Chapter 245 - This Will Always Be My Home.

The Valentine Mansion hall was bathed in the pale glow of morning light, streaks of gold spilling through the tall windows as Luca adjusted the strap on his simple traveling clothes. Unlike the uniforms of the academy, today felt... lighter. Freer. His heartbeat quickened—not from battle this time, but from the anticipation of what awaited them throughout the continent.

One by one, the others arrived. Vincent entered first, calm and composed as always, his dark traveling cloak draped neatly around him. Kyle stumbled in right after, carrying a large travel pack that looked almost bigger than himself, muttering something about straps digging into his shoulders. Lilliane followed quietly, her steps hesitant, her pink braid bouncing lightly with each movement as she tried to adjust the weight of her own bag.

Selena slipped in behind them, a cool expression on her face, carrying no luggage. Her pale gaze swept across the hall like a cold wind. And finally, Aurelia entered, her presence as steady as the dawn itself, her Crimson hair tied back loosely, travel cloak flowing at her sides.

They greeted each other in turn, the hall filling with chatter.

Kyle stretched with a loud groan. "Man... I was just getting used to all the peace and quiet, and now we’re off again. Not that I’m complaining!" He grinned, though his shoulders sagged as if the idea of more battles already weighed on him.

The others chuckled softly in agreement. Selena gave the faintest of nods, and even Lilliane murmured, "It really was... a peaceful few days."

"Anyway," Aurelia stepped beside Luca, her voice curious, "how did you even manage to get permission for us to enter the elven forest? It’s not exactly a place they allow just anyone to wander into."

Luca smiled and gestured toward Senior Elowen, who had just entered, her crimson eyes glinting playfully. "It’s all thanks to Senior Elowen."

"Oh, please." Elowen waved her hand dismissively, her cloak rustling as she brushed past them. "Anything for my cute juniors. Think of it as... your privileges of being my juniors."

Luca chuckled. "Privileges that could get you into trouble, you mean."

But no one cared. The air was filled with excitement—different shades of it. Selena stood aloof, her arms crossed, while Kyle practically vibrated with eagerness. Lilliane lingered close, awkward yet unable to hide the glimmer of expectation in her eyes.

Before anyone could say more, small footsteps echoed across the marble floor.

"Brother Luca!!"

Lisa came running full speed into the hall, her tiny arms flinging around Luca as she buried her face into his chest. Tears brimmed in her eyes. "Don’t go! Please, I want to come with you!"

"Lisa..." Luca sighed, gently patting her head. "You’re not old enough for this yet. It’s too dangerous."

"But—!" Her voice cracked, shaking with stubbornness as she clung tighter. "I don’t care, I’ll be good, I promise—"

Luca looked helplessly at Aurelia.

Aurelia stepped forward, her expression softening as she crouched to Lisa’s level. "Lisa, listen to me. This journey isn’t like playing in the garden. There are places even your brother has trouble facing. You’ll only be safe here, with your mother and father."

Still, Lisa sniffled, her lower lip trembling, unwilling to let go.

At that moment, Selene and Darian entered the hall, their expressions a mix of pride and sorrow as they watched their children. Darian’s arms folded behind his back, his jaw tight, while Selene’s eyes shimmered faintly, though she remained composed.

Finally, Aurelia’s gentle coaxing worked. Lisa pulled away reluctantly, cheeks puffed in a pout. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, then looked up at Luca with accusing seriousness.

"...Fine. But only if you give me the gift you promised!"

"Gift?" Luca blinked in confusion. "What gift—"

Lisa stomped her foot, her eyes wide as she blurted, "Last time, when you and sister Aurelia were in your dorm room—"

Ahmm, why does she still remember that..

Before she could finish, Luca’s eyes widened. He quickly clapped his hand over her mouth, laughing awkwardly. "I remember! I remember now, don’t worry about it!"

As everyone stared at him—and Aurelia.

Aurelia flushed instantly, her lashes fluttering as her cheeks turned crimson. "L-Lisa!"

Kyle burst out laughing. Even Vincent’s lips twitched. Selena merely arched an eyebrow in amusement, while Lilliane fidgeted, unsure whether to laugh or look away.

Desperate to change the subject, Luca pulled out his storage ring and summoned three objects into his palm—a pair of silver rings and a small bracelet. Gasps filled the hall as the artifacts shimmered into existence, appearing as though out of thin air.

"You... what—?!" Kyle’s jaw dropped.

Luca smiled, handing the two rings to his parents. "These are storage artifacts I made using my space affinity. They’re not huge, but enough for traveling and keeping supplies safe."

