The world seemed to pause the moment Lucifer Morningstar stepped out of the museum.

Cameras whirred. Microphones extended. Reporters surged forward like a tidal wave.

"Lucifer Morningstar!"

"Sir, what did you see inside?"

"Sir, can I have a word with you?!"

Dozens of journalists, hunters, and streamers from across the Avaloria Empire—and even beyond—crowded around the lone figure. The Paraflux Dungeon had taken countless lives. No one had ever returned.

Yet here he was.

Lucifer Morningstar.

Returned safe and sound—and more importantly, alive.

But just as the sea of voices was about to close in on him, a ripple spread through the crowd.

Several individuals emerged, surrounding Alex in a loose formation. Each one bore unique traits—markings of their race and nation.

One stepped forward, clearly one of the leaders. He was tall and regal, with long green hair that shimmered like starlight and a leaf insignia that marked him as a high-ranking elf. His piercing green eyes reflected the forest—deep and ancient.

He stepped ahead with grace and spoke with a melodic voice.

"Lucifer Morningstar. I never thought I'd see the day where a rookie who appeared from nowhere would shake the foundations of the world. I serve the Elven Empi—"

Before he could finish, Alex brushed past him.

Without a glance.

Without a word.

The elf froze mid-sentence, mouth slightly open. His cheeks turned beet red from sheer embarrassment as the cameras caught every humiliating second.

Around them, dwarves with black beards, elegant merfolk with breathtaking beauty, and even petite winged fairies stepped forward one after another.

"Sir Morningstar, we humbly invite you to our country."

"You shall be showered with luxury and resources beyond imagination."

"Just share with us... what you discovered inside."

But Alex ignored them all. His footsteps never wavered.

'Keep talking. None of you are worth my time. I already have enough on my plate as it is.'

Realizing their words were falling on deaf ears, a few foreign elites grit their teeth. A powerful dwarven envoy and a mermaid queen's bodyguard took a step forward, their auras beginning to swell.

Until—

Alex turned and gave them a single glance.

Just one.

That glare.

Time seemed to freeze. Their knees almost buckled. Sweat poured down their temples. No words were exchanged, but his meaning was clear.

'Use force... and you die.'

All of them swallowed hard. One by one, they stepped back—defeated without a fight.

The crowd had fallen completely silent.

Even the reporters dared not move.

They had just witnessed Lucifer ignore representatives from the strongest nations, top-tier hunters, and elites—and none of them could stop him.

Still, a few brave reporters were about to surge forward again when a barrier of firm authority stopped them.

Carter Brown stepped in.

Dressed in a sleek black coat, his presence alone halted the reporters in their tracks.

"He seems exhausted and in need of medical attention," Carter said firmly. "Keep your questions for another time."

From where he stood, Alex raised an eyebrow. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

'Looks like this guy's worth investing in after all.'

The media buzzed with fresh energy.

A famous figure from the Radiant Blades Guild, Carter Brown, was now protecting Lucifer Morningstar? Despite being from a rival guild?

This was going to be front-page news.

Ignoring the chaos behind him, Carter jogged toward Alex.

The moment their eyes met, he exhaled in disbelief. "You… Sir, I'm still having a hard time believing you actually came back alive from that place."

Alex smirked. "So you were hoping I wouldn't, huh?"

"No! No, sir!" Carter stammered, flustered. "In fact, my instincts kept telling me you'd make it out. That's why I came here whenever I found time... hoping to see you emerge."

"All right, all right," Alex said lazily. "No need to explain yourself. Just clear the way. I'm tired. I want to sleep for an entire day."

"Yes, sir." Carter nodded and stepped forward.

He released a fraction of his aura.

Reporters gasped and stumbled back. The crowd parted like waves retreating from a crashing cliff. Many ran for cover, almost suffocating under the pressure.

Alex whistled softly. "Wow. I'm impressed and all… but you do know they'll come after you for this, right?"

Carter laughed. "These things are normal for me. I don't really care."

"All right then. Let's go."

Alex turned toward his sleek black-and-silver sports car parked just where he had left it two days ago.

He walked up to it with slow reverence… and hugged it.

"I missed you so much," he whispered to the vehicle.

Carter blinked.

'Yep... My instincts were right. He's powerful… and definitely mentally unstable.'

After a full minute of hugging his beloved car, Alex turned to Carter.

"You drive. I'm too tired."

Carter nodded. "Of course."

He slipped into the driver's seat, while Alex flopped into the passenger side, stretching like a lazy cat.

The engine purred to life.

They cruised down the road, leaving flashing lights and echoing media behind.

For a while, there was silence.

Then Carter glanced sideways. "Would you mind if I ask… what did you discover inside that rift?"

Alex looked out the window.

"I'm not in the mood to talk about it. Try another time."

Carter closed his mouth.

Then suddenly Alex said, "Tell me something about yourself instead. At least that way I won't be bored."

Carter sighed. "It's nothing interesting. I came from a normal middle-class family. Attended a regular school. But I had potential—and a rare affinity.

After graduation, I tried my luck at the number one guild, Radiant Blades. The guild master saw something in me and took me in. I worked hard and eventually made a name for myself."

Alex clicked his tongue. "Lucky bastard."

