Lassim was taken aback by Hallen’s declaration. The dim glow of the cabin’s single lantern cast deep shadows across his guardian’s face, underscoring the gravity of his words. "You gave up your position... for me?" Lassim’s voice was a mix of confusion and concern.
Hallen nodded, his gaze fixed on the rough wooden table between them. "Yes, I did," he admitted, the lines of his face etched with sadness that had worn into his features over the years. "After you disappeared, I couldn’t just carry on as if everything was normal.
We completed our contract with the Aetheria Prince and Princess, but I felt as if I’d failed you profoundly—as if I’d let my own nephew be kidnapped or worse—killed."
Lassim’s heart tightened at the pain evident in Hallen’s voice. "Hallen, you shouldn’t have had to sacrifice so much. You fully held up your end of the agreement with my grandparents. You brought me so far and even indulged me on my whims of the Martial tournament back then and treated me far better than had I traveled alone that distance like I originally intended. Why would you give up everything?"
Hallen looked up, his eyes meeting Lassim’s with a stark intensity. "You were never ’just another agreement’ to me, Lassim. Over the time we spent together, though a short two months, I came to think of you as much more than that. I’ve never had a child of my own and when you vanished, it wasn’t just a mission that failed—it was personal.
I felt like I truly lost my own nephew or son and just knowing that you were the rising pride of our Rohese family!?.... I couldn’t just forget and move on."
His eyes began to release a waterfall of tears as his shaky voice continued, "Every day you were gone was a day I spent wondering if there was something more I could have done. Should I have escorted you further all the way to the Lightning Sect? Should I have just commanded two of the family guards to accompany you the rest of the way?
It would have barely affected our bottom line, we’re wealthy enough to have afforded 100 guards for you, but we just let you go on alone… I’ve thought over the different possibilities of what could’ve been everyday for the last five years."
The old man’s admission struck a chord in Lassim, bringing a surge of empathy for the man who had once been his stalwart protector. "I had no idea you felt that way or I had that much of an impact on you," Lassim said softly as he reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Hallen’s shoulder.
Hallen gave a small, sad smile. "I know it might have been too much, but I couldn’t face going back to my old routine, not without knowing what had become of you. Now that you’re back, maybe... maybe I can start to put some of these ghosts to rest."
Lassim replied, "Well, I’m here now and I’ve brought with me a new family that needs our help." His voice grew firmer, reflecting his resolve. "Let’s focus on the future, on integrating the Drow into the Aurora Kingdom. It sounds like they could use someone with your experience and dedication if you’re so willing to do so then. I can only hope you guide them and protect them like you had with me."
Hallen nodded, a semblance of his old vigor returning. "I’d like that, Young Master. It’ll give me a purpose again. And maybe, in helping them, I’ll find a way to make things right."
As Hallen was about to elaborate on his willingness to aid the Drow and actually meeting them, as they were still not present yet, the tranquility of the moment shattered.
A sudden, deafening roar tore through the air, halting his words. It resounded like a sonic boom, echoing ominously overhead from the north before culminating in a loud thud that sent tremors through the ground beneath their feet outside the door of the cabin.
Instinctively, Lassim’s cultivation flared to life. His divine mana, honed, refined and potent from his time in the deity’s heart realm, surged forth, enveloping the cabin in a protective aura. Its intense pressure then spread and stretched out for nearly a kilometer into the surrounding area.
The air thickened with the weight of his power, forming an almost tangible thick sheet pressing the air downwards—a clear testament to the change his mana had undergone now that it was a part of the divine realm.
From outside, a pair of voices called out, filled with panic yet carrying a tone of respect, "Senior! Senior! Please don’t be offended! We’re just looking for our grandson!"
Realizing the potential for misunderstanding, Lassim sent his spiritual sense to check who it was and then quickly reined in his overwhelming aura. His divine mana, which had reacted almost reflexively to the perceived threat, dissipated as he rushed to the door.
His spiritual sense was greeted by the unexpected yet familiar sight of his grandparents. They were both kneeling on the ground, visibly overwhelmed by the force of his earlier defensive display.
As Lassim opened the door, his grandparents flinched back, their eyes wide as they gazed down at the ground with their spiritual senses observing the figure they couldn’t immediately recognize.
The young man’s presence was overwhelming, suffused with a power that spoke of a realm of power far beyond their understanding.
Although, they were a bit bewildered on why such a powerful senior would show themselves as only Spirit Transformation 8 when they were clearly incredibly more powerful than that. Regardless, they didn’t want to offend him with their reckless behavior if they had interrupted him.
