The groups continued battling zombies and variants, encountering evolved and special variants throughout the day. As night fell, Vlad's wolves approached the groups, transforming into puddles of blood and guiding them into blood portals.
Each group entered, returning to the campsite where food was delivered from taverns and shops supporting Adam and the others. Everyone ate, some experiencing mana and elements flowing through their bodies. They chatted about their experiences, with some even developing affinities for magic casting and enhancement magic. They showed off their newfound abilities from the training, and Adam realized their bodies were rapidly adapting and evolving.
"It seems some have evolved and are able to cast magic and enhancement magic," Adam noted. "It would mean that the mana flow is causing their bodies to undergo rapid evolution."
"Then I would be able to teach those who have evolved the basics of using it, since I was a teacher during my time in the other world," Lyra volunteered.
"Then tomorrow, we will separate those who have evolved and those who haven't into two different groups," Adam announced.
"One will continue outfield training, while the other explores their new abilities in Lyra's class."
"Dad, it's the virus," Azrael said, his red eyes gleaming. "It causes rapid evolution, just like the zombies evolving. They can evolve more as more mana pours into them. We might be able to win the war if they are able to evolve a few more times."
"That's great news. If they keep it up, they could defend themselves against the special variants on their own," Adam noted.
"I'm going back to my family. Don't worry, I'll be back in the morning," Johan said.
"Take your time and spend it with them tomorrow," Adam replied. "They've missed you, and it's better to be with them as much as you can." Johan smiled, feeling touched by Adam's thoughtfulness towards him and his family. Johan turned invisible and disappeared, heading back to his family.
Lyra sat down beside Adam and Azrael, thinking about their time together as they ate and chatted about how far they had come, reminiscing their journey back here. Vlad, as he looked at the three of them, remembered his own family and kingdom, wondering how long he had been away and if they still existed.
"Vlad, what's on your mind?" Adam asked.
"My family and my kingdom. I lost all of them coming here. Without me there, I worry they wouldn't survive," Vlad confessed.
"I can help you return to your world exactly when you got teleported here," Adam said.
"WHAT?! THAT'S POSSIBLE?!" Vlad asked, questioning the very possibility of it.
"Yes, not my powers, but Nirik's. The guy you saw with horns. He can return you to your world as if you never left," Adam explained.
"Then, if that is possible, please help me return back once this is over," Vlad said.
"I can't say 100% it can happen, though, since it's not really up to me. However, I believe Nirik can return you to the exact time you left," Adam replied.
"It doesn't matter if the chances are slim. If there's a chance, I'm willing to take it," Vlad declared. Adam smiled, knowing at least Vlad could have a happy ending after this was over. Adam understood, as he also needed to return to save Emily.
"Dad, once it's over, will you leave me behind?" Azrael asked.
"Of course not! We will take you with us," Adam and Lyra said in sync.
"By the way, Dad, why don't you want to tell Mom about what Emily said?" Azrael asked.
"Wait, you need to stop! Please don't look into my memories anymore," Adam said, visibly uncomfortable.
"I'm confused as to why Mom doesn't want to read your memories and put this misunderstanding to rest. It would easily solve it, and both of you can be together," Azrael continued innocently.
"Son, please. Don't say anything more about our memories. It's not right to invade the privacy of others," Lyra interjected, embarrassed.
"Boy, come with me. There's something I need to talk to you about," Vlad said, grabbing Azrael and leading him away.
Adam and Lyra looked at each other, a sudden awkwardness settling in after Azrael's honest words.
"You don't have to say anything," Lyra said, still embarrassed.
"No, I want you to know that you will be my wife one day," Adam confessed. "Once everything is solved, I want you to be with me and Emily. I hope you will say yes when the time comes."
"Of course, I would. I just... don't want to cause problems for you and Emily," Lyra spoke truthfully.
Adam leaned closer and kissed Lyra's lips. Lyra gently returned the kiss as they sat under the moonlight.
"Release me! Let me help you, my lord!" a voice suddenly boomed from inside Adam's head. The voice was heard through the neuro-link connected to Lyra, Vlad, and Azrael. Everyone suddenly looked towards Adam, wondering what was happening.