CHAPTER 355: TELLING GRANDPARENTS ABOUT THE ADVENTURE

Orion chuckled softly, warmth spreading through his chest at Eldric’s eager and genuine curiosity.

He released a comfortable sigh, feeling the subtle warmth from the crackling fireplace nearby slowly drive away the lingering fatigue from his journey.

"Well, if you’re both so eager, then I suppose it’s only fair to share the story," Orion said, a smile forming on his lips. He gestured toward the comfortable chairs gathered around the hearth. "But let’s sit first, this may take a while."

Eldric nodded approvingly, eyes twinkling with anticipation as he settled himself comfortably into a large chair.

Selene gracefully took a seat beside him, her gentle eyes never leaving Orion as she patiently awaited him to start. Orion eased into a chair opposite them, exhaling softly, feeling quite comfortable talking with his grandparents after so long.

As the firelight danced warmly across their faces, Orion began his recounting. "The interesting part started after we were separated due to the collapse of the spatial portal. I found myself back in the very same small world we had entered."

"However, the circumstances were dire, to say the least. I quickly concealed myself using a treasure to escape detection by Valerian, the vampire leader that was the cause of everything there."

Selene’s eyes narrowed slightly, her expression turning thoughtful. "A vampire, huh. Those beings are rare in our world. We mostly deal with one of the 72 Demon Kings here. But if someone can make their clone and send it to a lower world... he might be stronger than what we can imagine. Even surviving against someone like that would be a challenge."

Orion nodded seriously. "Indeed, it was no simple task. Valerian’s clone had power unlike anything I had seen before for that level. The strength and brutality he displayed were terrifying, yet equally eye-opening. I quickly realized how much more I still have to learn about combat and my own limits... and the world."

Eldric leaned forward slightly, his expression solemn yet intrigued. "How did you manage against him, Orion? Even for you, this must have been incredibly challenging."

Orion met Eldric’s gaze steadily, his voice calm yet reflecting the gravity of his experience. "Truthfully, I only survived thanks to the right preparations and a measure of fortune. He weakened gradually over the course of our fight, and I capitalized on every opportunity. Eventually, I managed to outlast and defeat him, but even then, it was a close call."

Eldric laughed deeply, admiration clear in his voice. "Outlasting the clone of a higher being... truly impressive, lad. You’ve exceeded even my expectations. The clone must have depleted its energy over time."

Selene smiled proudly, gently shaking her head in amazement. "Yet again, you show us how extraordinary you truly are."

[But it didn’t lose any strength. Master defeated that bastard at his full strength!! (ノ｀Д´)ノ]

’Shh, surviving against such a being is already shocking enough. And I think he became weaker due to the Monkey King’s strike when he struck him down from the staff.’

[...]

Orion inwardly heaved a sigh as he continued with a contemplative tone. "But the most important part of this adventure was not the victory against Valerian, nor even the battle itself. Rather, it was what I gained afterward."

Both Eldric and Selene leaned forward slightly, visibly intrigued. Selene’s gentle voice prompted softly, "What do you mean, Orion? What else could you have found in such a dangerous place?"

Orion’s eyes twinkled softly as a mysterious smile curved his lips. "I stumbled upon an inheritance, a true legacy left behind by a being whose power and prestige can only be described as godlike. It was not something I had anticipated finding, yet it came at exactly the right time."

Eldric’s eyes widened considerably, astonishment coloring his face as he stared in disbelief. "A godlike inheritance? In a Small World? Truly?"

Selene seemed equally taken aback, though her surprise was quickly replaced by curiosity and wonder. "And you accepted this inheritance?"

Orion nodded solemnly, his gaze steady and confident. "Yes, I accepted it. This legacy... I couldn’t have skipped on it after all that I went through to get it. Its trials and the responsibilities it comes with are great—or so he said—but I believe this inheritance will help me become stronger."

A thoughtful silence filled the hall as Eldric and Selene processed Orion’s revelation. After a moment, Eldric chuckled warmly, shaking his head in amazement. "You really have some insane luck, stumbling upon the inheritance of a godlike being in a small world just like that."

Selene softly smiled, pride evident in her gentle eyes. "Indeed, it seems fate truly favors you. But more importantly, it speaks volumes about your character, that such a being would deem you worthy."

Orion leaned back slightly, as he softly laughed and relaxed deeper into the chair. "I’m honored by your faith in me. Still, this legacy is not simply a gift, it’s a responsibility, and a heavy one at that."

Eldric nodded approvingly, his expression thoughtful and proud. "You’re right. Great power always comes with immense responsibility. And I’ve watched you for long enough to know that you are already prepared for this."

Selene squeezed Eldric’s hand gently, her eyes filled with warmth as she gazed affectionately at Orion. "And remember, you’re never alone in bearing that responsibility. We’ll always stand beside you, no matter how challenging your path may become. If you ever feel tired, just come to us."

Orion felt a warmth in his chest. "Thank you, truly," he murmured softly. "I’ll make sure to take you up on that offer later."

After chatting for a bit longer, the warm crackle of the fireplace created a peaceful, cozy ambiance in the hall.

Eldric, noticing Orion beginning to sink deeper into the comfort of his chair, let out a deep chuckle. He leaned forward slightly, a playful grin spreading across his strong, weathered features.

"Alright, lad, you’ve spent more than enough time entertaining these old bones tonight," Eldric teased. "The three of them have missed you dearly, you know. They’ve been restless ever since you left."

Orion raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding exactly who Eldric was referring to. A subtle smile curved his lips, an expression of fondness appearing in his eyes.

"Ah, those three?" he said knowingly, amusement coloring his tone. "Well, that was quite expected. Haha."

Selene chuckled softly, nodding gently as she exchanged a tender glance with Eldric. "Indeed," she said softly. "I’ve sent them to tidy up your room, but they don’t yet know you’ve returned. It should be quite a pleasant surprise for them."

Orion laughed lightly, the sound ringing gently through the hall. "Then I suppose I should thank you for arranging this unexpected reunion," he said with a playful smile toward Selene as he stood up from his chair.

Selene waved him off warmly, her gentle eyes sparkling with motherly affection. "Go on, dear. They’ve waited long enough."

Eldric added jovially, "Yes, hurry along now. Don’t keep them waiting any longer than necessary. You don’t want them worrying more than they already have. Especially when they heard you got stuck inside the Small World."

Orion nodded respectfully to both Eldric and Selene. "Alright, then. I’ll go and see them now," he said softly, turning to exit the hall.

As Orion departed, Selene gently leaned her head against Eldric’s shoulder, a smile of pure contentment on her lips.