Riding on Kunpeng's vast feathered back felt like soaring atop a living continent.

Wind roared past, carrying the cool scent of high altitudes and freedom. The afternoon sun cast molten gold across the rolling sea of clouds below, while the land far beneath shrank to mere streaks of color — valleys, rivers, and forests passing in a blur.

Elves clustered in small groups across the flat expanse of Aira's wings, their figures humble beneath the sheer grandness of the mythical beast. Some gazed at the horizon in awe, others clutched belongings tightly — uncertain of the future but grateful to still breathe it.

Luca stood near the front, wind whipping his hair back as he placed a hand on the velvety white feathers beneath him.

"Thank you, Aira", he spoke through the mind link, warmth in his thoughts.

"If you weren't so massive, It would have been really trouble to move all these elves to Valentine territory."

Aira's mental voice scoffed playfully, tinged with pride.

"Hmph. I'm glad your tiny brain recognizes my magnificence."

Luca chuckled aloud, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, enjoy the praise."

Footsteps approached — calm, steady, familiar.

Vincent.

His silver eyes assessed Luca with their usual cool sharpness. His cloak fluttered behind him in the wind like a silver banner.

"What are you thinking?" His voice was blunt as always — direct, no room for nonsense.

Luca kept his gaze on the sweeping horizon.

"Well, I didn't think I'd be going home again so soon after leaving." There was a soft smile on his lips — wistful, but unsure.

Vincent nodded thoughtfully before his attention narrowed slightly, concern hidden behind stoic composure.

"And about the matter with Her Majesty? The elves entering our land isn't a trivial political move."

Luca waved his hand, as though brushing aside a simple errand.

"Oh, that? Don't worry about it, it's already taken care of. She doesn't have a problem."

Vincent stared at him — up, down, then again. A small sigh slipped from his chest.

"…Looks like you've really grown up."

No lecture.

No interrogation.

Just trust.

Vincent turned and walked away to resume overseeing the flight, his figure solid and unshakeable.

Luca watched his brother's back with a smile — one holding the warmth of old memories. In that posture, in the silent reliability… he saw Victor. The Ancestor of Valentine family from 7000 years ago.

They're really alike…

A shift of resolve sparked in Luca's eyes.

"There's one more thing I need to take care of," he muttered to himself.

He turned, boots soundlessly treading over sleek feathers. Aira let out a lazy rumble beneath them, like a floating mountain adjusting to the wind.

Well… she is basically the size of a small town, Luca mused. And she hasn't even finished growing yet.

Ahead, he spotted his friends gathered in a tight circle — Aurelia's fiery hair dancing wildly in the wind, Kyle's tall figure tense with thought, Lilliane fidgeting anxiously, and Selena standing with quiet, arms-folded grace.

They seemed deep in discussion — serious faces, hushed words.

Luca stepped right into the middle of their formation with a smile.

"Hello!"

Conversation halted. Four pairs of eyes snapped to him — each with their own mix of surprise, relief, curiosity, and maybe a bit of "You are here at the correct time."

Kyle was the first to react the moment Luca joined them. He snapped his fingers and pointed straight at him with a triumphant grin. "Thank goodness you are here!"

Luca blinked, pausing mid-step as he looked at Kyle with a questioning expression — one brow lifted, lips parting slightly in confusion.

Selena's cool gaze flicked to Luca, arms crossed and posture straight as an icicle. Her voice followed, sharp yet composed. "We were just discussing where we are going next to strengthen ourselves."

Her breath misted slightly in the chilling wind above the clouds — not from cold, but from her controlled mana.

Aurelia stepped closer, strands of her fiery gold hair fluttering around her face as she nodded. "Yes, we're curious. This trip to the Elven Forest helped us grow… not only physically—" she pressed a hand near her heart, eyes softening with pride, "—but mentally too."

Behind her, Lilliane stood with both hands clasped tightly together, nodding along with everyone shyly, her gaze darting between them.

Kyle leaned his weight on one foot, stretching his arms behind his head with a casual smirk. "Yup. Turns out almost dying is way more beneficial than sitting in a training room for weeks."

Lilliane finally found enough courage to chime in. Her small voice barely held against the rushing wind. "So… we are all curious about where we will be going next."

Everyone's attention locked onto Luca — expectation hanging in the air.

