After taking care of everything, the group stepped out where Alex proposed the family head back first while he had a discussion with his friends. Finding no reason to say no, they agreed and went on their way. Eein also proposed the same to Ross who readily agreed. James on the other hand, just kept a small distance away from the trio as they moved.
"So, where do we start?" Julia broke the ice. The group were heading wherever their legs took them. Alex thought for a moment before suggesting, "Why don't we go get some drinks?"
...
Inside a cafeteria within the city, Alex, Julia and Ross sat around a small table, each with a small cup of beverage.
"I think everyone here is curious as to why I had the results I did." Alex stated and they nodded. He sighed before taking a sip of his beverage, "Honestly, I'm not sure. Has anyone ever had such a result before?" He questioned back, hoping his situation was not an isolated incident.
He already predicted his achievements would begin spreading and by dusk, the whole planet, if not the empire would here about it. Coupled with his status as the only survivor of the cosmic mana wave, he was bound to stay on the radar of everyone for some time.
Ross shook his head, "You actually surprised me, you know? But what I saw back there was out of expectations, and I haven't heard of anyone, public or otherwise, achieving similar results."
Alex then turned to Julia waiting for her input. Having both boys stare at her, she spoke.
"I'm sorry Alex, but even I haven't seen anything like that before. The only reason I could think of that sets you apart from everyone else is your experience surviving the cosmic mana wave. Maybe it did something to you?"
Indeed, they've all had that at the back of their minds as they could think of no other reasons for Alex's startup stats being different.
Alex and Julia now remained with James standing a little further back, seemingly invisible.
"I guess this is where we part ways for now." Julia said, looking at Alex. The smile was still doing massive damage to him and only he knew how he was keeping a poker face.
"Yead... It was great having you here. You didn't have to be here for your awakening, but you being here really tells me how much you value your friends. It's something I really respect." Alex said with sincerity that melted Julia's heart.
"Of course, what are friends for?" She declared. Her cold and unwelcoming personality she always had around others never reared its head when she was with him. Adding Ross to her friend list made her happy.
"I'm glad as well..." Alex stated before releasing a breath. "I guess this is where we depart. Next time we meet again, it would be at the academy."
"Yeah... Do stay in touch though." Julia added. She was not interested in a "no-conversation relationship until we meet" kind of friendship.
"Hehe... Of course." After saying his piece, Alex turned to James and gave him a nod to which he responded. Turning back to Julia, he said his goodbyes and wishes.
"Do take care of yourself, Julia Knight."
Alex then turned around and left the scene. Julia stood there watching his form disappear before turning around to James who was already standing behind her.
"Okay James, it's time to go home." She muttered.