The world seemed to pause the moment Lucifer Morningstar stepped out of the museum.
Cameras whirred. Microphones extended. Reporters surged forward like a tidal wave.
"Lucifer Morningstar!"
"Sir, what did you see inside?"
"Sir, can I have a word with you?!"
Dozens of journalists, hunters, and streamers from across the Avaloria Empire—and even beyond—crowded around the lone figure. The Paraflux Dungeon had taken countless lives. No one had ever returned.
Yet here he was.
Lucifer Morningstar.
Returned safe and sound—and more importantly, alive.
But just as the sea of voices was about to close in on him, a ripple spread through the crowd.
Several individuals emerged, surrounding Alex in a loose formation. Each one bore unique traits—markings of their race and nation.
One stepped forward, clearly one of the leaders. He was tall and regal, with long green hair that shimmered like starlight and a leaf insignia that marked him as a high-ranking elf. His piercing green eyes reflected the forest—deep and ancient.
He stepped ahead with grace and spoke with a melodic voice.
"Lucifer Morningstar. I never thought I’d see the day where a rookie who appeared from nowhere would shake the foundations of the world. I serve the Elven Empi—"
Before he could finish, Alex brushed past him.
Without a glance.
Without a word.
The elf froze mid-sentence, mouth slightly open. His cheeks turned beet red from sheer embarrassment as the cameras caught every humiliating second.
Around them, dwarves with black beards, elegant merfolk with breathtaking beauty, and even petite winged fairies stepped forward one after another.
"Sir Morningstar, we humbly invite you to our country."
"You shall be showered with luxury and resources beyond imagination."
"Just share with us... what you discovered inside."
But Alex ignored them all. His footsteps never wavered.
’Keep talking. None of you are worth my time. I already have enough on my plate as it is.’
Realizing their words were falling on deaf ears, a few foreign elites grit their teeth. A powerful dwarven envoy and a mermaid queen’s bodyguard took a step forward, their auras beginning to swell.
Until—
Alex turned and gave them a single glance.
Just one.
That glare.
Time seemed to freeze. Their knees almost buckled. Sweat poured down their temples. No words were exchanged, but his meaning was clear.
’Use force... and you die.’
All of them swallowed hard. One by one, they stepped back—defeated without a fight.
The crowd had fallen completely silent.
Even the reporters dared not move.
They had just witnessed Lucifer ignore representatives from the strongest nations, top-tier hunters, and elites—and none of them could stop him.
Still, a few brave reporters were about to surge forward again when a barrier of firm authority stopped them.
Carter Brown stepped in.
Dressed in a sleek black coat, his presence alone halted the reporters in their tracks.
"He seems exhausted and in need of medical attention," Carter said firmly. "Keep your questions for another time."
From where he stood, Alex raised an eyebrow. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
’Looks like this guy’s worth investing in after all.’
The media buzzed with fresh energy.
A famous figure from the Radiant Blades Guild, Carter Brown, was now protecting Lucifer Morningstar? Despite being from a rival guild?
This was going to be front-page news.
Ignoring the chaos behind him, Carter jogged toward Alex.
The moment their eyes met, he exhaled in disbelief. "You... Sir, I’m still having a hard time believing you actually came back alive from that place."
Alex smirked. "So you were hoping I wouldn’t, huh?"
"No! No, sir!" Carter stammered, flustered. "In fact, my instincts kept telling me you’d make it out. That’s why I came here whenever I found time... hoping to see you emerge."
"All right, all right," Alex said lazily. "No need to explain yourself. Just clear the way. I’m tired. I want to sleep for an entire day."
"Yes, sir." Carter nodded and stepped forward.
He released a fraction of his aura.
Reporters gasped and stumbled back. The crowd parted like waves retreating from a crashing cliff. Many ran for cover, almost suffocating under the pressure.
Alex whistled softly. "Wow. I’m impressed and all... but you do know they’ll come after you for this, right?"
Carter laughed. "These things are normal for me. I don’t really care."
"All right then. Let’s go."
Alex turned toward his sleek black-and-silver sports car parked just where he had left it two days ago.
He walked up to it with slow reverence... and hugged it.
"I missed you so much," he whispered to the vehicle.
Carter blinked.
’Yep... My instincts were right. He’s powerful... and definitely mentally unstable.’
After a full minute of hugging his beloved car, Alex turned to Carter.
"You drive. I’m too tired."
Carter nodded. "Of course."
He slipped into the driver’s seat, while Alex flopped into the passenger side, stretching like a lazy cat.
The engine purred to life.
They cruised down the road, leaving flashing lights and echoing media behind.
For a while, there was silence.
Then Carter glanced sideways. "Would you mind if I ask... what did you discover inside that rift?"
Alex looked out the window.
"I’m not in the mood to talk about it. Try another time."
Carter closed his mouth.
Then suddenly Alex said, "Tell me something about yourself instead. At least that way I won’t be bored."
Carter sighed. "It’s nothing interesting. I came from a normal middle-class family. Attended a regular school. But I had potential—and a rare affinity.
After graduation, I tried my luck at the number one guild, Radiant Blades. The guild master saw something in me and took me in. I worked hard and eventually made a name for myself."
Alex clicked his tongue. "Lucky bastard."
"Did you say something, sir?"
"You’re just hearing things."
Carter raised an eyebrow... but wisely said nothing more.
The car rolled down the glowing highways of Avaloria as the city lights reflected in Alex’s cold purple eyes.
The storm had returned... and the world wasn’t ready for it.
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