The trio of friends had agreed to throw one big party for their birthdays instead of doing one at a time and they chose Julia's home as the occasion for the celebration.
Ross was the eldest of the group and turned 17 years first, followed by Alexander and then Julia.
On each of their birthdays, the friends had a small session with themselves and their families and did nothing special.
However, once the three all turned 17 years old, the preparations were made at Julia's home.
Due to the tight niche nature of the friends, only family and closest friends were invited to the celebrations along with some of their classmates who could make it.
The celebration was chosen to take place in the evening and outdoors, taking advantage of the natural lights and beauty the stars brought.
And as kids connected to two powerful Class S hunters, some important figures accepted the invitation sent to them. Among them was their very own class instructor, Horvey Doe.
He along with the principal and a few others graced the celebration with their presence.
What was supposed to be a small celebration was turning into something major that brought out big shots all because of a certain someone.
By dusk, the invited guest had arrived with some measure of activity happening with the adults as they chatted away.
"Oi, Alex. You're telling me all these big shorts came here just to celebrate your birthdays?" Olivia asked in shock staring out the window and at the celebration grounds.
The family of five were sharply dressed in their finest clothes after a little bit of spending and in a large room given to them.
"Not really. Most of them are here because Lord Zol and Lord Mason will be present.
"Everyone wants to have a connection with the big sharks," Alex explained with a shrug, relaxing in his chair and awaiting the start of the party.
"Don't be silly, Alex. The two gods are here because of you. Maybe Lord Zol for Julia, but anyone with half a brain could see it's because of you."
Olivia added, not accepting Alex's humble take on the matter.
"She's right. And what you say is true as well. You have a connection with those hunters and if those people can have a connection with you kids…"
William said, his meaning clear. After Alex explained everything that transpired at the academy to the family, he understood how much weight Alex currently had.
Alex knew about that but cared little for it. What mattered to him was that his family and actual friends enjoyed the celebration. It was their day after all.
The celebration began sometime later as everyone gathered around the centre stage where the celebrants were seated and received the well wishes of their guests through the ever-popular birthday song even in this era.
Soon they all turned to the massive rectangular-shaped cake more than enough for everyone to get a large piece, and under the gaze of everyone present, the trio cut the cake under the cheers of their friends and the applause of the adults.
<Okay, everyone. Now is the time for everyone to present their prepared gifts to the kids.>
The host spoke with excitement and gestured for the family to go first.
"Happy birthday son," Willaim said to his son with pride and passed a small gift box to him. His mother soon followed, and then his siblings, while the others were gifted presents by their families as well.
They also prepared presents for Julia and Ross as they were pretty much part of their family.
<Wonderful!>
<Now before we proceed for everyone else to present their gifts, let's have our two VVIPs to present!>
Everyone focused ahead when they realized the two hunters were next and under their gazes, the two appeared out of thin air and stood before the kids.
Zol had already given unique gifts to the kids, but as a gesture, he prepared something else as well.
'This might be something to keep them sane in the unfortunate—…' He paused his line of thought and then passed his gifts to them.
"Happy birthday." He said to the kids who nodded with grateful expressions.
When it was Mason's turn, his attention went to Alex first for obvious reasons and presented his gift to him and then to the others.
"Don't open them yet until you become full-blown hunters, okay?" Mason added at the end and they nodded.
The mortal gods then disappeared again as if they were never there, but none of them could tell they were around somewhere.
Their presence was just that noticeable and would turn people's attention to them instead of the kids.
Then the rest followed suit with their gifts. And although the things they could get for the kids were limited, it was something they had to do.
Some actually gifted each of them millions while others gifted them vouchers that could be used anywhere in the empire. Those gifts were digital gifts that were transferred to their devices.
After the kind of money Alex and Julia had spent earlier on their date, most of the gifts were pretty much useless but still an appreciated sentiment.
The two had generously passed Ross's portion to him and he was shocked and frozen for many minutes. He had even attempted to reject their items, but a show of their nanite storage told Ross he would be the only one left behind.
Once the gifting and congratulatory messages were done, the time for socializing came as people made small talk and got to know new people.
Alex's family were particularly overwhelmed as they had never been in the presence of so many important and powerful figures.
"Start getting used to it."
Alex whispered to them when they met the two hunters. Olivia was rigid like a brick while Aaron had starry eyes the entire time, too excited to produce any sensible words.
"Alex. You've already seen him but I still want to introduce you two. This is my father, Lucas Knight. Dad, Alexander Gray, my beloved."
She purposely added that last bit so Alex could see his expression and know his take on their relationship despite being told. After all, seeing was believing.
"I've heard a lot about you, kid. And I'm sure I'm going to hear more in the future." He stretched his hand for a shake and Alex took it.
"It's a pleasure, sir."
"Mm. If you don't mind, I'd like to have a word with you after all this is done." Lucas added.
"Of course. I'll be free to meet you anytime."
"Excellent."
In the distance, Henry witnessed all the proceedings without actively partaking in it. He didn't know most of the people and certainly didn't care about Alex either.
His goal was only one and to ensure he achieved that; he made a decision.
"Dad?" He called his dad after the celebrations concluded.
[Yes, son?]
A reply came very quickly.
"I want you to help me with something," he said and then explained the reasoning behind his decision.