Leaving the Captains' chamber felt like stepping out of a pressurized tank into a whirlwind. We descended the grand Alloway, the spiraling stone stairs teeming with Elites of all Tiers. Their gazes were heavy, a mixture of envy, suspicion, and raw curiosity that clung to us like static. I felt the prickle of discomfort at the back of my neck. I wasn't used to being the center of a storm.
I glanced at Sherach. He had his hands casually placed behind his back, eyes closed with a relaxed smile on his face, as if he didn't care about the dozens of gazes pointed in our direction. Behind us, Ria and Sinata were visibly tensed, their hands hovering near their weapons. Kael's expression was a stone mask of anxiety. Only Kageno remained indifferent, staring off into the architecture, hands tucked into his combat trousers with a bored slouch.
'Don't worry, Oliver, I told myself, a small smile playing on my lips. You'll get used to this.'
In the crowd, I spotted Danny. He was mid-conversation with his team but paused, his eyes widening. I gave him a subtle, respectful nod. He beamed, waving back enthusiastically, which prompted Ria and Sinata to offer small, relieved waves of their own. It was a brief reminder that we weren't entirely alone in this fortress.
Sherach suddenly stopped and turned to us. "Alright, kids. Give me a minute. I'll be right back."
"O-okay. No problem," I replied.
He vanished into a side hall and returned moments later with a sophisticated blonde woman who carried an air of clinical authority. "Guys, meet Lady Merica. You all look like you've been stressed out lately through a demonic hedge backwards. Go freshen up. We've got a long day ahead of us."
The silence that followed was thick.
"What...?" Ria blinked.
"Seriously?" Sinata added.
"Are you belittling me?" Kageno snapped, his eyes flashing. "What do you mean 'stressed out,' you old geezer! I can keep going for another two raids!"
"Alright, alright, calm down," Sherach chuckled, raising his hands in a peace gesture. "I was only kidding. Don't take it so personally. And Kageno? It would be great if you didn't refer to me as an old man. I'm in my prime!"
"Hmmp...mmph!"
Lady Merica cleared her throat sharply, her gaze brooking no further argument. "Alright, Follow me." We immediately turned our attention toward her and followed her.
We were led to the Vanguard's luxury rejuvenation wing. The group splited into two factions. The girls to the eastern sanctum and the guys to the western.
The men's bath was a masterpiece of basalt stone and steaming, mineral-rich water infused with low-level healing salts. As the hot water hit my skin, I felt the phantom aches of the Dreadlord's blows begin to dissolve.
"…Ah." I exhaled deeply.
Kael leaned against the edge of the pool quietly. Kageno sat on the far edge, his back against the stone, the steam rising off his spiral tattoos. For the first time, the predatory edge in his eyes softened. He was resting his arms along the rim, looking far less irritated than usual.
Even he couldn't deny the comfort.
"Not bad," he muttered.
Across the wall, in the ladies' section, the atmosphere was equally restorative. Specialized medical mages applied enchanted bandages to Sinata and Ria's scars, ensuring the demonic miasma didn't linger in their tissue.
Later, after finishing and getting dressed, we regrouped outside. When we finally emerged, we found Sherach leaning against a pillar, looking suspiciously refreshed himself. When he saw us, his grin widened.
"Aha! Look at those glowing faces!" he chirped. "I bet that bath felt better than a Tier-9 promotion, didn't it? You all look like you could actually pass for students again!"
"Tsk." Kageno clicked his tongue.
"Shut up."
Sherach laughed.
"Alright, alright. Come on. Let's head to the Vanguard Academy. Sherach announced.
-----
Stepping back into the Academy was different than when we left. The news of the Wilderness Raid had traveled fast. Faster than a shadow-step. As we walked through the main gates, the bustling student body went silent.
It wasn't just that we were alive, it was the way we carried ourselves. We walked with the Vanguard Gait which was the measured, efficient movement of those who had seen the bottom of the abyss. Students scrambled out of our way. The rowdier crowds, known for their arrogance, suddenly found the floor very interesting as we passed.
"That's them…"
"The squad that cleared the Enchanted Wilderness…"
Some students stared in awe.
Others like Zhang Li, straightened their posture respectfully when he noticed me since he recognized me. The one who dealt with bullies without mercy.
I simply walked calmly through the courtyard.
Many gave me a look of deep-seated respect. To them, I was the bully hunter, the one who had dismantled the hierarchy. Seeing me return from a Tier-8 zone only solidified that legend. I noticed Ria and Sinata glancing at me with a peculiar, lingering gaze. The one of shared trauma and newfound pride.
