As soon as the academy finished for the day, I wasted no time lingering around. I had something important to do.
I immediately headed straight toward Hebriz City to visit my family.
It was not just an ordinary visit, but something I had promised myself I would do — a promise I had made a while back and one I intended to keep of course.
I actually did it pretty late because I got a bit busy lately.
I left the academy at exactly [8:37 PM]. The air was cooler than usual, carrying that faint metallic tang of city smog mixing with the distant scent of wet pavement.
The streetlights were already glowing, casting bright lights on the road ahead as I moved quickly toward the station.
You would’ve still think it’s morning because there’s a lot of people out and it’s still bright out.
The journey itself wasn’t long — only about 40 minutes of traveling before I finally reached my destination.
40 might sound quick, but with the dull, quiet surrounding of the vehicle, and the occasional flicker of passing lights, it felt longer than it really was.
When I got to our house and stepped inside, my parents were there to greet me. Their faces instantly lit up.
They let me in without hesitation, their joy obvious in their voices and expressions.
My mom immediately went toward the kitchen, clearly intent on making me something to eat, while my dad stayed in the living room with me, chatting idly to keep me company.
After that, just as I had expected, both of them began asking about my life at the academy.
First, they brought up the article that had been spreading online about me.
It was pretty embarrassing... No, it was super embarrassing...
Then following that, they asked about my test results.
And of course, they asked about my performance in the combat test.
As I’ve said before, I do my best not to lie to them unless it’s absolutely necessary. I hate the idea of feeding them false stories, especially when it’s about something important.
So I told them everything I could.
I shared nearly every detail I could remember, except for a few small and very specific things — like the fact that I had deliberately led Sean and his group to their deaths. After all, that wasn’t something I could casually toss into conversation over dinner.
Our conversation on these topics lasted for at least an hour. They kept listening without interruption, nodding occasionally, their expressions steady and unreadable.
But I didn’t mind that and I just continued on talking.
When I finally finished telling them all I could, my dad leaned back slightly and let out a quiet breath.
"So that’s what happened, huh."
"Congrats on taking first place in both of the tests!"
My mom happily added right after, smiling.
Dad gave a small nod of satisfaction, clearly pleased with the outcome as well.
They heard every word I said... and yet, not a single negative comment came out of their mouths.
I had literally admitted to torturing Sean and the others in front of a crowd, and they didn’t seem fazed at all.
My parents... they’re really weird.
’But I really like them...’
And at this point, I’d actually already gotten used to their weirdness. So I didn’t bother overthinking it.
And then it happened...
A small, cute, childish voice drifted down from upstairs.
We all turned our heads toward the staircase, where the voice had come from.
And there— I saw Nisha slowly descending the stairs.
Judging from her half-lidded eyes and the faint messiness of her hair, it was obvious she had just woken up.
’She’s really cute. What an angel.’
I couldn’t help but think of that while watching her with a smile on my face.
I really want to protect this family of mine.
When she finally reached the bottom, her eyes scanned the room — until they landed on me.
Her eyes widened in surprise.
She started to call out to me, but stopped midway as if she had just remembered something.
Then she puffed her cheeks, gave a little hmph, and turned her back on me.
A faint frown crept onto my face at her reaction.
"She’s still sulking because you left before while she was sleeping."
My mom said casually from beside me.
"And you didn’t visit us last week even though you had the entire week free from the academy."
Then Dad added, his voice calm but pointed.
Their words jabbed at my conscience a little, but I decided to ignore part of what they said.
Still, as the conversation continued, my mind was already busy thinking of a quick way to patch things up with Nisha.
"Wow, I’ve never been in this kind of place before!"
Nisha’s voice was full of awe, her eyes darting from one colorful display to another.
"It’s actually my first time going here too."
I said to her, walking beside Nisha while holding her small hand.
"Thanks for bringing me here, hehe~"
She said, her voice softening into a giggle that made me smile without thinking.
Seeing her — genuinely happy — filled me with a warmth I hadn’t felt in a while.
To make up for upsetting her before, I had decided to bring her to [Xenia], the largest marketplace for heroes and aspiring heroes.
I didn’t know every detail about this place, but I did know it had an impressive reputation. It was famous for selling everything from cutting-edge weapons to rare monster materials, and even custom gear for people training to become heroes.
In the novel, Alec and the others often got their equipment from Tyrone here, and the rest they obtained by raiding dungeons, attacking demon cult bases, and scavenging dangerous territories.
But my reason for bringing Nisha here was simple: kids love lively, colorful places .
I took a slow glance around.
’Hmm... This place really is interesting.’
The air was full of energy — merchants calling out their deals, the smell of grilled food drifting from nearby stalls, the occasional glint of metal from weapon displays.
’But there are too many people... and it’s loud.’
Also it’s unnecessarily bright here. I frowned slightly at the glaring overhead lights.
Just then, Nisha suddenly called, tugging at my hand.
And with that, we began exploring.
We checked every floor, every shop. We even came across an arcade — and of course, we had to go inside.
In fact, that was where we spent most of our time.
By the time the clock struck [3:00 PM], Nisha was visibly tired and, more importantly, hungry.
So I started looking for a good place to eat. That was when I remembered hearing about a food court on the second floor.
Right now, I’m carrying Nisha in my arms. She’s worn out from walking and playing for hours.
As I head toward the food court, I notice something odd.
’Why are they looking at us?’
It isn’t just one or two people. I can feel countless gazes on us, lingering.
And it’s not just now — they’ve been doing this since we first walked in.
At first, I ignored it since I couldn’t sense any hostility, but now it’s getting irritating.
"Brother, are you okay? Am I heavy? Is that why you look like that?"
Nisha asked, tilting her head slightly.
I looked at her and gave her my best smile.
"I’m totally fine. You’re not heavy at all. In fact, I’m strong enough to carry you forever."
"Then why do you look annoyed?"
’Because these people won’t stop staring at us.’
But instead of that, I said;
"Because I’m getting hungry too."
"Yeah, so let’s go fast!"
I picked up my pace and kept ignoring the stares until we finally reached the food court.
The place was bustling — rows of stalls selling every kind of food imaginable.
"Wow, there are so many stores to choose from!"
Nisha’s eyes sparkled.
"Where do you want to go first?"
She pointed toward a stall selling deep-fried monster meats.
"Hmm, sure, let’s take a look."
Even here, people were staring. Some even stepped aside, letting us move to the front without asking.
I didn’t waste such kindness.
I said to them with a smile.
Nisha followed, her tone sweet.
She’s really such an angel.
Anyway— Nisha pointed out everything she wanted, and I bought it all.
’Money really is useful... I need more of it.’
But then, at that moment—
A familiar voice called my name.
"Huh...? Big brother, someone called you."
I turned my head, frowning.
And not just him — the other main characters were here too. Even Blake!