The sea breeze tasted different once the silhouette of Atlantis appeared on the horizon.
After a month of quiet sailing, without a single Apex daring to approach, the sight of civilization stirred something deep inside Adlet's chest — relief, excitement… and a strange longing. They had survived the island. They had grown. But now, the world was waiting for them again.
As they drew closer to the harbor, something unusual became clear.
The docks were silent.
Where there was usually laughter, shouting, sailors trading cargo and stories… there was only a dense, breath-held hush. The pier was packed with citizens — families, soldiers, workers — all gathered with anxious anticipation… and fear.
Waiting to see who had returned.
And how many had not.
The ship finally eased against the dock. Lucien disembarked first, his expression unreadable. Linoa followed, moving carefully — still not fully healed but carrying herself with dignity.
Adlet and Polo walked behind them, quieter than usual.
The crew remained aboard… to silently show how few survivors there truly were.
Cries broke out among the crowd — soft at first, then rising like a wave. Hope shattering into grief. Some collapsed where they stood. Others clung desperately to anyone who came down the gangplank, searching faces through tears.
Toward the front stood a man radiating both nobility and sorrow. Tall, broad-shouldered, his golden hair stirred gently in the wind. Armored Protectors flanked him, but his eyes were locked solely on—
"Linoa!"
He rushed forward, gathering his daughter into a fierce embrace. His composure cracked entirely as he held her close.
"I feared the worst… I feared I had lost you…" His voice trembled with emotion.
Linoa's strength broke. She clutched her father's cloak and sobbed — truly sobbed — for the first time since the Kraken's attack. All the pain she had buried finally escaped in shaking breaths.
Lucien looked away, granting her that moment. When the man finally composed himself, he faced the Protector who had brought his daughter home.
"I knew that with you at her side, she'd be safe. Thank you, Lucien."
Lucien bowed his head respectfully. "It was my duty, Lord Varyn. But I was not alone."
He stepped aside, revealing the two boys standing behind him.
"These two young Protectors have earned much of the credit."
Lord Varyn approached Polo and Adlet with a softened expression, extending both hands to them in gratitude.
"Thank you… truly. If you ever need anything — do not hesitate to come to me."
Polo bowed delicately. "You honor us, Lord Varyn."
Adlet nearly tripped as he tried to copy him. "Um— thank you, sir… lord… uh—"
Polo barely held back a snort.
Before either of them could recover from the awkward moment, another figure burst from the crowd — rounder, red-faced, and crying openly.
"Adlet! Polo!"
Niccolo reached them with tears welling in his eyes as he wrapped Adlet and Polo in a crushing embrace.
"I knew you'd make it! Several survivors from the fleet returned weeks ago, telling us what happened — I never doubted you two would find a way!" he declared, voice trembling between relief and pride.
Adlet blinked, taken aback.
"Survivors?" he echoed, stunned.
"Yes," Niccolo nodded, wiping his face. "Dozens managed to escape — flying or swimming away from the Kraken. They managed to get back home."
Linoa wiped her eyes, stunned. The guilt that had weighed on her shoulders for months loosened. Her breath shuddered out — relief finally breaking through the darkness inside her.
Lord Varyn placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Never forget this burden, Linoa. Responsibility means carrying the lives of others with you… and one day, when you lead in my place, this weight will be yours to bear."
Linoa nodded softly — firmer than she felt.
The nobles made their departure, Lucien escorting father and daughter through the crowd. But before he left, Varyn turned back briefly.
"Rest now. You've earned it."
Then he vanished into the streets of the capital.
Niccolo straightened his coat with an exaggerated huff.
"Well! You heard the lord. Come — to the company! A feast awaits, and you'll tell me everything over a proper meal!"
Adlet and Polo followed through the dispersing crowd, exhaustion finally settling into their bones now that the adrenaline was gone. The city felt familiar yet foreign — loud, overwhelming… alive.
Inside the merchant company headquarters, warmth and laughter returned quickly. Niccolo ordered food enough for twenty, insisting they eat until they could no longer move.
Between bites, Adlet and Polo told him most of what had happened: the Kraken's sudden attack, the brutal journey through the mountains, the fight against the Rokhs…
Adlet was careful to omit anything involving his multiple Auras.
Niccolo listened wide-eyed the entire time.
"You two… were extraordinary," he whispered. "But now — now we return to peace."
Adlet snorted. "Speak for yourself. I haven't had nearly enough adventure."
He meant it. Every syllable burned with restless determination.
Polo raised his cup with a grin.
"And we still have the Master Protector tournament ahead. Time to climb the ranks."
Niccolo groaned dramatically as he leaned back in his chair.
"Ahhh… youth. Always charging into danger… just don't bring home another Kraken!"
Polo chuckled, shaking his head.
Adlet smirked — the kind of grin that usually came right before he decided to do something reckless.
"No promises," he said.
Niccolo froze for half a second… then sighed deeply.
"…I suddenly miss the quiet days."
Later that night, Adlet stepped outside, breathing in the air of Atlantis.
He looked up at the glowing Stars in the ceiling — the same Stars he had dreamed under his entire life.
This isn't the end.
It's only the beginning.
Next stop: The capital. The tournament. The world.
And he was ready.