With a flash of dark light, Leon, Elena, Eugene, and Martha appeared in a dark alley. It was late at night and they had just arrived on Earth. The air was heavy and humid.
Elena's eyes wandered around, curiosity radiating from their blue depths. She had heard of Leon's previous world, and now that she had been given the chance to explore these strange lands, she was quite eager.
On the other side, Martha felt waves of emotion run through her as she stood between the familiar brick walls and heard the distant horns of cars and the sounds of their tires running over asphalt. Distant chatter reached her ears of old but familiar topics; topics that she never thought she would hear again.
Leon stood at the head of the group, holding Elena's hand to prevent any accidents. She did not know how things worked here, and he would rather avoid having to explain how a person still remained standing and unhurt after being hit by a speeding vehicle.
"Let's get a place to spend the night. Everything else can come tomorrow." Leon told everyone and took the first step out. The group seamlessly blended into the walking traffic of the night and soon found a small guest house that they could spend the night in.
As they walked, it was impossible for them to not notice the difference in the air.
"The mana in the atmosphere is much thicker than before. I guess it can support a few weaker B rank beings." Leon told the group, but no one aside from them was able to hear his voice. He was able to speak normally without worrying about being overheard.
"This can only spell trouble." Eugene's face grew pensive. With a higher ceiling of power, the threats that the common people would have to face would increase. There would be danger everywhere, and despicable scum like the former Black Fangs gang would not hesitate to exploit this new power.
"Don't worry. There are people in place to handle it. Have you forgotten the ones you left behind?" Leon asked, turning back and smiling at Eugene.
For a moment, Eugene was unsure of what Leon meant before it clicked in his head. Leon was talking about the White Ghosts!
"You're right. I did leave some capable people behind last time. But will they be enough?" Eugene was still a bit worried.
"Okay, we can check on them as soon as we have breakfast." Leon agreed and turned to lead them down the street. As they walked, Eugene felt the path was familiar to him. Then he recalled the diner where he had found out that his son was making a life for himself on another world.
Before long, they arrived before the diner, where Leon briefly paused to take in the name. He smiled and walked in, the bell above the door jingling briefly and drawing eyes.
"Welcome to- Leon, is that you?"
Leon chuckled as he was met with James' surprised voice just before the man walked forward to embrace Leon in a friendly hug.
"How are you? Megan treating you right?" Leon grinned widely as he took in his friend's aspect. James looked a bit older, a beard adorning his face, and his eyes looking deeper and more mature.
"Shouldn't that be the other way around?" James laughed loudly and looked behind Leon before pausing for a moment. His eyes settled on Elena and a moment of confusion settled over his mind. He could see some similarities between Elena and Megan, almost as if they were sisters or cousins. But he could definitely tell the difference between both.
"James? Who's that?" Megan's voice came from the kitchen in the back before her head popped out of the door. Then she paused before a wide smile broke out on her face.
"Leon! You actually came back!" She burst out of the kitchen before rushing over and hugging Leon. Then she also turned to Eugene and gave him a hug, before taking in the two ladies that were with the men.` Then her eyes also landed on Elena and she paused.
"Err..." Leon coughed, drawing attention to himself.
"Megan, it's been a while. I want you to meet Martha, my mom. And Elena, my-"
"His wife." Elena completed the statement with a smile.