The Supreme One returned Alexander to Universe Prime once they concluded their conversation. Appearing in the outer space of the universe, Alex's presence caught the attention of several gods and veilwalkers — Drakmor and Andrew included.
The gods were too shaken to have any more dealings with Alexander, and the primordials simply minded their own business. They saw no point in meeting the wonder boy.
He was unique, but that was it. Alex was still nowhere near the power of the Supreme One. They knew this more than anyone.
"Lord Alexander…?"
Andrew called out to Alex the moment he and the dragon appeared. They noticed that Alex was lost in thought, as his attention was not on his surroundings.
"Yeah?" Hearing his name, Alex snapped out of his thoughts and focused on his guest.
"Are you okay? You look troubled."
Andrew asked with concern etched on his face. Beside him, Drakmor observed Alex calmly, noticing the change in his presence. 'He appears to be shaken by something…'
The dragon didn't know what the Supreme One told Alex, but whatever it was, it had to be really mind-boggling.
"Oh, I'm fine." Alex replied dismissively. His attention shifted to his surroundings when he noticed the pressure from the universe was gone. There was no longer any suffocating aura trying to force him to his knees.
A small smile graced his features as he realised this was the Supreme One's doing. He turned his focus to the two before him and asked: "What's going on?"
"Eh…nothing, actually." Andrew replied in confusion, turning to look at his mentor. "We've been waiting for your return. It's been a few days since you left to meet the Supreme One."
"Yeah…" Alex sighed as his gaze shifted once more. Staring at the world below him, his mind pondered on several matters.
"We could continue exploring this universe." Drakmor proposed seeing Alex's gaze. "There's still a lot to witness."
"Nah, I'm good…" Alex replied with a warm smile. "I'd be returning home soon…" He had seen enough of this Universe's records to understand the races living here, their way of life and power dynamics.
"Are you still considering self-ascension?" Alex suddenly turned to Andrew and asked, taking him aback for a moment. However, Andrew's face lit up soon after, quickly nodding in excitement.
"Then I take it that you know what you must do, correct?" Alex furrowed his brows seriously.
"Yes," Andrew lowered his head, feeling ashamed at his inability to ascend. "Lord Drakmor explained everything to me. I've tried countless times, but it's not something you can just do on command."
He felt stupid for saying this to Alexander, but that was just how difficult the process was. The answer he got, however, caught him off guard.
"That's probably for the best." Alex had his back turned to them, his fists clenched strongly. The dragon narrowed his eyes while Andrew's eyes widened in shock.
"Huh?" He couldn't help but mutter. "You of all veilwalkers…?"
"Time isn't on our side, Andrew…" Alex said solemnly. "You know yourself the greatest… So you should be able to tell…"
Alex had a hard time saying that to Andrew as it meant the same applied to Cassandra. Chances were extremely slim, if there was ever even a chance.
Hearing what the Supreme One said opened his eyes to the ridiculousness of his self-ascension. It was crazy and it was impossible.
It wasn't just a matter of self-sacrifice — it was denying your own existence in reality; it was breaking free from the ultimate will.
This was a feat that was impossible, as everyone was tied to reality. They were born in this reality, and their essence belonged to it. They couldn't simply remove themselves.
Alex was even beginning to question how he did what he did. This also explained the origins of his own essence and further solidified his theory on how to become truly independent.
Meanwhile, Andrew lowered his head once more. He couldn't deny those words as he, more than anyone, knew. If it were possible, he would have succeeded a long time ago.
"Of course, you can choose to keep trying," Alex said over his shoulder. "There's nothing I can say that you haven't heard already…"
"I see…" The apprentice nodded without even raising his head. He truly wished Alex would make the ascension possible. Who would have thought he would come back saying stuff like this?
"You mentioned time running out." Drakmor asked after a moment. "What do you mean by that?"
"It's exactly what it means, Lord Drakmor. You're one of the chiefs serving under the Supreme One. You of all people should be aware of what's happening out there…"
"..."
The dragon had no reply to give. Drakmor has had his fair share of battles outside reality's barrier. However, he and the others were never made aware of the barrier's state.
"I'll take my leave now…" Alex took a step forward and a veil opened in front of him. "We'll meet again…" Drakmor and Andrew watched as Alex crossed the veil.
A second after crossing, the veil tear closed behind him, leaving Drakmor and his apprentice alone in outer space.
"What now, Lord Drakmor?" Andrew turned to his mentor. "Do I continue with the attempts or do I simply give up?"
The dragon didn't have a reply for his apprentice. There was no directive from the Supreme One. But Alexander saying what he said after meeting with the Supreme One couldn't be a coincidence.
"I… I don't know, Andrew." Drakmor admitted with a sigh. "Alexander is the only veilwalker to have achieved self-ascension. For him to be the one saying this…"
"Hah… I understand." Andrew didn't have to hear the rest of it. Even so, the apprentice was not ready to give up just yet. 'There's no harm in trying further…' He clenched his fists as his eyes burned with determination.
A determination the dragon didn't miss. For a brief moment, he smiled with pride. However, his expression grew serious once more as he looked back at the spot where the tear opened up.
'Alexander Gray, huh…' Drakmor mused. 'You might just be what we all need…'