Chapter 296: Chapter 296 : The next ruler (1)

A hover car glided smoothly through the outskirts of the city, its engines humming softly against the backdrop of a recovering skyline. On the way to their destination, the streets told a story of devastation slowly giving way to hope—crumbled buildings half-rebuilt, scaffolds climbing like vines over shattered facades, and workers in hazard suits hauling away twisted metal.

But amid the progress, the scars remained: piles of rubble still yielding bodies, wrapped solemnly in white sheets as recovery teams worked tirelessly under the dim afternoon sun.

Alex sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window. The sight hit him like a punch—families huddled nearby, faces etched with grief, as another form was carefully extracted from the debris.

Immediately, the vision Roselia had shown him flashed in his mind: the holographic carnage of Avaloria, innocents crushed under falling towers, their screams silent but deafening.

Guilt settled heavy in his chest, unfamiliar and unwelcome.

’I never thought I’d care this much about people I don’t even know,’ he thought. ’Maybe I’m not as tough as I pretended to be. Roselia was right—one of the reasons for all this death… is me.’

He sighed deeply. “So this is the weight of a life she was talking about, huh… Gotta say, this feeling is awful.”

The system’s voice echoed in his head immediately.

[ Don’t blame yourself too much, Host. It’s true thousands died because of that fight. But it’s also true millions were saved—only because of you. ]

’Maybe you’re right,’ Alex replied silently. ’But it doesn’t make me feel any better.’

Suddenly, the window beside him darkened as a privacy filter activated, blocking the grim view.

A voice cut through his thoughts. “That’s enough. Stop looking outside.”

Alex turned toward the driver’s seat. It was Alicia, her hands steady on the controls, expression unreadable.

“And why’s that?” Alex asked quietly.

“Because I know what you’re thinking,” Alicia said, her tone serious.

He managed a small smile. “And what am I thinking?”

“You just need to know it didn’t happen because of you.”

Alex said nothing, just smiled at her a little longer.

Alex glanced ahead at the road. “Take a left up here.”

Alicia frowned, confused. “Aren’t you going home first? To see Alyssa and Lily?”

“I will,” Alex replied softly. “But there’s something that needs to be done first.”

Alicia shot him a sharp glare through the rearview. “It’s not because you’re afraid to face them, right?”

Alex swallowed hard. “It’s not.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Alicia let out a huff, easing off. “Fine. But make sure you meet them afterward.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Alex said, waving a hand. “And first—will you please stop nagging me?”

Alicia’s mouth twitched. “What did you say?”

“You heard me, woman.”

“I don’t nag.”

“Try telling that to yourself.”

They went back and forth like that, voices rising in playful argument, until the back seat erupted.

Alden and Serena burst out laughing, clutching their sides.

Alden wiped a tear from his eye. “They remind me so much of you and Dad, Mom.”

Alex and Alicia’s faces turned beet red in unison.

Serena’s mouth twitched. Without warning, a sharp slap landed on Alden’s right cheek.

Alden winced, rubbing the spot. “Ow! What was that for?!”

Serena crossed her arms. “Your father and I don’t fight like that.”

Alden muttered under his breath, still rubbing his cheek, “Yeah, right. You think I’m blind?”

“What did you say, you brat?!”

“Nothing!” Alden threw both hands up defensively, shielding his face.

Alex couldn’t help it—he burst out laughing at the sight.

“Mr. Wagonheart,” Alden said suddenly, still smarting, “at least tell us where we’re going.”

Serena and Alicia stifled laughs at the nickname.

Alex’s face heated up again. ’This bastard won’t let it go…’

“Get a plastic surgery first,” Alex shot back, “and then ask again. Maybe I’ll tell you, assface. Just what does Ava see in you with that ugly mug?”

This time, Serena couldn’t hold it in—she doubled over laughing.

Alden yelled, “What the hell kind of mother are you? You know I’m your son, right?!”

Serena gasped between laughs. “Sorry, son… but your face? It belongs to your father.”

Alden’s mouth twitched in defeat.

Alex laughed even louder. Alden shot him a glare, but Alex waved it off. “Alright, alright. We’re going to the royal palace.”

The mood shifted instantly. Everyone’s expressions turned serious. Serena leaned forward. “Alex… are you sure you want to get involved? The fight for the throne—it’s not something outsiders should touch.”

“I appreciate the warning, Aunt Serena,” Alex said. “But if I don’t step in now, there won’t be a nation left to rule.”

He paused, his voice steady. “From what I’ve pieced together of Sophia’s vision… a war is coming. We need to prepare—now. And right now isn’t the time to bicker over which clown sits on the throne.”

His tone darkened. “If they won’t listen… I may as well end the royal lineage myself today.”

Alden, Alicia, and Serena all sucked in a cold breath. They knew—he wasn’t bluffing. No one in the nation could stop him if he meant it.

Then Alex burst out laughing. “Relax! I’m joking.”

The three exhaled in unison, tension draining away.

Alden groaned. “Don’t make jokes like that, you bastard!”

Still chuckling, Alex turned to Serena. “Aunty, you’re pure-blood royal too. What do you think about becoming queen?”

Serena yelled, “Don’t even think about it, you brat! I’ll never be queen—I have zero interest in ruling. I’m already drowning in responsibilities for the Crestvale Duchy.”

Alex clicked his tongue. “Tch. What a shame.”

In his mind, the system spoke up.

[ You were really joking about ending the royal bloodline, right? ]

Alex smirked inwardly. ’Guess we’ll find out in a few minutes.’

The system went silent for a beat.

[ You narcissistic psychopath. ]

Alex ignored it as silence filled the air again and quietly Alicia drove towards the royal palace.

After a ten-minute drive, the hover car pulled up to the grand gates of the royal palace—its spires gleaming defiantly against the recovering city.

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