The fact that there was still a remnant of Khaos energy in Emery's cold body brought a new seed of hope for the Earth team.
However, the faint light was extinguished as quickly as it was lit. Just after three weeks of travel, when they finally returned to Golden City and then Terra Castle, the harshness of reality once again struck them.
Upon their arrival, Klea and Thrax's eyes were immediately drawn to one place, the statue on the hill next to the palace. It was the memorial of their fallen lord, Izta the Gilgamesh, who ultimately sacrificed his life during the attack on the academy.
Lord Izta's figure stood tall on the stone pedestal. Coupled with the resolute expression on his face, his entire figure gave off a profound heroic air as if at this moment, he was watching over his people.
Thrax, who had adored this man for a long time, fell to his knees. His eyes were fixed on the statue's motionless figure as his emotions finally burst out. Tears uncontrollably streamed down his face.
Fuxi, the Eastern Sage, and Lord Izta's five wives who had just arrived to welcome them also shared the same despair as they looked at the human-sized tube that had been brought home.
It was a quiet evening. The four empty chairs at the dinner table made the feeling of emptiness even more prominent, as if reminding them of their absence.
Lord Izta, Emery, Chumo, and Julian.
Julian, the Roman, had returned to Earth five weeks ago. Meanwhile, Chumo and five others were still under quarantine and treatment.
The dinner atmosphere was far from its usual warmth as both parties talked about the misfortunes that occurred on their sides. Magus Rosia, the eldest among them, tried to lighten the mood by shifting the topic to the loot they got from the battle against the Darkmoon elves, more specifically how they had managed to sell all of it.
The mention of it lightened the atmosphere for a moment, but it soon reminded them of Emery, who took the risk of facing the Darkmoon clan to dig up any information available about the captured acolytes.
Seeing how the situation quickly became even more depressing, Fuxi decided that they might as well discuss their main issues. He looked toward the two, Klea and Thrax, and asked:
"What's your plan now? Will you stay, or will you return to Earth?"
Ever since she heard that Emery's body still had some Khaos energy remaining, Klea had made up her mind to bring his body back to Earth, to the Khaos space. At this moment, she was waiting for the headmaster's help so they could get the Magus Alliance's permission to return home.
"They said it would take a month! That's too damn long!!" Klea expressed her frustration and nervousness. The fact that there was still energy in Emery's body after three weeks was already a miracle, they couldn't afford to wait another month!
In contrast to her, Thrax was much more silent. No, he was completely silent, to the point that Klea even spoke for him.
"You will definitely come home with me, right? Who knows what that Kronos is planning. We can never be too careful."
With the mention of Kronos, Fuxi was reminded of, and subsequently brought up, the battle they would have in 20 years; the battle that would set the fate of the Earth's caretaker. Being the caretaker of one's own planet was not only significant, but was also the dream of the late Lord Izta. Thus, everyone took the matter seriously.
However, not only had they lost Izta, but there were also Emery and Chumo's complicated situations.
"We can't deny it, it's impossible for us to win with our number."
"No," Klea quickly interjected with conviction. "Emery and Chumo, both of them will join the battle."
As if in thought, Fuxi closed his eyes for a moment and sighed, "How sure are we of winning all six fights?"
"What are you saying, Senior? What else can we do?"
"I need you to reconsider returning home," he slowly said. "Stop thinking about Emery for a second and think about what's best for you, all of you... because when you return to Earth, it will take a while before you can come back."
Klea's words got stuck in her throat.
In truth, she knew that she was blinded by her emotions. She understood that she would have a much better chance of advancing faster if she stayed in the magus universe, and the same applied to Thrax. Moreover, with Julian having already returned there, there was no need for them to go.
Senior Fuxi was worried for her and everyone, she also understood that. However, she could only think about saving Emery. As long as there was a chance, no matter how small... she was willing.
"No, Senior, I will return home no matter what. I promise I will train hard and make up for what I miss," she said. "Besides, we need to find four others and prepare them."
Klea's tone was soft and polite, but her gaze was full of determination.
Her display of firm conviction gave Fuxi mixed feelings. Furthermore, the Thracian who was usually brash and straightforward surprisingly still did not say anything, which inexplicably made him feel more helpless.
His brows slightly furrowed for a moment, but in the end, he suppressed the words in his heart.
"...All right. Think it through tonight, we will talk about this again tomorrow."
With that, their dinner came to an end. After they parted ways, Klea headed straight toward the small indoor garden at the side of Terra Palace, where Emery's tube was placed.
The moment she arrived at the garden, she saw five plant creatures surrounding the tube. In the faintly-lit garden, Twik and the four Chizpur brothers patiently stayed by their master's side, waiting for him to wake up.
As she took in the tranquil scene, she couldn't help but feel sentimental again.
"What about all of you? Would you like to stay here, or come with me to your master's home?" Klea slowly approached the plant creatures and asked.
"Kuang, ku ku kuang."
As she looked at the plant creatures earnestly looking back at her, her lips subconsciously curved into a weak, but gentle smile.
"I don't really know what you're saying, but I'm sure you all feel the same as I do."
The night passed just like that. The next morning, the Terra Palace received an unexpected visitor. When Klea saw the grand magus's figure, she frowned almost immediately.
It was the patriarch of the Wolf bloodline, Lucius Corvus.
"I am here to bring my junior home."