Chapter 184: Chapter 184 : (Bonus Chapter ) The plans for the future

Just as Alex stepped outside, the first thing he saw was Serena and Alicia still waiting in the hallway while they were talking with Selena. The moment their eyes landed on him, both women rushed forward.

Serena’s voice came first, brimming with joy and concern.

“Alex! Is it true?”

Alicia’s eyes were wide, glowing with expectation.

“Did you really… save her?”

Alex blinked, caught off guard, then instinctively turned his head toward Selena.

She was standing nearby, smiling faintly, her posture calm and composed.

Selena stepped closer, placing a hand on Alicia’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry. I already explained the situation to them. I told them you managed to save Lily using the cure you created.”

Understanding dawned on Alex instantly.

’Ah, so she’s covering it with that story.’

When he turned back, Serena and Alicia’s expressions were warm—genuinely happy.

Their smiles weren’t forced, and Alex could tell they weren’t looking at him with greed as they heard about the cure. They were glad he had saved his sister.

But Alex’s chest tightened. Betrayal was a wound that didn’t heal easily.

He didn’t want to take any risks. His fingers flicked, and a mana contract appeared in his hand.

Alicia and Serena both laughed at the sight.

“We knew you’d do that,” Serena said with a small shake of her head.

Alicia added gently, “Don’t worry, Alex. We’re not offended. After what happened to you, it’s only natural you’d be cautious.

But relax—we already signed a mana contract with Selena. That’s the only reason she could even tell us what you did.”

Alex looked toward Selena, who gave a silent nod of confirmation.

He exhaled softly.

“Thanks for understanding… I’m really grateful to both of you.”

Serena gave him a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry. If you’re ever in need, I’ll always be more than happy to help.”

Alex nodded, then turned to Alicia. Meeting her eyes, he softened his tone, even making a sad, innocent face.

“Sorry for lashing out at you. I wasn’t thinking straight, and you were only trying to help. I’m… really sorry.”

Alicia folded her arms and met his gaze with a stubborn pout.

“Of course you should apologize. How dare you speak to me like that? But…” She smirked. “I won’t forgive you that easily. Pay me one hundred million credits, and I’ll forget the whole thing.”

Alex froze. His throat caught as he almost choked.

’One hundred million?! Damn it, I’m already drowning in debt!’

Alicia and Serena burst into laughter at his horrified face.

“Relax,” Alicia said, still chuckling. “I’m joking. I know you’re too poor for that.”

Alex’s mouth twitched.

“Yeah, sorry I’m not a daddy’s girl.”

This time, it was Alicia’s mouth that twitched dangerously.

“What did you just say?”

Alex grinned.

“You heard me.”

The two immediately started bickering again, voices rising like children arguing over sweets.

Serena simply leaned back, smiling softly as she watched them, a warmth in her eyes that she didn’t bother hiding.

Eventually she stepped in, her tone gentle.

“Alex, thank you for helping Aunt Alyssa. She’s been like a mother to me as well. Just like with Lily, we had lost hope of curing her. But because of you… she’s back. Truly, thank you.”

Alex returned the smile.

“It was my pleasure.”

But Serena wasn’t done. Her eyes flicked toward him again, this time serious.

“Now that Lily is cured and is recovering, where do you plan to live?”

Alex rubbed the back of his neck before answering.

“Well, Lily will be living with Miss Selena and Alyssa now.

After all… Miss Alyssa adopted her.”

Serena’s smile faltered into a strained look.

She turned sharply to Selena.

“You didn’t tell me that.”

Selena sighed.

“Ask Alex and my mother. They decided it between themselves.”

Serena clicked her tongue, murmuring under her breath.

“Old hag beat me to it…”

Alex raised a brow.

“What was that?”

Serena straightened, forcing a smile.

“Nothing. I’m glad Lily has more family now. Tell her she’s welcome to stay with us anytime, if she wishes.”

Alex’s expression softened.

“Thanks. I’ll let her know.”

Serena nodded.

“And what about you, Alex?”

Alex shrugged.

“I already have plans.”

Serena tilted her head, then offered sincerely,

“You’re welcome to stay with us too.”

Alex shook his head lightly.

“After what happened between me and the Duke… I don’t think that would be appropriate.”

Serena sighed softly.

“You’re right. But still… you’re always welcome to visit anytime you want.”

Alex smiled faintly.

“I will.”

