With the conclusion of the ceremony, the academy was officially on vacation and the students were free to go home to relax.
However, Alex had managed to create a sort of standard that most students, especially those in the elite classes aspired to reach.
Alex came out as the overall best-performing student despite his mana-level issues. The way he handled his trials had inspired most to not relax during the breaks.
Everyone was making plans to break through to the next level. And since raising levels from Class F to Class E was the easiest as most people only needed one year of dedication and hard work, it was doable.
........
Alex and Ross arrived at the interplanetary teleportation hub to return to Earth with Julia escorting them to bid them farewell.
Along the way to the hub, she clung to Alex and refused to let him go. While she was at liberty to go visit him whenever she wanted, the very thought of being separated from Alex made her sad.
"You don't have to be so miserable, you know? I'm just a planet away. And knowing you, you'll probably be there by tomorrow."
Alex consoled her with shoulder rubs and head kisses. Julia had taken a liken to acting like a child in his arms. Of course, he had no complaints whatsoever.
Knowing that Julia loved him that much warmth his heart.
"I know… And I'll definitely be there before you know it. With our birthdays coming up, we all have to celebrate.
"Also, we have to go on lots of dates. There wasn't enough time during classes, but now…. Hehehe..."
Julia began making plans and slowly got out of Alex's embrace. The expression on her face made her look like a maniac having an epiphany.
"This is madness…" Ross muttered with a head shake.
"Let's get going already. My brother is waiting for me." Ross had had enough of the lovey-dovey. If Alex didn't move, he was going to move him.
"Hmph! You're just jealous." Julia snorted and looked away with folded arms.
"Yes… Yes, I am jealous! You happy?"
Ross finally snapped after having enough of the nonsense. Alex stood aside and smiled wryly, not desiring to interrupt their farewell.
"Yes."
"Haa… Somebody save me…" Ross felt like lying on the floor and whining like a child. Arguing with Julia was madness to begin with.
Most times she was reasonable, other times…. A nightmare.
'Why do I even bother? It's not like things are going to change anytime soon. I have to go through this for three more years.
'Me and my rotten luck…'
"Alright, alright. We can leave now." Alex stepped in a few moments later and after another round of hugs and kisses, he and Ross turned to James and bid him farewell.
Julia's butler had been following them since they left the academy as he was here to escort the young miss home. It's been a while since he had been by her side as her aid.
"Farewell boys. We'll meet very soon." He waved back and watched as the two boys entered the hall under the guidance of a worker.
"Let's head home, Julia. Your father is back and wishes to see you." James suggested as he observed Julia's longing expression.
'Who would have thought the young miss would fall so helplessly and extremely possessive at that.'
James smirked looking at Julia's side profile.
"Haa… Sure, let's go." She turned to face James after losing sight of Alex and Ross. She barely heard what James said about her father being back.
All her attention was on Alex and only him. To her, nothing really mattered except for Alex. Of course, it did not mean she didn't care for her family, but you know how it is.
.......
Alex and Ross stepped out of the teleportation hub and this time on Earth. The trip had felt like no time had passed at all.
"Whoa… Never getting used to this." Alex muttered and Ross agreed.
The greater the distance travelled, the more disorienting the traveller feels. And while it wasn't enough to cause anyone to vomit, they had been cases.
This mostly depended on the level of the being using the teleportation device. Weaker beings feel the effect more than more powerful beings.
"Over there…" Alex pointed to the direction he saw his family and Ross's brother stand. And the moment he noticed them, they did as well.
"Alex!"
Aaron called out as he ran to meet his older brother. And as he approached him, Alex couldn't help but break out a bright smile.
"Hey, man. You've gotten big. What have you been eating?" He commented, rubbing his brother's hair.
The past year had been good to him as he had grown taller than the last time he saw him and that was just a few weeks ago!
"You're one to talk. You look and sound like a grown man already."
Alex and Ross laughed at the boy's comment. "Of course, I do grown-up things."
He replied innocently, but then Ross turned to look at him while Aaron narrowed his eyes at Alex.
Confused why they looked at him that way, he asked.
"What?"
Only after going over what he said in his head did he realize what he said, "Oh… My bad." He could only smile awkwardly.
Shortly after, his parents, sister and Eein joined them before exchanging pleasantries.
"Alright, Alex. I'll be leaving now. See you soon." Ross bid farewell and left with his brother, leaving only the Gray family behind.
"Let's get going as well. I have a surprise for everyone." Alex hinted with a bright smile.
"Oh… Don't tell you bought some juicy stuff for everyone?" Olivia wondered with stars in her eyes and a creepy smile.
Suddenly, her Mom slapped the back of her head to get her straight.
"Ouch! What did I do?" Olivia complained in bitterness, feeling wronged.
"We're in public, Oli. Your expression doesn't suit you." Her Mom chided with hands on her wait.
Alex and Aaron tried to suppress their laughter at seeing their sister get beat up.
"Alright, alright. Let's get going." Their father sighed and gestured for the family to get moving.
'It's good to be back home.' He mused and then looked at his surroundings and noticed a couple of people moving, pretending to be regular people.
'Looks like the security is still working hard… And there is no sign of trouble.' Alex nodded in good spirits, knowing that his family's protection was assured.