"So you went through all that?" Julia asked with raised brows.
She and Alex were awake and decided to remain in bed enjoying each other's company. Julia had her head resting on Alex's chest while Alex caressed her back as he narrated his experience.
"Yep." Alex nodded. "It was scary at first, not gonna lie." He chuckled.
"Oh, I bet," Julia commented with a smirk. "Knowing you, you had your fun once you figured out what to do. But to actually call a Class S voice creature a disappointment…. That… that is something else."
You could hear the awe and pride in her tone. Alex had become a powerful hunter like nothing ever seen.
"Hehe…" Alex smiled in remembrance. "Yeah."
The two fell into a comfortable silence. Alex looked out the window, noticing the skies were already dark and nighttime.
"Do you have any plans?" Julia suddenly asked, drawing Alex's attention. He looked at Julia who turned around to face him, her head still on his chest.
Alex brushed her hair to the side as his gaze wandered. "Not really…" He already knew what he wanted to do, but he was in no rush.
What's more, he wanted to change a few things for his family before diving back into the fight. Then, there was what the S-Class hunters wanted to discuss.
Alex may not know much about politics, but he knew his strength might threaten some people. But he had no intention of playing that game. He would move on his own terms.
Looking back at Julia, he continued. "Though I intend to take everyone out. I've caused you guys so much stress. It's only natural I take you guys to relax."
"That's a nice thought, but things aren't exactly how they used to be. People are scared to step outside and shops are barely opening their doors."
"Oh, I've noticed." Alex nodded. "However, what I want to do for my family is to change their surroundings."
"Right…" Julia understood what he meant. "I forget you're now swimming in wealth."
"Of course." Alex beamed proudly.
Julia felt complete seeing Alex beam brightly. "I missed you, Alex." She suddenly said, taking Alex by surprise.
Slowly, Julia closed in on Alex as they continued to stare into each other's eyes. Alex could see the heavy emotions in her eyes and felt grateful for having someone like Julia by his side.
"I miss you too, hun," Alex replied affectionately. His reply brightened her expression. Then the two moved in as they shared a deep kiss, allowing their emotions to do the talking.
...….
Earth
The next day
Alex had made some preparations beforehand. He got a family van with enough space for everyone. With his space ability, they could reach their destination in an instant.
But that would defeat the purpose of spending time together. After getting the family and friends together, Alex took the driver's seat while Julia sat next to him, unwilling to stay more than a few meters away from Alex.
"You haven't mentioned where you're taking us, son," William asked as he looked outside the car.
The streets were barely busy with few other vehicles and pedestrians.
It wasn't very lively but no one was forcing anyone to stay indoors. All were at liberty to go out whenever they wanted.
"I did say I wanted to surprise you guys, right?" Alex replied, looking at his father through the rearview feed.
"Well, it better be real good." Olivia snorted in mock outrage.
"Hehe, don't worry sis. You'll love it." Alex assured with a knowing smile. "And if you don't like it, I'll get you something else."
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Look at you. Speaking like some real big short."
"Aren't I, though?" Alex teased.
"What about me, brother?" Aaron also wanted something good. "Hope you didn't leave me out."
"And why would I do that? Don't worry, your present is waiting for you." His words brought a smile to Aaron's face. He was no longer a child after being in the academy for the past three years.
But he couldn't help but feel like a kid in the presence of his brother. It just felt right leaving everything in his capable hands. Like nothing would ever go wrong with him around.
It was a surreal feeling and he wasn't the only one who felt that way. The air around Alex was different, it felt like that of a guardian.
The family and friends continued to make small talk as Alex drove outside the bounds of the city into another region with more vegetation than houses.
It was a well-known residential area with buildings built with lots of land space for nature's touch—a green paradise.
The family were initially confused as to why Alex was bringing them here, but they held back their curiosity for later.
Sometime later, Alex drove over a small bridge over a river that flowed towards a larger lake in the distance. The view was breathtaking.
However, ahead of them was a grand mansion standing on a hill. The materials gleamed under the sun, the reflective glass walls shimmering like polished crystals. Intricate metalwork adorned the edges of the structure, blending seamlessly with the modern architecture.
A sprawling garden surrounded the mansion, with neatly trimmed hedges, vibrant flowers in full bloom, and a fountain at the centre that sparkled as water cascaded gracefully.
The sheer size of the building and the meticulous attention to detail instilled a sense of wonder and awe, making it feel like a masterpiece of both art and engineering.
All that could be seen from inside the vehicle. Sarah and William exchanged looks and instantly knew what Alex had done.
The couple exchanged a small smile, something Alex didn't miss. He was glad they already liked what they saw.
"Brother…" Aaron began, his excitement barely contained. He was thinking what everyone else was but couldn't say aloud. "Is it what I think it is?"
All eyes turned to Alex, who flashed a confident smile. "Welcome to our new home, everyone," he said, his words confirming their hopes.
Olivia covered her mouth in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief, while Aaron's face lit up, his grin brighter than a star.
Their parents clasped hands, sharing a gentle squeeze, their emotions quietly conveyed through the gesture.
'Haha… My son really fulfilled one of his dreams for our family,' William thought, pride swelling in his chest.
Alex had spoken of this dream long before he began his journey as a student at the Hunters Academy, and seeing it come to fruition brought out many emotions.