Luca exhaled slowly, shoulders tensing for a moment as he scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah… about that…" His smile turned slightly awkward. "First, we are going back to Valentine Territory. I'm really sor—"

Kyle instantly cut him off, waving his hands like he was erasing the apology from existence. "Hold up. Wait, wait, wait — man, what are you even saying sorry about? We know what's going on."

Selena nodded, chin lifting with certainty. "We were talking about what comes after the elves are settled. Obviously."

Then Aurelia gently reached out and took Luca's hand — her touch warm and firm, grounding his unease. She looked into his eyes, a steady flame of reassurance.

Luca looked at their faces — familiar, trusting — and let out a short laugh, a soft smile blooming.

"Well, I just thought you were all following me to get strong… and after only one place, we are already going back home."

Aurelia's grip on his hand tightened reassuringly, her eyes unwavering.

"We understand," she said softly.

Everyone else nodded in agreement — united without hesitation.

The heaviness in Luca's chest eased. A genuine smile slowly curved across his lips as he looked at each of them — the loyalty in their expressions, the trust in their eyes. These were no longer just companions following his lead — they were… his people.

He nodded back at them with gratitude.

Lilliane lifted one hand slightly, as though afraid to break the moment. Her voice was soft, hopeful. "So… can you tell us where we will be going next?"

Silence.

All eyes fixed on Luca — waiting for his answer, anticipation glittering in their gazes.

Luca's lips curved into a slow, almost playful smile, the kind that made the tension around them loosen just a bit. He lifted his chin, letting their anticipation build for a heartbeat before finally answering.

"Well… we will be going to the Dwarven Lands."

Kyle's reaction was instantaneous — his eyes widened and he shot to his feet like a spring.

"NO WAY! The place with giant furnaces, insane weapons, and beer stronger than magic potions!?"

He punched the air, practically vibrating with excitement.

Selena's brows lifted slightly. Her usually composed posture faltered as she shifted forward in her seat, interest flickering in her cold eyes.

"The Dwarven Lands… their blacksmithing and mana technology are unparalleled."

She tapped a finger against her arm, already calculating the kind of enhancements she could gain there.

Aurelia's grip on Luca's hand remained firm as she stepped closer, her amethyst eyes warming.

"That would definitely help us improve our equipment… and our strength."

Her smile carried a hint of eagerness — and trust. She believed in him, fully.

Lilliane blinked, clearly having not expected that answer. Her fingers tugged nervously at the hem of her cloak as she leaned a little closer to the group.

"D-Dwarven Lands?" she echoed softly — but this time, there was a spark of excitement beneath her timid tone.

"Are… are we really going underground? In the legendary metal cities?"

Her eyes shimmered, curiosity finally overpowering her shy restraint.

Luca chuckled lightly at her reaction, giving her a reassuring nod.

"Yes. The dwarves have some of the toughest environments and the most intense training facilities in the entire continent," he said, his voice growing more confident as he spoke. "And… if we're aiming to face stronger enemies, then our equipment — and our resolve — both need to be reforged."

A breeze rushed past them as Kunpeng spread its massive wings, the night sky swirling outside the magic barrier. The motion made everyone sway slightly, reminded that they were soaring far above the world below — toward a future none of them could fully predict.

Kyle was already pacing like an excited kid, punching his fist into his palm.

"Man, this is going to be awesome! I'm gonna get a weapon that shoots explosions or something!"

Selena shot him a side-eye, though there was an amused curl to her lips.

"Try not to blow yourself up in the process."

Aurelia laughed softly, her shoulder brushing Luca's as she leaned a bit closer — basking in the warmth of the moment.

"I knew you wouldn't let this journey end so soon," she whispered, her voice just loud enough for him to hear.

Luca exhaled, relief easing down his spine. Seeing their excitement — their trust — washed away his earlier guilt and uncertainty.

He wasn't dragging them along.

They wanted to walk this path with him.

He tightened his grip on Aurelia's hand just slightly — a silent promise.

"Then it's settled," he said with a firm nod. "Once the elves are safe in their lands… our next destination is the Dwarven Kingdom."

Their eyes gleamed with determination — and a hint of thrill.

Aurelia smiled. Selena crossed her arms with confident resolve. Kyle flexed like he was already preparing for battle. And Lilliane… looked at Luca with admiration and hope.

Together, they faced the dark sky ahead — unafraid.

The adventure was far from over.

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