Chapter 476: Welcome To The Family (2)
Making his way towards the entrance, every step of his was under the awe-filled gaze of the surrounding health workers, guests and patients.
Everyone and their mothers knew who Alex was, what he looked like and what he did for the entirety of humanity. His efforts brought peace and stability to a universe on the verge of collapse.
There was no more news about random veil tears popping up in the heart of the populace, nor was there news of the vod creatures wreaking havoc across the stars — all was well under the power of the one known as Alexander Gray.
Every person he passed showed a degree of respect towards him, and Alex would acknowledge them with a nod, bringing a smile to their faces.
"Mommy, who are those people?" A little girl tugged at the hem of her mother’s dress as she pointed at the entrance, where two incredibly good-looking individuals over 2 meters tall stood.
Their presence quickly brought a crowd around the moment they landed in front of the entrance. They looked around as they entered the ward, apparently searching for someone.
"They’re hunters, sweetie. Very powerful ones." The mother replied with a sweet smile. This mother herself had no idea who they were. But that was not required for her to know they were hunters.
Good-looking beings like them were a result of mana refinement. Even then, she could tell she had seen them before.
"Hunters!"
The little girl’s eyes sparkled with genuine interest as her eyes locked onto the one with the sleek, silvery-white hair and a beauty that captured the hearts of men and women alike.
"They’re incredible, aren’t they?" A voice came from behind the girl and the mother, loud enough for all to hear. As people turned around to see who it was, many froze in place while the expression of the others lit up in excitement.
"OMG, it’s Lord Alexander!" A young teenage girl who recognised Alex exclaimed in a high-pitched tone. "I can’t believe it, it’s really him!" As excited as she was, she didn’t dare rush towards him.
The woman holding the hand of her daughter froze in place as her heart skipped a beat. Her daughter, on the other hand, turned around and looked behind, raising her head to look at the person who just spoke.
Once again, her eyes sparkled like stars as she recognised Alex.
She had seen Alex on TV countless times as people spoke of his feats and what he continued to do for humanity. She never thought she would see him in person, and he was much more handsome in person.
"So handsome..." The little girl unconsciously muttered with a bright smile, snapping her mother out of her shocked state. Turning around, the mother attempted to bow and pull her daughter back, but a simple gesture from Alex stopped her in her tracks.
"What’s your name?" Alex asked as he lowered himself to the girl’s height, the smile on his face mirroring the one on the little girl’s face.
The entire place had gone quiet as everyone stood around and observed, some taking pictures with their devices while Ross and Julia stepped closer to Alex and the mother and daughter duo.
"Vanessa." The girl replied.
"Vanessa, huh. I can tell... You’re as pretty as a butterfly." Alex complimented the little girl and then looked up at the mother, giving her a reassuring smile. Looking back at the little girl, Alex asked. "You’re here for your auntie, aren’t you?"
"Mm," Vanessa nodded enthusiastically. "She’s gonna have a baby soon, and we’re going to be cousins."
"You don’t say..." Alex nodded with a smile. "My sister is also having a baby right now, and I’ll be an uncle."
"Really?" The little girl asked.
"Really."
His good mood would not be tainted today. Suddenly, his gaze shifted for a moment, and the smile on his face widened. His nephew was finally here, and his cry announced his presence for all to hear.
Like magic, the cry echoed across the maternity ward, resounding in everyone’s ears. The people around looked around, wondering how the cry of a newborn was able to reach them all the way here.
But as they looked back at Alex and saw his smile, they instinctively knew.
"Is that him?" The girl asked, and Alex nodded. "Why is his cry so loud?" For a moment, the mother’s heart jumped out of her chest. However, seeing the look on Alex’s face calmed her down.
"Hehe," Alex chuckled at her words. "He’s only complaining about how bright and loud everything is." His words made the little girl tilt her head in confusion, unsure of how Alex knew that.
"Tell me something, Vanessa." Alex continued coolly. "Will you protect your cousin with all your heart?"
"Yes." She replied without hesitation, nodding her head to push her point across.
"Good girl. And what would you like to be when you grow up?"
"I want to be like you!" Vanessa stated with a smile. "Hunters are so cool...! They can fly and do all kinds of things!"
"Yeah..." Alex looked at Julia and Ross, and then at the little girl’s mother. "Does she have your blessing to become a hunter?"
The mother nodded quickly, afraid to disappoint Alex. Naturally, Alex made sure her affirmation came from a place of true genuineness, and not for fear of his presence.
"When you become a hunter, make sure to use your power to protect your parents and your cousin, okay?" Vanessa nodded with determined eyes. "Good. Now close your eyes. I have a gift for you."
The girl did as she was told, and under the gaze of everyone, Alex slowly stood up, his form towering over everyone besides his friends.
A gentle white light glowed at the tips of his right hand, capturing everyone’s attention. They watched as Alex brought his index and middle fingers together and then pointed them at Vanessa’s head.
The girl in question was unaware of what Alex intended to do. But then, she sensed something touch her forehead. From that contact, a warm sensation washed over her body as it travelled to settle in her chest.
The feeling was unlike anything she had experienced, and she had no way of describing how it felt other than the sensation being magical.
"Open your eyes." Vanessa opened her eyes, realising Alex was now standing tall. She looked up, wondering what gift Alex was talking about. "What do you feel?" Alex asked, knowing what the girl’s gaze meant.
"A magical feeling in my chest?" She replied with a bit of confusion, then lowered her head and rubbed her chest with her free hand.
"Indeed..." Alex nodded. "I’ve given you the power to become like me."
"Really?!" The girl’s expression lit up while the people around gasped in shock.
Her mother covered her mouth in shock, unsure of how to thank Alexander for his gift. She looked at Alex with overflowing gratitude.
"Really." Alex rubbed the girl’s head, eliciting a light chuckle. "Now, remember what you said you would use your powers for?"
"To protect my parents and cousin!" Vanessa replied as she jumped excitedly.
"Good girl." Alex looked at his friends and then gestured for them to follow him. His nephew was cleaned and returned to his mother. It was time for the rest of the family to welcome the new member.
"Take care of yourself, alright?" He advised and then turned around, leading Ross and Julia to the others.
"Alright!"
Vanessa and her mother waved goodbye until Alex and his friends disappeared behind the doors ahead.
His little act of blessing this child and what he said about his sister was going to become major headlines for days to come.
People would take to the empire’s network to express their well-wishes, with some even attempting to send baby gifts in the hopes of catching his attention.
After all, a blessing from Alexander was more or less a straight path to the top.