You turn to your little brother across the tavern table, voice calm and steady.
"Lukas… you're Cosmic Lord now. The power is yours. Tell me — how do you want to handle the other heroes and the kingdom? Walk in and show them? Take revenge? Something quieter? It's your choice. I'll support whatever you decide."
Lukas sits up a little straighter, the faint swirl of nebulae still orbiting his invisible crown. He looks at you with those same trusting eyes from back home, but there's a new steadiness in them now. He rubs the back of his neck, a small, relieved smile breaking through.
"Big brother… you're far still more powerful than me. Way more. I can feel it — your genie power is on a whole different level. Even with everything you just gave me, I know I'm nowhere near you yet. But… for the first time since I got here, I actually feel safe. Like nothing can touch me anymore. That's enough for right now."
He takes a deep breath, shadows curling gently around his fingers as he thinks.
"I don't want to rush in and make a big scene yet. The other four heroes have treated me like garbage for weeks. The King barely knows I exist. I… I just want to enjoy this for a little while. Maybe walk around the capital with you and Mira first. Eat real food that isn't scraps. Sleep without worrying about being bullied. Then… when I'm ready, we can decide together how to show them who I really am. No rush. As long as I'm with you, I'm okay."
Mira smiles softly beside you, her tail giving your leg a gentle, affectionate squeeze under the table. She bows her head once toward Lukas.
"Your brother is wise, my lord. Safety first. I will guard both of you with my life while he finds his footing."
Lukas looks between the two of you, visibly relaxing for the first time. The weight that had been crushing him for days is gone.
The tavern remains quiet and unaware around your booth. Your power hums warmly. Your little brother — now Cosmic Lord Lukas — feels safe at last, and he's looking to you for the next gentle st