Earth, the next day
After his conversation with Lucas about his plans for the future, Alex returned home to explain his situation to his family.
Naturally, the only thing they could offer him were their support and words of advice.
The only thing left to do before he set off was to ensure his family was protected while he was away.
He wasn't willing to take chances and while the security detail only had Class A as the strongest, they should be enough to buy time for his return.
Alex made it clear to them to report anything they felt they couldn't handle and even if they could, they were to send him a notice as soon as possible. It was overkill, but one can never be too careful.
"Be safe out there, okay?" Sarah kissed Alex's forehead before stepping back.
"Of course, Ma," Alex replied. He may be strong, but he wouldn't dismiss his mother's words. Turning to Ross on the side, he said. "I leave them in your care."
"Mm." Ross nodded with a resolute expression.
Alex turned back to everyone. "I won't take long and will be back before you know it." He assured the nth time before stepping away while everyone watched him exit the building.
"Like he said," William stated and turned to face everyone. "He'll be back before we know it. I don't want to see anyone looking dejected."
They could only nod with stiff smiles.
Outside, Alex met with Julia as she wanted to share a moment with him. Alex brought her in for a hug, remaining in place for several seconds before touching foreheads in an affectionate gesture.
"Promise me you'll come back," Julia murmured. "I can't bear to lose you again."
"I promise," Alex said, swallowing hard. He caressed her face with his thumb before connecting his lips with hers. Their kiss was deep and expressed all the emotions they carried in their hearts.
Finally, Alex pulled back. "I have to go now."
"O-okay…." Julia nodded, almost teary. "I'll wait for you."
Alex stepped back as he floated upwards, gradually gaining altitude until he blasted off, instantly disappearing into the clouds.
'Now then,' Alex mused as he appeared in space, turning around to face the direction of the capital. 'I still have a couple of hours before the start of the summit.'
Alex donned his armour for the journey as he had an outfit purposely prepared for when he arrived. Without delay, he fused with space and disappeared.
...…..
Evelyn and Charlotte had returned to the capital a day ahead. They didn't have Alex's abilities, but they trusted that he would make it in time.
These two hunters were floating in orbit with their auras spread out freely, acting like beacons for Alexander. They were to guide him in once he arrived.
Right now, most of the leading features in the empire were already on Titan, awaiting the three leaders and the main guest.
The majority were A-rank awakened while the S-Class hunters also served as the main security force in the unlikely event Alex proved to be a danger to them.
The leading features of the empire were having talks about the boy wonder, imagining the things they could do with the kind of power he wielded.
Some worried about inviting him here as they were exposing themselves to danger. However, staying away also meant being seen as fearful of Alexander.
"About an hour before the summit begins and the boy is not here yet." One of the leading figures muttered to his company.
"We could also say the same for the three leaders." Another argued.
"You're not a kid. You and I both know the three leaders will be the last to arrive. You can't expect them to wait for the kid. How would that look?"
Arriving late was a subtle way of drawing attention and establishing dominance. It ensures that all eyes are on them, creating the impression of importance.
"Doesn't matter," Another chipped in. "One way or another, the kid will be standing before us. I just hope things go smoothly and he is as sensible as I heard."
Suddenly, word arrived saying Alexander had arrived in orbit and would soon be joining them.
"To your seats, people. We have a boy to grind."
...….
"I have arrived."
Alex stated the moment he unfused from space, taking the two hunters by surprise. They did not sense his presence at all!
One second, they were looking around in all seriousness, then the next, Alex just appeared—almost like a ghost. They couldn't help but float back a bit.
Alex ignored their state of mind as he waited for them to lead him to where he needed to go. He looked at the planet and couldn't help but be impressed.
'No wonder it's called Titan.' Alex thought silently.
He wanted to spread his senses to investigate the planet, but it might be seen as an act of disregard. His observation was cut short when his name was called.
"Please follow us," Charlotte gestured after they regained their composure. They flew ahead with Alex right behind them, breaking through the atmosphere and arriving before the ginormous building.
They led Alex inside and towards the guest area where a room was prepared. "You can go ahead and change." Evelyn sad.
"We'll come for you when the time is right."
"Thank you," Alex acknowledged and entered the room. He didn't waste time checking out the room. Though spacious and luxurious looking, he didn't care for it.
Approaching the bed, Alex put away his armour and took out his suit—a black suit with a white shirt, no tie included.
He turned to face the mirror, nodding in satisfaction. And as he stared at himself, he recalled the pieces of advice he was given.
'Even so, it will all depend on how they act.' He resolved with a serious look. 'Respect and tolerance go both ways.'
Sometime later, Alex turned his head to the door and appeared behind it. He opened it before Charlotte could even knock.
"It's time." She said seriously and stepped away from the door, making way for Alex to step out. With both hunters flanking his sides, they guided Alex towards the main conference hall.