"Oh, no, I am so sorry!" Lassim exclaimed, his voice a mixture of embarrassment and concern as he knelt down beside them, offering his hands to help them to their feet.
His face was a tapestry of emotions—relief at their safety mingled with chagrin at his overzealous reaction. "I thought we were under attack. My instincts have become a bit... intense these days."
Hallen chose that moment to step out of the cabin, adding, "It’s alright, he’s—"
This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.
His grandmother, her eyes sharpening as she raised her head after hearing his voice to take a better look at the "senior" in front of her, gasped softly, recognition dawning. "L-Lassim? Is that really you, my child?" Her voice broke with emotion as she and his grandfather quickly rose to their feet, rushing to envelop him in a tight embrace.
"We’ve missed you so much," his grandfather murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "We feared... we feared the worst. Your mother and father will be overjoyed to hear you’re safe."
His grandmother pulled back slightly, her hands still clutching at Lassim as if to assure herself he was real. "You scared us half to death, young man!" she scolded, her tone stern yet trembling with relief. "Disappearing like that... what happened to you?"
Lassim, a sheepish smile spreading across his face, scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, about that... It’s a long story. Why don’t we sit down inside? I’ll explain everything."
Guiding them back inside, the cabin suddenly felt smaller, cozier, filled with the warmth of family reunited. Hallen lingered near the door, giving the family their moment while sharing in the quiet joy of Lassim’s return.
They settled around the small table where Lassim took a deep breath, ready to weave the tale of the plane beyond which he had visited, his divine encounter, albeit some details missing, and the new responsibility that now lay upon his shoulders.
The atmosphere, while still carrying the echo of his grandparents’ initial shock, softened as they listened to his recounting.
"—And that’s where things are at now. I’d like to get in touch with my Mother and Father somehow to see if the Drow community can live on their lands with the support of Hallen." Lassim stated as he finished his tale.
His grandparents listened intently, absorbing every detail of Lassim’s incredible journey with a mix of awe and concern. As he concluded, they exchanged a look, nodding in understanding and readiness to help.
His grandfather was the first to respond, pulling out a small, ornate device from his pocket. "We can contact your father right now with my communicator. He and your mother have been anxious for any news. They’ll want to hear about this immediately."
He then took a moment to turn to the side to send a message and update them on Lassim’s return.
His grandmother, still visibly moved by the reunion and the tale, added, "And we’ll help with whatever you need for the Drow. Transport to Swallowtail Mountain City won’t be an issue, and we can assist in arranging the construction of their new homes. It’s the least we can do."
Hallen, who had been quietly observing, gave a small nod of appreciation.
Lassim’s grandmother turned to him with a warm smile. "Hallen, it’s so good to see you stepping up to help again. We’ve always appreciated your dedication and have been so saddened when you removed yourself from the family to look for our boy. We appreciate the steadfast vigil you’ve held, and are so thankful you were here to welcome him back when he returned.
If you ever wish to return to your old duties, know that the offer and position stands indefinitely."
She continued, "The Rohese family values and respects you greatly. You’ll always be a part of our family, no matter the circumstances. For now, we will offer you a salary to help with your new role as a custodian for the Drow, and the usual contract to get their living arrangements built. We’ll send members of your old team along with you as well since you know their skill sets the best."
Hallen started to object, believing that he isn’t deserving of such kindness, but Lassim’s grandfather suddenly interjected after finishing his message, "We’re not doing this just out of respect, Hallen. As a key member of Lassim’s retainer, as you’ve so offered yourself, it’s proper that you’re properly compensated for your work managing their settlement.
Every candidate for head of the family has funds allocated for such purposes, and yours will come directly from Lassim’s coffer."
Hallen paused, the offer touching a chord within him. It wasn’t just about the money; it was the recognition and respect for his years of service, but also the family head’s kindness. He nodded slowly, finally accepting. "Thank you. I’ll do my best for Lassim and for the Drow."
Lassim watched the exchange with a sense of relief and gratitude. Having his family’s support made the daunting tasks ahead seem more manageable.
His grandparents’ readiness to embrace the Drow and integrate them into Nexaria reflected the best of what he had hoped for.
"Thank you, both of you," Lassim said, addressing his grandparents. "Your help means everything to me. And Hallen, I couldn’t ask for a better guardian for the Drow. They’re lucky to have you."
With a smile, his grandmother followed up, "Alright, enough talk about these mysterious fellows. When do we get to meet them?"