Then Serena turned her gaze between him and Alicia, and a knowing look passed over her face.

“You two probably have a lot to talk about. I’ll give you some privacy.”

With that, Serena walked off with Selena, leaving Alex and Alicia seated in the chairs by the hallway.

Alicia was the first to speak, her sapphire-green eyes locking onto him.

“So, you won’t be returning to the academy, right?”

Alex leaned back with a sigh.

“Honestly? After what happened… I didn’t even want to. But Miss Vega told me it would be beneficial in the long run. And I’ll be in the Headmaster’s protection if something serious happens.”

His thoughts darkened for a moment.

’Besides… most of the important events are still tied to the academy. I can’t afford to abandon it completely.’

Alicia’s gaze didn’t waver.

“Alex… will you ever be able to forgive Ethan, Alden and the others for what they did?”

Alex fell silent. His lips pressed into a thin line.

Finally, he exhaled deeply, voice heavy.

“Honestly? I don’t know. I’m not even sure of myself. I’m not the forgiving type. That’s part of the reason I don’t want to return—I don’t know what I’ll do if I face them again.

Especially Ethan.”

Then, taking a huge sigh, Alex leaned back, continuing,

“Pathetic, right? I brag about myself all the time, but when it comes down to it, I’m scared of my own reaction.”

Alicia reached forward and took his hand, her grip warm and steady.

She smiled softly.

“It’s not pathetic. It just shows you’re human. No one’s perfect, Alex. If I were in your position, I probably would’ve done the same.”

Alex stared at her hand in his, then smiled faintly.

“Thanks. I think I needed to hear that.”

Her smile brightened in response. And for some reason, seeing that radiant smile made Alex’s mischievous side itch—he wanted to tease her.

So he leaned closer, lips curling into a smirk.

“If you give me a kiss, babe, I might consider going back in a few months.”

There was a moment of silence.

Alex was sure she would blush, pout, or curse him repeatedly.

But the opposite happened.

Alicia suddenly jumped at him, nearly making him fall from the chair—her whole body lunged forward, her face inches from his, eyes sparkling.

“Really?!”

Alex’s eyes went wide as his heart skipped.

’W-Wait—what?!’

He stammered, his voice cracking.

“What—what—what?! What the hell is happening?”

—

Before Alex could even comprehend what was happening, Alicia suddenly grabbed his face.

Her lips pressed against his, firm yet trembling, a sudden warmth blooming across his entire body. His eyes widened, his thoughts scattering into static.

’Wha—what the hell is happening…?!’

The kiss lingered, lasting several long heartbeats—at least ten seconds—before Alicia broke away, her cheeks flushed pink. She didn’t even look back as she bolted down the corridor, yelling,

“Don’t forget what you promised!”

Her voice echoed until it disappeared, leaving Alex frozen in place.

He blinked once. Twice. A third time.

’…Wait. Did I just… get kissed?’

The system’s voice chimed in, smug as ever.

[Host, I think she—]

“Don’t finish it,” Alex cut in sharply, clutching his head. “My life is already complicated as it is. I don’t think I can handle a relationship right now.”

With a massive sigh, he slumped into the chair, sitting in silence to sort out the chaos in his head.

Moments later, Selena appeared, her voice casual but her eyes sharp.

“Serena and Alicia left in a hurry. What happened?”

Alex waved it off instantly.

“Nothing important.”

Selena tilted her head but didn’t pry.

“Fine. Then let me remind you—since you’re officially a guild member now, tomorrow you’ll meet the members who’ve been keeping Shadow Legion alive. Prepare yourself.”

Alex nodded wordlessly. They made small talk for a while before parting ways for the night.

The next morning, Alex and Selena walked through the grand corridor of the Shadow Legion Guild.

Selena glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, then chuckled.

“You cut your hair short again.”

Alex rubbed the back of his neck.

“Yeah. Easier to manage than keeping it long.”

Selena laughed softly.

“Tell me about it. It really takes a lot of effort.”

Her smile faded into something more serious.

“Are you nervous? We’re going to meet the ones who are essentially holding this guild together.”

Alex smirked.

“Nervous? They should be the ones afraid. I own half this guild now.”

Selena laughed out loud, her voice ringing down the corridor.

“That’s the spirit. Now you’re starting to sound like a student of mine.”

But then her tone lowered, more cautious.

“Still, what are you going to do about your face? People still know who Alex Dragonheart is.”

