The next day.
Olivia was in perfect condition, even by medical standards. The usual aftereffects that typically followed childbirth were nowhere to be seen — she was more than fine.
After a few rounds of medical checkups on the newborn baby, who was just as healthy — if not more so — the doctor had to let the mother and son pair go.
The whole family was in a festive mood with the arrival of Axel. While he spent more of his time sleeping and feeding, every action of his brought a smile to everyone.
Moreover, with Alexander granting them the ability to understand the baby boy's intent, interacting with him became a pleasant experience for everyone.
The baby boy was afraid of almost everything; he complained about the noise, the light, and the strange faces he always got from the family.
Of course, the baby also enjoyed being in the warmth of his parents, uncles and grandparents — it made him feel safe.
Before the release of Olivia from the hospital, Ross and Julia bid the Gray family farewell. It's been a couple of months, or in their case, several decades, since they interacted with their family.
Many things had changed since stability returned to the universe. As more of the universe was being explored and new territories discovered, Universal Companies and Organisations were gaining traction.
These forces were establishing outposts outside the protective sphere Alexander placed around the empire — for the future.
With no more Cosmic Mana Wave displacements, humans could go out freely. And although Alex didn't want humanity to split up, things couldn't be helped, as powerful beings wanted autonomy to do as they pleased.
Fresh batches of awakeners were being recruited every day as these Universal Companies and Organisations built their forces.
The Council, although aware of the situation, did nothing as the members themselves were spearheading this gradual but inevitable shift in order.
They couldn't take everything for themselves, so they did the next best thing — find their own place.
"Brother, what do you think of the recent waves happening?" Aaron turned to Alex and asked.
The family was back home, with Olivia, Shawn, William and Sarah spending most of their time with the baby boy.
Although their home was still the same one Alex purchased some time back, he had made a few modifications to the house using spatial formations.
The Gray manor looked 'small' on the outside, but very spacious on the inside, with a couple more rooms and space for everyone to live comfortably without issue.
There was no need to live separately when the house was more than large enough to accommodate the entire family and then some.
In the large hall of the manor, Aaron was catching up on a few key updates concerning humanity, while Alex relaxed on one of the sofas, enjoying his 'break' from the academy.
Both Grays were granted a break to spend time with their family.
Although Aaron could get the latest updates even on the academy grounds, he focused more of his time on his studies, especially with his big brother being the instructor.
Alexander glanced at the giant screen and closed his eyes once more. "There isn't much to say, to be honest. Our common enemy is no longer a threat," he casually replied.
"Aren't you worried this might get out of hand?" Aaron furrowed his brows in confusion. "These companies and organisations are getting more and more aggressive with how they do things."
"There will always be a reason for people to fight one another," Alex said, his eyes closed and hands over his head. "That has been the case since the beginning of time, and will always be…"
"..."
Alexander's response left his brother speechless. With how powerful his brother was, he knew Alex could do whatever he wanted, and there would be no one who could stop him.
'But having the power doesn't mean he should do those things…' Aaron mused thoughtfully. 'If he forces his ideals on people, there will be those who will wholeheartedly accept him and those who will not. There's no right answer here.'
"Don't bother with those thoughts, Aaron." Alex suddenly said, snapping the boy out of his thoughts. "There's still law and order… Those people won't go too far. Besides, I'm not going anywhere."
"Hehe, I like that confidence, brother." Aaron chuckled briefly. After another moment of thought, he turned to Alex. "Say… I'll be graduating in a few months, and I already have hundreds of offers from these Companies and Organisations. Why don't you create your own company or organisation?"
Since Alexander had no intention of interfering, Aaron could tell these Universal Companies and Organisations were the future. They would be the ones to carry all the power in the times ahead.
With territories and resources at their disposal, these companies and organisations would have the autonomy and rights to various products, services and unique universe destinations for growth.
Alex remained silent, seemingly contemplating his brother's suggestion. It was a brilliant idea that Alex would have no trouble implementing, and needless to say, he would achieve instant success the moment he decided to proceed with it.
There would be no shortage of people willing to join Alex if he so much as gave the word; he was that influential.
This was where the next issue lay. Everyone would want to join his organisation, and this would, more or less, cripple the existing ones before they could rise to fame.
'That can't be helped.' Alex reasoned, slowly sitting up and facing his brother. 'Also, I don't have to take in everyone simply because they want to join. But creating something like this at this time…'
His main body hadn't made much progress so far, and with only half a century on the clock, Alex wasn't in the mood to create an organisation or company.
Staring straight at Aaron and then at the big screen, he realised that he was being pessimistic. 'To everyone else, the universe is fine and prosperous. The fear of void creatures and Cosmic Mana Waves is no more.'
Also, he made a vow to his nephew and all his loved ones. It was unreasonable of him to hold back just because of a maybe.
'I didn't realise how much this knowledge has negatively impacted me.' A small sigh escaped his lips.
Looking at Aaron, who was patiently waiting for his response, Alex smiled and said, "Why not?"
"Yeah!" Aaron made a celebratory fist, grinning from ear to ear.