CHAPTER 354: HOME

Edgar and Lucan exchanged impressed glances, their respect for Orion clearly deepening.

Orion continued calmly, carefully narrating the events while omitting some of the most extraordinary details. "While concealed, I took that opportunity to break through in my mana cultivation, stabilizing myself enough to face the vampire leader, Valerian."

Elias’s eyebrows rose in slight astonishment, his face filling with surprise. "You faced Valerian himself?" he murmured, clearly shocked. "How in the hell did you even win against that monster? He was beyond powerful in that world."

Orion chuckled softly and said, "He was indeed strong. But it wasn’t the true body. I managed to exhaust the strength of his body as he gradually grew weaker. It wasn’t easy, but the fight taught me many valuable lessons about myself and my capabilities."

All others gasped as they didn’t think it was merely a clone of someone else. Sylvia softly muttered, "No wonder he was so strong."

Elias let out a relieved breath, admiration shining clearly in his gaze. "Incredible," he whispered softly. "We always knew you were strong, but to defeat the clone of a higher being... it’s beyond our expectations."

Even Arya was having a hard time believing what Orion had just told them, yet he had no reason to lie to them as she slowly said, "This is really incredible. I’m just glad you managed to come back safe and sound, Brother Orion."

Emilia’s gaze softened further, her voice calm yet carrying deep respect. "Not only did you survive impossible odds, but you’ve also grown stronger in such a short span. You’ve certainly surpassed our expectations once again, Orion."

Orion chuckled warmly as he looked at his group with a joyful gaze. "Honestly, I was just fortunate to have the right opportunities and preparations."

He deliberately omitted the details of Sun Wukong’s Ruyi Jingu Bang, the Monkey King’s incredible legacy, and the entire thing about his evolution of the World Tree Sapling.

Those secrets remained safely tucked away, their significance too vast and sensitive to be casually revealed.

Instead, Orion shifted the conversation toward lighter matters. "In any case, I’ve learned a great deal, and I’m eager to put these experiences to good use. Let’s just say, my understanding of myself and my path ahead has grown clearer."

Edgar nodded approvingly, a proud smile spreading across his rugged face. "As expected of you, Young Master. Every trial seems only to strengthen and refine you further."

"Isn’t this exactly the reason for our adventure?" He lightly smiled.

Lucan added with a chuckle, "Young Master arrived. Young Master dominated. And Young Master left. Haha, perfect."

The group laughed at his words as the atmosphere turned light-hearted.

Deep inside Orion’s Sea of Consciousness, Lumi whispered with a warm voice, sharing Orion’s relief and happiness.

[It truly feels good to be back home, Master.]

Orion silently agreed, feeling happy for this moment of peace with his friends.

After the cheerful laughter subsided and the group gradually calmed, Orion glanced toward the sinking sun casting golden-orange hues across the clearing.

Orion finally spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "Alright, everyone. This adventure has been more than enough excitement and danger for a while. Let’s return home and rest properly."

Arya immediately nodded in fervent agreement, exhaling a tired sigh. "I wholeheartedly agree, Brother Orion. After that kind of intense experience, I think we all need some serious rest."

Elias stretched his arms above his head, giving a relieved groan. "Not going to hear any complaints from me. A comfortable bed sounds incredible right now."

Edgar chuckled gently at the younger members’ enthusiastic reactions. "Indeed. Experiencing real battles reveals more about our strengths and weaknesses than months of standard training."

Orion smiled lightly, nodding. "Exactly. This single expedition has shown us precisely where we need improvement. Let’s rest for a week. Use this time well, reflect, cultivate, and refine your techniques."

Felira’s expression brightened with approval. "Sounds perfect. I’ve realized exactly how my spells could be optimized after witnessing such battles."

Sylvia smiled softly, glancing gratefully at Orion. "Agreed. I’m eager to integrate everything I’ve learned."

Lucan’s lips quirked upward into a faint smile. "A wise decision, Young Master. Rushing blindly into another adventure would do more harm than good."

Orion gave them all a satisfied nod. "Then it’s settled. Rest properly, consolidate your gains, and we’ll pick a suitable destination for our next adventure afterward."

They all murmured in agreement, their expressions relaxed, fatigue visibly softening their postures.

They turned together toward the carriage waiting just beyond the clearing, climbing aboard in pairs, conversation turning to lighter topics as the tension fully drained from their shoulders.

The carriage ride was peaceful, the gentle rocking motion and muted chatter of his companions soothing Orion’s mind.

As they traveled along the familiar winding roads back toward Thunderpeak Royal City, Orion decided to truly rest for once in a long while, his eyes drifting shut as he decided to rest for a while.

Eventually, Orion found himself standing quietly before the entrance of his mansion, its grand gates intricately wrought with motifs of storm clouds and lightning bolts, bathed in the soft glow of evening twilight.

He took a deep, calming breath as the gates smoothly opened, stepping forward onto the familiar hallway.

His friends had already dispersed, returning to their homes to rest and recuperate, leaving Orion alone.

As he walked back inside the hallway, soon after the sight of the familiar doors of the main hall came into view, with the familiar scents of polished wood and hearth fire filling the air, wrapping around him in a nostalgic embrace as he felt as if an eternity had passed since the last time he was here.

Inside the expansive main hall, the familiar figures of Eldric and Selene awaited him. Both stood by the great fireplace, their faces lighting up as Orion entered.

"Welcome back, lad," Eldric said warmly, his deep voice filled with genuine relief and pride. "You really made us wait a long time to come back from that small world."

Selene smiled gently, stepping forward and placing a tender hand on Orion’s shoulder, her eyes carefully scanning him for injuries or exhaustion. "You’ve truly given us quite a scare this time, dear," she softly chided, though her eyes held nothing but warmth and relief. "I’m glad you’re safe."

Orion chuckled lightly, feeling warm at the care the two of them continued to show him. "Sorry to worry you both," he replied earnestly, his voice respectful and sincere. "It was certainly more eventful than I’d planned."

Eldric laughed deeply, shaking his head. "If anything, your adventures are never dull. Still, you must be exhausted."

Orion nodded gently. "A bit, yes. It was a valuable experience, though. I understand myself, and my limits, much better now."

Selene squeezed his shoulder gently, pride clearly shining in her gentle gaze. "That’s the true value of experiences like these. Still, don’t forget to take proper rest now. Balance is important."

Orion nodded respectfully, his expression becoming serious yet gentle. "I’ve already sent everyone home to rest for the week. I plan to do the same. But before that, I wanted to see you both and let you know I’m fine."

Eldric’s powerful hand settled comfortingly on Orion’s other shoulder, his gaze filled with fatherly pride. "Now that we know you are alright, it’s time you become a storyteller and tell us how your first true adventure went."