"I learnt a lot about myself in the past five years that I went missing," Alex spoke as he glanced around briefly. "My ability to wield void energy isn't random."
Hearing his words, the leaders recalled the very first report they received on Alex that detailed his 'dream' or whatever it was.
Alex didn't bother to tell them what he went through either. They had no need to know, and they didn't dare ask.
"With more powerful void creatures popping up in the far reaches of our universe, it's only a matter of time before they get here."
For whatever reason, Alex had seized control of the summit. It was a change that irked Basso to no end. But even he recognized the importance of what the boy was about to say.
They wanted him to stand on their side, and for that, they needed to be in his good graces after the dirty play they set up.
Alex felt the flowing energy underneath him disappear completely but didn't show any reaction. The small act meant little, and he didn't really care, choosing to continue with his speech.
"I feel myself growing stronger every single day," Alex muttered, briefly touching his chest. "It's a bit scary as even I have no idea just how powerful I am getting." It was a subtle hint, and they could interpret it however they wished.
The leaders gulped slightly hearing that part. Alex wasn't joking. The black hole was evolving in ways he couldn't imagine.
The last time he dived in, the space looked more like the universe than a blank canvas.
As it was connected to the universe, it was somehow drawing in the void energy in the universe, albeit at a slower rate.
If the leaders chose to engage him here, they might as well be digging their own graves. Even if they had other surprises for him, S tiers would never be a match.
"Is it possible to pass this ability of yours to others?" Basso decided to ask. "If we can have more people like you, humanity's strength would soar."
"I don't know," Alex shook his head. "However, there is still a lot to learn and with no guide, I can only move slowly."
It was understandable, but the three leaders exchanged glances and then a subtle note. 'It's time he learns about the visitor.' Basso mused. 'Maybe she knows more than Alex does… hopefully.'
"I have plans of travelling across the empire, clearing out any and all void creatures I find while I learn about my growing abilities." He gazed at the leaders who couldn't help but direct their gaze elsewhere.
"Isn't that too much responsibility?" Zara questioned. "You're only one man."
"Maybe." Alex agreed. "But do you know how long it took for me to get here?"
His question suddenly had the people wondering. Alex had mentioned he would be here, and he was, but no one bothered to ask how he even got here or how long it took him.
A good day took over 8 hours of hyperjumps to cross millions of light years from Earth to the capital. With intrigue, they waited for Alex to answer his own question.
"A little over an hour." Alex dropped the boom and left the leaders in stunned silence. What he didn't tell them was that he made a couple of stops along the way.
Also, it was a time that was bound to decrease as he grew more powerful.
"That means I can still reach every corner of the empire and still make it back home." Alex concluded his message by adding: "So tell me, is that loyalty enough?"
Silence reigned in the chamber for several seconds as the leaders pondered on his words.
"You have taken this responsibility solely by your lonesome," Basso spoke. "Are you willing to be accountable for said words?"
The meaning behind his words wasn't lost on him. Alex could only show a stiff smile. Of course, he didn't mind.
"Naturally," He declared. "That also means I will move on my own terms."
Basso looked at the others for a moment before turning to Alex. "Naturally."
They couldn't control him even if they wanted to. And this was a better conclusion than they had foreseen, despite the nervous and rocky start.
With the essence of the summit over, there were a few things the leaders needed to make Alex know.
"There is someone we would like you to take a look at," Zara said, making Alex raise an eyebrow.
"Is it lord Zol?" Alex guessed.
"No." Zara shook her head. "It's someone like you."
Her words puzzled him, but seeing as the others were talking amongst themselves and the look of realization on their faces, he understood it was only something the leaders knew.
"Can it wait a bit?" Alex suggested. "I plan on paying a visit to lord Zol."
"Of course," she smiled. "We'll do you better. The details of said person would be sent to you, along with what we know."
Alex nodded with a thoughtful gaze. The woman had managed to intrigue him. "I understand," Alex replied.
"Good."
The summit was soon brought to an end after a few more questions. The leaders had proposed a small get-together, but Alex politely refused the invitation.
Some were still wary of his power, and it was better he paid his planned visit to Zol. Lucas was among the leading figures but mostly remained silent.
Just like the S Class hunters, he came a day earlier as their previous conversation factored this in. Lucas would be lying if he said he wasn't impressed with how the kid handled himself.
'He showed no fear and pointed out the leaders' dishonourable act.' Lucas thought with a sly smile. 'And he retained his independence with his words.'
How were the leaders supposed to control someone who said straight to their face that he grew stronger every day, and still had a lot to discover?
'With that out of the way, I can move however I please.' Alex smiled inwardly as he was led back to his room.
Along the way, Alex noticed a woman, probably a worker walking towards them. Instead of walking with her head lowered like the others, she would subtly look Alex straight in the eyes.
It got him suspicious, but he decided to see how it went. As the woman walked past them, she uncharacteristically tripped over her own feet.
"Ah!" The woman cried out as she fell forward. Fortunately for her, Alex caught her before she could embarrass herself.
"Are you okay?" Alex asked while helping the woman up. He held her by the hand until she steadied herself.
"A-ah, yes." The woman stuttered and quickly apologized before swiftly walking away.
Alex watched the woman over his shoulders and made no movements till the woman disappeared from view.
"Lord Alexander, shall we?" The guide gestured.
"Of course," Alex replied with a smile and followed behind the guide.
Once inside his room, Alex opened his left palm where a small note was passed to him. He opened the note and quickly read the content.
"Interesting…"