Chapter 80: Changing Relationships

CH80 Changing Relationships

***

"Hope I didn’t keep you waiting long?" Alex asked with an apologetic smile.

"No," Zora shook her head lightly. "You met with Pinchcoin?"

"Hmm." Alex nodded. "I take it you already know he brought me a revised version of the trade agreement?"

"I do. I informed him of your impending departure and signed off on the updated terms."

Alex nodded again.

Together, they turned to take in the view from the balcony.

It was as breathtaking as ever—an endless sea of stars stretching across the sky, casting silver reflections across the landscape below.

"How does it feel... to finally come of age?" Zora asked, her voice soft.

"Not all that different," Alex replied with a shrug. "I was never exactly your typical minor to begin with."

He gave a dry chuckle.

"Honestly, the whole coming-of-age thing feels kind of overrated. Call me disillusioned, but adulthood seems less like freedom and more like a shift in responsibilities. At least, that’s how my future looks."

"Does that bother you?"

"Not really," he said. "It is what it is. I’ll just take it in stride and keep pushing forward."

Zora gave a small nod, her gaze returning to the stars.

The silence between them was comfortable, filled with the quiet beauty of the night.

Then she asked again, "What kind of person do you see yourself becoming?"

"The same kind of person I’ve always been," Alex said without hesitation.

"An average Joe just trying to make the most of what life throws at him. If I get grapes, I’ll make wine. If I get lemons, I’ll make lemonade."

Zora smiled, amused.

"I don’t think anyone would call you average. One might even say you’re a child of destiny, considering how everything seems to line up for you."

"It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks," Alex said, shaking his head.

"This mindset—seeing myself as average—keeps me grounded. Life has a habit of slapping down anyone who starts thinking they’re exalted, noble, or chosen. I’ve seen enough of that already."

To Alex, keeping a humble self-image was a survival tactic. If he always saw himself at the bottom of the ladder—regardless of his real position—then the only direction left was up. That belief gave him purpose, drive, and the constant push to keep improving.

But if he ever started believing he was already at the top... he’d lose that fire. He’d become complacent.

And in this world, complacency was fatal.

He turned to Zora with a faint, amused smile.

"Is that all the questions you have?"

A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.

Alex caught it and leaned in.

"If that’s all... then I believe it’s time for your answer, right?"

Zora looked away.

"There’s no need to keep hesitating," Alex said gently.

"It’s just a simple yes or no. If you’re not interested, I’ll never bring it up again. And if you’re worried about how this might affect us—"

Before he could finish, Zora turned, grabbed him by the collar—and pulled him down.

Her lips pressed softly against his.

A moment later, she released him. Their lips parted, but Alex kept his forehead resting against hers.

"Should I take that as a yes?" he asked, eyes half-lidded.

"Wasn’t that a clear enough answer?" Zora replied without backing down, her gaze steady.

"No," Alex smirked.

He slipped his arms around her waist and kissed her again.

But this time, it wasn’t gentle.

It was deep, fierce, possessive and wild.

Zora gasped slightly at the sudden intensity, but after a brief hesitation, she melted into his embrace and returned the kiss.

Under the starlit sky, they lost themselves in each other—

No more ambiguity.

No more hesitation.

Their relationship had just changed, and they both knew it.

-

The following week saw Alex busy preparing for his impending departure to Ashen Castle—an assignment that would mark the next stage of his journey.

One of his first priorities was to fully stock his personal pocket space, which he had finally named Sanctuary, after the Sanctuary Subspace—where he got the fortuitous opportunity that had led to the creation of the sealed dimension in the first place.

He also took the time to tie up loose ends with the few people he had grown close to during his time at the Enclave, especially the Master Craftsmen he had worked alongside during the creation of Rune-Net and the establishment of the phone production line. He made sure to visit his Craftsmanship teachers as well, expressing his gratitude before taking his leave.

But he left the most important person for last.

Asta.

The first friend he had made at the Enclave.

Over the years, their bond had frayed—faded, really—with Asta deliberately keeping her distance and Alex quietly letting her go.

Now that he was preparing to leave the Enclave for good, he felt the urge to settle things with her. To bring closure, or perhaps something more.

So he went to the Task Hall to request her residential information.

To his surprise, despite all she had accomplished, Asta’s listed address was located in one of the shanty streets deep within the Enclave’s territory—a place known to house only the poorest of the poor.

It didn’t make sense.

By all accounts, Asta had built a reputation over the years as a tireless contributor to the Task Hall. She’d taken on countless missions, enough that her earnings could have comfortably supported a small family for years. That she would choose to live in squalor...

Alex frowned.

Something was off.

Making his way through the dilapidated district, Alex’s attire drew curious—and sometimes hostile—gazes. But upon spotting the sigil of an official Tower Mage embroidered on his cloak, any potential threats quickly withdrew, their interest fading into the shadows.

He soon found himself standing before a long, narrow alleyway cloaked in darkness. Flickering lamps cast broken halos of light, doing little to dispel the gloom.

The alley felt... suffocating. Like a gaping abyss, stretching endlessly into blackness.

Alex couldn’t understand why Asta would choose to live here.

By the time the oppressive atmosphere began gnawing at his resolve, he finally arrived at her door.

He knocked.

In the eerie silence of the alley, even the soft knock sounded like a resounding bang.

A moment later, a neighbouring door creaked open. A scarred, hostile face poked out, but when its owner caught sight of Alex’s official attire, the curses ready on his tongue died unspoken. The man retreated without a word and shut the door tight.

Alex knocked again.

This time, the letter slot slid open—and Asta’s familiar eyes peered through.

Her eyes widened in surprise. Then, cautiously, she opened the door.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice guarded.

"You’ve been avoiding me," Alex replied evenly.

Without waiting for an invitation, he stepped forward. Asta hesitated, but didn’t stop him.

The moment Alex stepped inside, his expression darkened.

The room was worse than he imagined.

It was barren. No bed. No furniture. The floor was bare stone. The only things of note were magical materials—components for Grade 1 and 2 spells—stacked neatly in a corner.

That... and the wand Asta was holding in a death grip.

The very same wand he had given her.

"Why didn’t you tell me?" Alex asked, his voice low.

"I thought we were friends. Or..." he paused, looking into her eyes, "...was I the only one who thought that?"

***