Alex stopped in his tracks, realization hitting him.

’…Shit. I didn’t think of that.’

Selena smirked knowingly, pulling out a sleek black bracelet.

“Good thing I came prepared. It won’t completely disguise you, but it’ll change your hair and eye color. Enough to keep most people from recognizing you.”

Alex grinned as he took it.

“Thanks. Just the hair and eyes will do. This divine face isn’t going anywhere—I won’t compromise on that.”

Selena rolled her eyes but smiled.

“No one’s asking you to compromise.”

He slipped the bracelet on. Instantly, his silver hair shifted into midnight black, and his eyes shimmered into a deep amethyst-violet. The change was subtle, but striking.

They entered the main hall. It was vast, filled with dozens of guild members. The moment Selena appeared, the atmosphere changed.

“Good morning, Guild Master!” they greeted, bowing in unison.

But murmurs quickly rose when they noticed the unfamiliar young man walking beside her.

“Who’s that?”

“He’s walking side by side with the Guild Master?!”

“He’s so handsome…”

“Is he single?”

“Tch, how dare he walk next to our goddess?”

“Wait—he’s only at Expert (low) rank. Acting all high and mighty.”

“Yeah, let’s crush him later.”

Selena and Alex stepped onto the central platform.

Selena’s commanding voice rang across the hall.

“Good morning, everyone. Before anything else—I want to thank all of you. Without your loyalty, your sweat, and your sacrifices, Shadow Legion would not have survived these dark years. You are the reason this guild still stands.”

The crowd bowed deeply, some even thumping their chests.

“It’s our honor, Guild Master!”

“We live to serve you and the Shadow Legion!”

Selena’s lips curved faintly. Then she turned and pointed directly at Alex.

“And from this day forward, in my absence—this man will lead you. He is your Vice Guild Master.”

The hall erupted.

Alex stepped forward, his black hair swaying in the faint draft, amethyst eyes glowing faintly with energy.

His lips curled into an easy smile as he spoke, his voice calm yet carrying weight.

“Nice to meet all of you. I look forward to working with you.”

The reaction was immediate.

“Booo!”

“Booo!”

“This has to be a joke.”

“An Expert rank kid leading us?”

“What’s Miss Selena thinking?”

“He doesn’t deserve this position!”

Some outright cursed, some laughed mockingly, others turned their backs.

Then, five figures broke away from the crowd—three men and two women, standing tall and proud. Tyrion, Dayne, Jaime, Tory, and Jade. Rising stars of this guild—the key members keeping it alive, since the guild would almost collapse if they left.

Tyrion stepped forward, his voice laced with disdain.

“With all due respect, Guild Master… how can we accept this? We’re already at Master (low) rank. Stronger, more experienced. And you expect us to follow… him?”

Dayne scoffed.

“He’s just a kid. An Expert rank brat playing at being a leader.”

Jaime smirked cruelly.

“Give us a break. We’ll never accept this.”

Tory folded her arms.

“Miss Selena, this is insulting.”

Jade stepped up too.

“We say this with respect. But this decision is ridiculous.”

All eyes turned to Selena, waiting for her response. But instead of anger, she smiled, her gaze sliding toward Alex.

“So,” she said playfully, “are you going to give a speech? Like you did at the academy entrance ceremony? Or do you have something else in mind to entertain me?”

Alex chuckled darkly, tilting his head.

“A speech, huh? Tempting… but no. That’d be boring. These aren’t students. People like this only understand one language.”

Selena raised a brow, amused.

“And what language is that?”

Alex’s grin widened, his violet eyes gleaming with challenge.

“The language of power.”

He turned towards the crowd again and said only a single sentence.

“Prepare yourselves, assholes.”

Gasps echoed as Tyrion and the others bristled, ready to lunge.

But before they could move—

BOOM.

A pressure so suffocating it felt like gravity itself collapsed filled the entire hall.

In an instant, everyone—dozens of guild members not strong enough—were crushed to the ground, their faces slammed into the floor.

Only Selena stood unaffected.

Alex’s voice cut through the groans of the pinned-down hunters as he looked at her.

“So… how’s that?”

Selena smirked, clapping once.

“Hm. I suppose I can give you a passing grade. For now.”

Alex rolled his shoulders.

“I’m fine with that.”

The hall fell silent, everyone trembling from the weight of his aura.

And just like that—six months passed in a blink.

———

A/N:

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