Chapter 116: Chapter116-Farewells

John responded with a smile and a nod, making his way to the bar.

Victor, who was mixing drinks behind the counter, glanced up and remarked, "You've improved quickly, breaking through to the silver-tier in just a day."

While Victor was surprised at John's rapid advancement, it was not entirely beyond his expectations.

He knew John's strength and talent well, understanding that leveling up was hardly a challenge for him.

John took the strong drink Victor handed him, smiling.

"I plan to head to the capital tomorrow. I came here today to say goodbye."

Victor placed the glassware he was holding back onto the shelf behind him and nodded slightly.

"It's good to leave earlier. After all, Stellarburg is rather small for you."

Even Victor had to admit, keeping John's talent within the confines of Stellarburg felt like a waste.

Now that he was heading to the capital to partake in the Star Cluster Academy's assessments, it was indeed a positive move, both for John and the Federation.

John chuckled, then asked, "How about the old cripple... I mean, General Shadowcloud?"

The others showed a mix of expressions at John's words.

In the whole Federation, probably only he dared to refer to that legendary awakener in such a manner.

Victor tilted his head slightly, indicating a dim corner of the bar.

Following his gaze, John then noticed Shadowcloud was indeed there.

In a corner of the bar, Shadowcloud lay sprawled on a couch, his wheelchair nowhere in sight.

His face was flushed red, a bottle clutched in his hand, snoring loudly in his sleep, evidently having drunk too much.

John couldn't help but smile wryly, surprised that after all these years, Shadowcloud's penchant for alcohol hadn't changed.

Shaking his head, John decided against approaching him.

He bid Victor farewell and headed upstairs to see Scarlett.

Not long after John left, Shadowcloud suddenly opened his eyes, bright and clear, showing no sign of drunkenness.

He grumbled discontentedly, "That kid really has his priorities mixed up, leaving without settling the tab. After all I've done for him..."

The others twitched their mouths but pretended not to hear, knowing better than to meddle with either party.

Victor lit a cigarette, his gaze neutral.

"I'm leaving tomorrow too. There's been some stir at the Southern Sea Fortress. A lot of factions are involved. Without someone to keep them in check, there's bound to be trouble."

Shadowcloud hummed in response, "The new captain sent by Hidden Stars has already taken over your position. With the big incident that happened in Stellarburg recently, everyone's eyes are on this place. You can rest assured, nothing will happen here."

Victor nodded, then his brow furrowed slightly.

"That guy named Alex has gone off the radar again recently. It seems he's attempting the path of ascension through sacrifice, gaining power rapidly. I've heard that even the Judicators couldn't stop him; he even killed two of them. As for the Dawn Sect, there hasn't been much noise from them lately. There were rumors a few years back about a Dawn Saintess emerging from their ranks, and then nothing.

In this world, Scarlett was essentially his only kin, even though they shared no blood relation and their relationship seemed more akin to that of lovers or partners.

But this was indeed what John felt in his heart.

When John first arrived in this unfamiliar world, he felt no sense of belonging, as if he were an observer playing a first-person game.

Although everything felt real, to John, reality still seemed an illusion.

Thus, he initially lacked the will to live, which explained his reckless abandon in the underground fight rings.

To him, it was all just a game; his life, no matter how wretched, held no value.

However, everything changed when he met Scarlett.

It was then he began to genuinely wish for a life well-lived in this world...

Lost in his memories, a smile unconsciously graced John's face.

Perhaps sensing something, Scarlett's long eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Their gazes locked in a moment of mutual surprise, followed quickly by shared laughter.

"When did you get here?"

Scarlett sat up, her ample chest heaving with the movement.

She seemed unconcerned about what John might see, as she stretched out a hand to smooth her fiery red hair, all the while smiling at him.

Her smile was bright and captivating, making even the teardrop mole beneath her eye seem to melt away.

"Just a short while ago," John replied, standing to help her tie up her hair with a band.

His actions transformed her allure, dialing down the seductiveness in favor of a softer, more intellectual charm, reminiscent of the girl next door.

Scarlett gave John a playful look, teasing, "I never knew this was your type."

John just smiled, offering no response.

After securing Scarlett's hair with a band, John took a seat beside her.

Scarlett found a comfortable position and nestled into John's embrace.

He gently adjusted a stray lock of hair from her forehead before speaking softly, "I'm leaving for the capital tomorrow."

John could feel Scarlett stiffen momentarily in his arms, but she quickly regained her composure.

She looked up at him, managing a strained smile, "I didn't expect it to be so soon. I thought we had a few more days. It's a good thing..."

Her smile was somewhat forced, her tone slightly unnatural, clearly trying to maintain a brave front.

Just as she was about to say something to ease John's mind, a sourness in her nose caught her off guard, and her bright eyes suddenly misted over.

Scarlett quickly turned her head to wipe away the tears, laughing off, "Women and their tear ducts, I tell you. It's just a few years, right? Maybe by the time we see each other again, you'll have made a name for yourself. Just don't forget to come back and see me..."

Despite her efforts to suppress it, the sadness inadvertently seeped through, halting her words midway.

The Star Cluster Academy operates on a composite academic year system, meaning John's departure would keep him away for at least three to four years, and possibly longer if he didn't meet graduation requirements.