Chapter 304: Home Sweet Home

I hadn’t expected them to agree with my plan. Honestly, I didn’t even know enough about the higher-level powers of the three human worlds to feel completely confident.

But one thing I was sure of, whatever the Ferans wanted, we couldn’t let them come here and walk into a situation that worked in their favor.

That’s when Dante spoke from across the table, his voice low and rough.

“What do you think the Ferans really want from our world? Why are they so interested in the three human planets?”

I took a moment to think, then gave the two reasons that came to mind.

“They either want the realm… or they’re after Azalea Nag.”

Their expressions shifted slightly, listening. I went on to explain everything I’d learned—from Lily, from Azalea—about the history of the realm, about the Ferans’ involvement in it, and how they had obtained the transformation method from that very place.

I knew Steve had probably already shared parts of this story, but I still retold everything in my own words, adding my thoughts and perspective.

Dante listened until I finished, then muttered quietly, “I don’t believe that’s the only reason.”

I waited, expecting him to elaborate but he said nothing more.

Instead, Arkas suddenly spoke.

“What about the traitors?”

I turned to look at the Emperor. He was tapping his fingers on the table, eyes focused on the drink in his hand. After a short silence, he finally replied.

“They’ll be captured and interrogated. But we’ll discuss when and how later.”

Then his gaze shifted back to me.

“Tell me more about the realm. And about this Naga Grandmaster you mentioned.”

I nodded and shared everything I knew, how the realm worked, how I took control of the core, and everything Azalea had told me about herself and her failed experiment with the Phantom. I did hold back only some information.

They all listened silently. No one interrupted. When I finally finished, the room fell quiet again. Everyone seemed deep in thought.

After a long pause, the Emperor smiled slightly and said, “I like the way you think, Billion. But an Empire cannot just pick up its sword and charge into war. We must consider every possible outcome, every factor in play.”

I nodded, understanding his hesitation. Without knowing the full scope of the Empire’s strength or that of our enemies, I couldn’t do much more than offer suggestions. Still, I had spoken from the heart, based on what I saw and knew.

At least I had Arkas on my side. That was one vote.

I glanced toward Edgar, wondering if he would support me too. But the old man was just quietly sipping his drink, as if none of this really mattered to him.

Then the Emperor spoke again, more firmly this time.

“But there is one part of your plan we will definitely follow, capturing the realm, just as you proposed.”

He looked around the room as he declared it.

“And we’ll do it within the next two days. I’ve tolerated the Holts for too long. It’s time we ended this, but we’ll do it discreetly. No large movements. Quiet, clean.”

A smile crept onto my face when I heard that.

He continued, turning to Arkas.

“Arkas, take Billion home. Let him reunite with his family. Take Steve with you as well. But both of you are to remain indoors—you’re considered missing, remember. No meeting or contacting anyone else. Tomorrow morning, bring him back to me. I have some things to discuss.”

Arkas nodded and stood up.

I got up too. We both bowed respectfully to the Emperor, and then Arkas placed a hand on my shoulder.

In a blink, we were gone.

We reappeared in a flash of light, slamming into a room with a loud bang.

“Fuck, who is it now?” came a voice.

I grinned the moment I saw who it was. Steve stood near the door, sword in hand, looking half-ready to attack.

“Yo L—”

I didn’t get to finish.

Arkas growled loudly. “Let’s go. I can’t stay here any longer or I might attack that bitch.”

I blinked, confused. “What…?”

Steve leaned toward me and whispered, “Dante.”

I didn’t really understand what he meant, but before I could ask, Arkas grabbed us both again. The world twisted around us, and the next thing I knew, we jumped between different portals, Arkas dragging us like ragdolls before we were standing outside my house in Cairo.

Arkas pointed toward the front door.

“Get inside. Fast. Keep yourselves hidden. Your grandmother will arrive soon. Tomorrow morning, I’ll come for you.”

I nodded quickly.

Without another word, he vanished.

I rushed to the door, quickly typed in the password, and stepped inside. Steve followed right behind me, nearly bumping into my back.

As I walked further in, I slowed down, letting my eyes roam over the familiar walls and furniture. It had been months since I last stood here. Everything looked just the same—quiet, cozy, untouched by the madness I’d been living through.

“I’m home,” I whispered under my breath.

Steve patted my shoulder as he walked past me like he owned the place, then flopped down dramatically on the couch with a loud groan.

“Finally!” he said, stretching out. “That royal palace was suffocating me. They’ve got guards watching every hallway, and not a single damn place where a man can train shirtless in peace.”

I chuckled and sank down beside him on the couch.

“So,” he turned to me with a grin, “what happened after I left?”

I let out a long breath and began telling him everything, what happened with Lily, how I met Azalea, the Phantom fight, the soul battle, the realm core.

He stayed quiet the whole time, just listening. When I finished, he leaned back and blew out a breath.

“So, you’re saying… the entire mission we started—the second transformation plan—it’s over?”

I shook my head and grinned. “Who said it’s over?”

His eyes lit up like a kid being told he could have dessert before dinner. “Wait, what do you mean?”

I nodded like a wise old sage and said, “It means we’ve got something even better now.”

“Better than a transformation?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Azalea herself,” I said with a smirk. “The Ferans used her research to develop the transformation technique in the first place. And she owes me a favor.”

He sat up straight, mouth slightly open.

“Wait. You’re saying you’ll use her favor….for me?”

I shrugged.

“I don’t need the transformation. But you do. And if she can help us create something even better, why not? She did say she owed me.”

I paused for a second, then said, “Also… there’s someone I want you to meet.”

Steve raised an eyebrow, suspicious.

“Someone?”

I nodded slowly, a small smile tugging at my lips.

“Yeah. I’m pretty sure you’ll like her.”

He squinted at me, his tone suddenly dramatic.

“Wait. Her?”

I tried to keep a straight face, but the grin broke through.

“Yeah. Her.”

Please read author’s notes.

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