Selene blinked in astonishment as she slipped the ring onto her finger, Darian inspecting his with a low whistle. "To think you managed to forge such things...." Darian muttered, pride and surprise blending in his tone.

Then Luca knelt down, presenting the bracelet to Lisa with a soft smile. "And this is yours. Something to keep with you until we return."

Lisa’s eyes widened. She accepted it with trembling hands, staring at it as though it were the greatest treasure in the world. "It’s... it’s beautiful!"

Kyle clicked his tongue, half-jealous. "Oi, even your little sister gets a treasure? And here I thought I was your greatest friend."

"Don’t act like a child," Selena muttered, though her lips almost curved.

Luca only smirked, pulling out more rings from his storage space. He handed them to Kyle, Lilliane, Elowen, and finally Vincent.

Kyle immediately slipped his on, testing it with sparkling eyes. "Oh, now this is amazing—just ignore what I said earlier!"

Lilliane turned hers over in her hand, silent awe written across her face. Elowen raised an eyebrow with genuine curiosity. "Hmm... impressive. Very impressive."

Vincent studied his quietly, the faintest of approving nods passing between him and Luca.

And with that, the hall buzzed with a strange mix of laughter, excitement, and the quiet weight of farewells—the beginning of their journey at hand.

The hall quieted as the final preparations were made. Boots scraped softly against the marble floor, travel cloaks rustled, and the weight of the moment settled in. This wasn’t just another excursion—it was a journey that would take them beyond familiar walls into the heart of end realms.

Selene stepped forward first. Her usual composure wavered as her hands reached for Luca’s shoulders, holding him as though she were afraid he might vanish before her eyes. Her voice trembled despite her attempt to steady it.

"Luca... you always get yourself into trouble." She bit her lip, her gaze flickering briefly to Vincent. "With him, I never have to worry as much. But you—" She stopped, shaking her head with a soft, almost helpless laugh. "You’re a magnet for danger. Please... this time, take care of yourself. Don’t make me wait at home wondering if my son will return in one piece."

Luca’s throat tightened. He wanted to reassure her with the confidence of a hero, but the truth was, she wasn’t wrong. Trouble had followed him in every step since his arrival in this world. He gently placed his hand over hers. She worries because she knows me too well. Because no matter how strong I become, I still rush forward without hesitation.

Darian stepped to her side, placing a firm arm around her shoulders. "Selene," he said softly, "don’t weigh him down. He knows what he carries now. Let’s trust him."

But Luca could see it—the faint crease on Darian’s brow, the guarded look in his eyes. His father, too, was worried.

Before Luca could respond, Lisa’s sobs filled the hall again. She clung to Aurelia’s cloak before darting forward to hold onto Luca’s hand with both of hers, her bracelet glittering faintly as she cried. "I don’t want you to go!"

The ache in Luca’s chest deepened. He crouched to meet her eyes, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Lisa..." His smile was soft, but the weight of his words lingered. "If you send me off with tears, I’ll only carry sadness with me. Send me off with a smile instead. That way, when I think of home, I’ll think of you smiling... not crying."

Lisa sniffled, staring at him through shimmering eyes. Selene, too, raised her head, her tears still falling. Mother and daughter looked at each other, then at Luca—and with trembling lips, both of them forced smiles, even as tears streamed down their faces.

"Come back safely, Luca." Selene’s voice broke, but the smile never left her face.

"Brother... you’d better!" Lisa hiccupped, her smile wobbly but bright.

Luca stood, inhaling slowly, letting the warmth of their feelings wash over him.No matter how far I go, this will always be home. I have to protect that.

Straightening, Luca stepped back, extending his arm. Space rippled faintly—and from the rift burst a surge of wind. A shadow stretched across the courtyard as Aira, the majestic Kunpeng, emerged in a flash of silvery-blue feathers. Its enormous wings unfurled, spanning wide enough to blot out the rising sun, shimmering with the hues of dawn.

Gasps echoed through the hall. Even those who had seen Aira before couldn’t help but be awed by the sheer grace and might of the beast.

"Come on," Luca said, his voice steady now, a determined glint in his eyes.

One by one, his companions climbed onto Aira’s back—Kyle fumbling with excitement, Lilliane carefully steadying herself, Selena cool and unfazed, Aurelia graceful as always, Vincent silent but watchful, and Elowen humming softly in fascination.

Luca was the last to mount. He turned once more, meeting the gaze of his family—his mother clutching her husband’s hand, his little sister clutching her bracelet like the rarest jewel. He etched the sight into his heart.

Then he placed his hand on Aira’s plumage and whispered, "To the Elven Forest."

With a single, thunderous beat of its wings, Aira launched into the sky, the world below shrinking as dawn’s light bathed their path forward.