looked at him for a few seconds before she put her hand on his shoulder.

“She is tougher than you know.” Clare reassured with a smile.

“Lady Clare, your disciple is awake and can take visitors now.” A nurse informed coming out of Rose’s room.