It's been a little over a month since the incident of the galactic destruction. Life hadn't been the same, people were scared, hunters were feeling hopeless, and Alexander was nowhere to be seen.
The leaders were feeling overwhelmed with everything that was happening. And the fact that the leader of the most hateful organization to their power was walking around as if she owned the place didn't help.
With that veil tear, subsequent others were popping up again. The veil tears that were sealed with veil disruptors were now unable to do much as things appeared to have changed once again.
Hunters had to go out more often to battle the void creatures. With the new weapons, things appeared easier, but at the same time, things were becoming hopeless.
Every day they fought and still saw no signs of change. More powerful void creatures were appearing and humanity's strongest were no longer enough. The S-Teirs were no longer seen as gods.
"What is the point of fighting these monsters if it takes just one powerful one to wipe us all out?" A hunter voiced his concerns, fear evident in his tone. "Even the golden boy is nowhere to be seen. We're all doomed."
"..."
No one could argue with his point as they all felt the same. Some people had even taken it to the extreme; they took their own lives as the weight of their reality broke them entirely.
"At this rate, everything will fall apart," Zara muttered to her colleagues. "We've tried encouraging them on all fronts, but when there is no path forward, everything becomes pointless."
The three leaders had remained within the Sol System since they arrived to apprehend the hateful woman.
While they didn't like her, her words made it difficult for them to leave as they stayed to await Alexander's return.
Elina herself found a place on Earth, close to Alexander's place just to wait for his return. And someone wasn't happy when she found out: Julia.
Worst, she heard Elina was connected to Alex in ways that she wasn't. It drove her mad with rage, driving her to go after the woman.
Alas, she was no match. And she had to give up her rage. Eventually, the rage turned into sadness as Alex hadn't returned since.
"Alexander.. you fucker." Julia muttered with teary eyes while she slept in Alex's bed. "You promised to not disappear a second time…"
Julia had more or less moved into the Gray estate, taking over Alexander's room. She had no desire to leave until Alex returned and no one could fault her for that.
They all felt the same way, despite the assurance from Elina.
Julia clutched the pillows tighter to take in her daily dose of Alex. Unfortunately, Alex hadn't spent that much time in his room since his return, always on the move.
Julia had to resort to using it sparingly to keep herself sane. As she lay on his bed, fantasizing about things she wished they could do together… among other things, she took another deep breath and noticed something.
'His scent has gotten stronger…' A smile tugged at her lips as she held on tighter. 'It's almost as if he was right here…'
"I am right now.."
"Ah..!"
Julia screamed and quickly jumped out of bed, her eyes wide and heart racing. However, her expression changed from shock to surprise when she saw the person she was fantasizing about right in the spot she was sleeping.
He somehow got underneath her and she had no idea. "Alex!" Julia exclaimed and jumped to him for a hug.
In her excitement, she had forgotten where she was and would have destroyed the place.
Fortunately for her, Alex saw her state of being. Still maintaining the smile on his face, he seamlessly caught her, neutralizing her involuntary burst.
"Ah… Alex." Julia cried tears of joy as she hugged Alex with all her might. "I missed you!"
She buried her face in the crook of his neck and took in his familiar scent, feeling herself relax after so many days of stress.
"Hehe… I know, hun." Alex replied with a smile. "I missed you just as much." He stroke her back in a soothing way, faintly using his powers to help relax her soul fluctuations.
'To think my absence affects her to such an extent…' Alex noted calmly. There were also a few things he noticed about her build and others that were different from his build. 'Not now. I can deal with that later.'
"Sorry I disappeared like that again," Alex began, his tone filled with warmth and affection. "It wasn't fair to everyone."
It couldn't be helped, but Alex had to comfort his woman. Even if you knew about your loved one's status, a person would still worry about them.
'It's part of the connection we share… a way to stay grounded… especially for someone like me.'
"It doesn't matter, Alex," Julia responded with a faint smile. "You're here now, and that is all that matters."
"Indeed." Alex nodded and the two stayed that way for several minutes, losing themselves in the warmth they provided.
Julia's earlier outburst drew his family's attention, making them aware of his return. But knowing where he was, they restrained themselves and gathered in the living room.
Alex sensed the presence of another being he was closely connected with appearing in front of his porch and was let in soon after.
"Hey…" Julia called out softly sometime later. "Tell me something…"
Alex sensed her soul fluctuations and immediately knew he had done something wrong. And it wasn't hard to put two and two together.
Julia wasn't weak. Just like him, she sensed Elina's presence the moment she showed up. Of course, Alex knew about her place the moment he arrived in orbit.
Still…
"What is it?" Alex urged her to continue, feigning ignorance.
"Is it true that you have some sort of deep connection to some woman?" Julia raised herself and leaned on his chest, one hand going down towards his other regions. "Just so you know, your answer better be good."
A sudden chill settled in the room, instilling a strange sense of foreboding. Alex couldn't help but gulp.
He didn't know what that woman said to his family, but he knew Julia well enough to understand how she would take it.
"Well…"