Sherach led us to the VIP lounge which was an exclusive terrace overlooking the dueling grounds. Tables were laden with delicacies. Kael sat quietly, picking at a plate of fruit and avoiding the heavy spirits. I opted for a tall glass of chilled Aura-Juice, the tart liquid revitalizing my mana circuits. Sinata and Ria took charge of the service, moving with a grace that masked their exhaustion, while Kageno leaned against the railing, watching the younger students spar with a look of distant critique.
After the celebration, the group scattered. We were all free to explore the Velrion Star City, the sprawling metropolis surrounding the HQ.
I found myself strolling through into the heart of the city alone. It was a revelation. Thousands of people who were non-awakened civilians, lived their lives here under the protection of Vanguard awaken ed elites. The streets were a kaleidoscope of life. I smelled fresh bread, heard the laughter of children, and saw merchants hawking their wares. Since my reincarnation, I had been so focused on survival and Tier-levels that I had forgotten what a peaceful world looked like.
My stomach let out a thunderous rumble.
"Damn. The old days brings back memories." I muttered inwardly.
My eyes locked onto a street vendor grilling Kushiyaki (roasted meat on sticks). The scent of charred fat and sweet soy glaze was intoxicating.
I reached into my pocket searching for Aster coins which was the currency being spent in Velrion Star City. My mouth was watering. But unfortunately, there was nothing in the pocket. I checked again and through the other pocket.
'Damit!' I muttered with a look of disappointment after I remembered that my last budget had been spent on equipment at the HQ. I was broke. I looked around for Sherach, Kageno or Kael, but they had vanished into the city's many alleys.
"Tch. Typical," I muttered, staring longingly at the sizzling meat.
"Two orders of the Chuan'r, please."
A voice like cool silk sounded beside me. I turned to see a woman standing there and immediately recognized who she was. She was breathtaking. Her hair was a deep midnight black with vibrant blue stripes that began at her fringe and flowed to the tips like falling water. Her oval face was framed by majestic strands, her sharp blue eyes reflecting the city lights.
She wore a silky, flowing blue blouse with wide sleeves and intricate gold embroidery at the chest which was a royal, ceremonial style tucked into high-waisted black pants. It was a perfect fusion of traditional elegance and modern tactical fashion.
The vendor handed her two sticks of the roasted meat. She didn't even look at me as she held one out in my direction.
"...?"
I blinked, surprised. "For me?"
"You were staring," she said simply, her lips as red as a rose. "And your stomach is louder than a Mana-cannon."
"Thank you," I said, taking the stick and I felt a little embarrassed after she claimed hearing my rumbling stomach. I chewed on the meat which was incredible.
As she turned to walk away, I quickened my pace, falling in line to her right. "Um...Suki, Wait. You're one of the Captains, aren't you? I didn't see you in the chamber today."
She slowed her pace but didn't stop. "I had business at the Academy. Logistics." She glanced at me, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "And now that you've gotten your answer s, you should stop following me. Go back to your friends and stay away from me."
I chuckled, holding up my hands. "I'll play the good boy. Thanks for the snack, Captain." She stared at me for a moment before turning and walking away.
She disappeared into the crowd without another word. I stood there for a moment, finishing the meat, before I spotted Sherach, Ria, and Sinata further down the street. Sherach was leaning over a counter, talking to a shopkeeper with the playful, exaggerated tone of a man trying to get a discount.
"Oh come on," Sherach laughed. "You have to admit your cooking is legendary."
He handed skewers to the girls.
Then he noticed me approaching.
"Ah! Oliver!" Sherach waved me over, holding a bundle of the same roasted meat. "I figured you'd be starving. Here!"
He handed me a stick, then paused, noticing the stick of meat already in my hand. He tilted his head. "Wait. "You already bought one?"
He pointed at my skewer.
"I calculated your budget. You shouldn't have been able to afford that. "You guys should have been completely broke."
He shrugged. "How'd you get it?"
"A lady Captain bought it for me," I said with a shrug.
"A lady...?" Sherach's eyes went wide. Then he laughed, a loud, boisterous sound. "The brat has charms! Meanwhile, I'm over here paying full price!"
Ria and Sinata exchanged an envious, slightly annoyed look. "Why is it always him?" Ria grumbled, though she took the meat Sherach offered.
"Where's Kageno?" I asked, looking around.
"No idea," Sinata said, taking a bite. "He probably went back to the Academy to find a quiet place to sleep, or he's wandering the rooftops. You know how he is."
I nodded, looking up at the Star City sky. The lights of the metropolis were beautiful, reflecting in the eyes of my teammates.
As we walked together through the glowing streets, Sherach's laughter echoing in the air, I realized that for the first time in two lives, I didn't just have a squad.
I had a home.