Chapter 395: Explore And Then....Bang

I stood and walked to the stage.

The Emperor watched me closely, then nodded once as a ceremonial officer stepped forward with a small box and a glowing badge.

"For surpassing expectations and standing above all others in potential, I grant you the title of Brilliant Beginner."

The first pin, a silver wing, was attached to my chest.

"For unmatched courage and command under lethal conditions, I grant you the Bravery Award."

The second wing joined the first.

I saluted.

The Emperor’s gaze lingered on me, and for a moment, the noise of the hall seemed to fade. A faint smile touched his lips.

"You’ve exceeded my expectations, Billion," he said, his voice carrying both warmth and gravity. "All bets are on you now. I know it’s a heavy responsibility, but with your nature, I have no doubt, you won’t hesitate to step forward when the moment comes."

I gave a small nod. The hall erupted with cheers and claps as I returned to my seat.

Soon, Steve and North were called up as well, each receiving the Bravery Award. Their uniforms now bore the same mark of recognition. They smiled faintly as they returned.

As the ceremony went on, I kept glancing around the hall, hoping to spot my grandmother. She wasn’t anywhere in sight.

I slipped my phone from my pocket and quickly sent her a short message.

A few seconds later, my screen lit up with her reply.

’Busy with a mission. Will come and see you soon. Take care.’

I felt a faint mix of relief and disappointment. Before I could tuck my phone away, North leaned slightly toward me, her voice low.

"Everything okay?"

I met her eyes and gave a small nod. "Yeah. Just... worried about Grandma."

The thought came to me suddenly, and I turned toward her. "So, should I introduce you to her?"

North’s cheeks flushed pink for a heartbeat before her expression settled back to calm. "No. Not now."

"Why?" I asked, a little curious.

"I’m not sure," she said after a short pause. "I feel like we should deal with the current situation first."

I thought about it, then gave a slow nod. "Alright. If you say so."

The ceremony wound down with the Emperor stepping forward again, his deep voice cutting through the murmurs in the hall.

His closing speech was short, just a few words about honor, perseverance, and the responsibilities that came with our new titles. But the way his gaze swept over the crowd made it clear he expected us to live up to them.

When it ended, the three of us filed out together. The air outside the hall felt lighter, and the sound of boots and chatter filled the corridor.

"So," North said, falling into step beside me, "how does it feel to finally get recognized for all that showing off you do?"

I smirked. "Feels about time, honestly."

Steve groaned from my other side. "You two are insufferable. One award and suddenly you think you’re royalty."

"Two awards," I corrected, holding up my fingers.

"Right, my mistake. Your Highness."

North grinned. "At least he has something to brag about, Steve. You... well..." She let the words hang with an innocent tilt of her head.

I jumped in. "You know, now that you’ve got the Bravery Award, you should have no trouble finding someone. Girls will flock to you like ants to sugar."

Steve gave me a deadpan look. "I’m sure your expertise in romance makes you the authority on this."

North laughed, shaking her head. "No, no—Billion’s actually right. Maybe if you stopped ogling him all the time, you’d make some progress in life."

Steve gasped like she’d just accused him of treason. "What? How dare you sully my sacred bond with my brother with such vile accusations!" he bellowed, putting on an over-the-top act.

I laughed. "Uh-huh. That’s exactly what someone who keeps glaring at me for no reason would say."

His eyes narrowed instantly. "I do not glare at you."

"Sure you don’t," I said, smirking.

North just grinned, clearly enjoying the chaos she had started.

By the time we reached Edgar’s office, Steve looked like he was regretting walking with us. Edgar was waiting inside, leaning casually against his desk. He straightened and gave us an approving nod.

"Well done, all of you," Edgar said. "You’ve made the Empire proud."

He lingered by my side as the room began to stir again. His eyes swept over me, a faint glint of envy in them.

"You know... I hate how young you are," he said with a smirk. "Back when I was your age, I didn’t have half the skill or the recognition you’re getting. Now..." he patted his own shoulder with mock weariness, "I’m stuck working overtime for the Emperor, and soon enough, you’ll be just like me, old, worn out, and married to the Emperor since he has got his eyes on you now."

I gave a small shrug. "I’ll keep that in mind."

Before he could say more, a voice cut through the air.

"Don’t sully the Emperor’s name like this."

The space beside the desk twisted, and a figure stepped into existence as though he’d always been there.

He was... hard to look at. Grey-skinned, bald, with a third eye glaring from his forehead. His torso was bare, muscles knotted like stone, and the only clothing he wore was a pair of torn pants. In his hand rested a long, vicious spear.

It was Dante in another disguise.

"Here comes the clown," Edgar scoffed.

The newcomer chuckled, deep and unhurried. "Ohhh... if I’m the clown, then that makes you the tired old audience who keeps paying to see my act."

Edgar’s jaw tightened, but the man didn’t spare him another glance. Instead, his gaze locked on North.

"I don’t have time to waste on an old man like you," he said to Edgar. Then, to North, "You’re coming with me. I’ll wait outside. You have two minutes for goodbyes."

With that, he turned and walked out, the faintest ripple in the space following his departure, like it was exhaling.

She raised an eyebrow at him but didn’t argue. "Guess that’s my cue."

She turned to me, her expression softening. "Bye, Billion. Take care of yourself and don’t overwork yourself into an old man." Before I could respond, she stepped closer and planted a quick kiss on my cheek.

Then she glanced at Steve with a teasing smile. "Take care, Steve." Without waiting for a reply, she spun on her heel and jogged off outside with Dante.

Edgar let out a low chuckle. "Well, I almost feel pity for Arkas," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But well done, young man."

I puffed out my chest in mock pride and said, "Thank you, Sir Edgar. It took some effort, but I won this battle too."

Edgar nodded, then turned to Steve. "What about you?"

Steve blinked, a little caught off guard. "What about me?"

Edgar rolled his eyes. "Are you not putting in the effort, young man? Or are you just waiting to grow old?"

Steve scoffed. "I’ll put in effort when I find a baddie from another race. Human girls don’t entice me."

Edgar rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Oh, ambitious. Nice. Which race do you have in mind? Maybe I can help you out."

Steve rubbed his chin, pretending to think hard. "That’s the problem, I’m confused. Do I want a hottie, a cutie, or maybe a villainous type? So many options, I don’t know what to pick."

Edgar nodded knowingly. "I get it. I’ve been there myself. Here’s my advice: don’t choose too early. Take your time, explore, and then....bang"

Steve bowed dramatically. "Thanks for the advice, Grandmaster. Explore and then bang. I’ll remember that."

I let out a quiet breath, watching their conversation.

Edgar’s focus shifted back to me. "General Cassian’s occupied for now. He’ll arrive mid-afternoon. Until then, I suggest you tag along with Steve—he’s coming with me to meet the Emperor."