"Did you say something, sir?"

"You're just hearing things."

Carter raised an eyebrow… but wisely said nothing more.

The car rolled down the glowing highways of Avaloria as the city lights reflected in Alex's cold purple eyes.

The storm had returned… and the world wasn't ready for it.

Alex leaned back in the passenger seat, arms crossed, eyes half-lidded.

"So… was that all?"

Carter glanced sideways, lips tight in thought. After a pause, he sighed. "Well… there's one more thing. But it's kind of personal."

"Spill it."

Having no choice, Carter took a long breath and began.

"Six months ago… I fell in love with a girl. Her name was Chloe Saylor."

As he said her name, a small, genuine smile tugged at his lips.

"I've met a lot of women in my life, sir. But she… she was different. Worked as a waitress at this club I used to visit."

He chuckled. "Most girls I met were either trying to hit on me or drag me to bed. But she... she was built different."

Carter's eyes shimmered as he remembered. "One time, a sleazy guy tried to mess with her. I figured it was the perfect opportunity to jump in and play the hero... maybe impress her."

"But then—" he grinned, eyes wide, "she kneed the guy straight in the nuts, and with a jab to the jaw, knocked him out cold."

"Instinctively, I closed my legs too at that time," he admitted, smiling.

Alex's expression twitched.

"But at the same time I was mesmerized. It was love at first sight, I swear."

Carter continued, his voice softening. "Then she walked towards me. I thought... maybe she noticed me. I got nervous, was about to turn and leave, when she said—in the manliest voice I've ever heard—'Sir, you forgot to leave the tip.'"

He chuckled. "That was it. I just asked her out right then and there."

Alex visibly shivered.

'What the hell? Mesmerized by a manly voice? Is this guy really a homosexual pervert…?'

But Carter's tone shifted as sorrow crept into his words.

"But after the kidnapping incident six months ago… she stopped seeing me. She refuses to meet. Won't even reply to my texts. I don't even know where she is anymore."

He gripped the wheel tightly, eyes forward, but Alex could see he was barely holding it together.

Alex narrowed his gaze at him.

'Should I tell him that I already know where she is? After all, I investigated everything about him.'

Then a voice echoed in his head.

[Well then, why did you ask him to tell you about himself?]

'I was testing him,' Alex replied inwardly. 'Wanted to see if he'd be honest. I might have a use for him later.'

[Then you already know what you have to do.]

Alex reached into his storage ring and pulled out a small vial of shimmering golden liquid.

He looked at Carter, who was still driving. "Listen carefully to what I'm about to say. You're gonna need to write this down."

Carter's attention snapped toward him. "Sir?"

"Take this vial," Alex said, handing it over. "After you drop me home, go straight to Avaloria Central Hospital."

"Go to room no. 45. Inside that room, you'll find Doctor Emma. Tell her Lucifer Morningstar sent you. Give her this medicine."

"After that, take her to room no. 108, 1st floor—and make sure to keep your composure. Everything will be all right as long as you do as I instructed."

Carter blinked, confused.

Alex continued. "And when it's all done, go to a statue shop. Give them one of my cool-looking photos. Tell them to create a full-size statue. Then place it in your living room."

"What…?"

"And every morning and evening," Alex said, dead serious, "pray to it. Forever. Until you draw your last breath."

There was a full moment of silence.

Carter just stared at him, his mind unable to comprehend the madness he'd just heard.

'Now I'm sure,' Carter thought. 'This guy needs a psychiatrist. Possibly an exorcist. I should contact his family—fast.'

Alex's voice cut in again. "Did you write all that down or not?"

Carter still stared at him, wide-eyed, like he'd just been hit with a pie to the face.

A vein popped on Alex's forehead.

He slapped Carter right on the back of the head—while he was still driving.

"Hey!" Carter jerked, momentarily swerving. "Are you insane?! Someone could've died!"

Alex clicked his tongue. 'This guy is even dumber than I thought.'

Soon after, Carter drove them into one of the most exclusive districts of Avaloria.

Towering gates, high-tech security drones, and massive white-stone villas surrounded them.

It was the kind of neighborhood that screamed: "Only for the rich and powerful."

Finally, the car rolled to a stop in front of a grand estate—which was Alex's new home.

The mansion stood three stories tall, its architecture a perfect blend of modern crystal glass and traditional carvings. Lush gardens sprawled out around it, with a fountain shaped like a phoenix at the center. Mana-powered lights shimmered across the marble path.

"Home sweet home," Alex muttered with a smirk.

Then, turning to Carter, he said, "You idiotic bastard. Earlier, I was literally telling you where your girlfriend is."

He handed him a folded piece of paper. "Everything I just said—is written down in this. Follow it exactly. Miss a step, and it won't work."

It was like lightning struck Carter's brain.

'Wait… he was telling me where Chloe was?'

Before he could say anything, Alex pressed the vial into his hand.

"Now go. Get to the hospital. Room 108."

The word 'hospital' made Carter stiffen.

Dozens of thoughts collided in his brain—but he said nothing.

With a determined nod, he threw the car into reverse, spun the wheel, and took off at full speed—leaving Alex in a cloud of dust.

Coughing, Alex waved the dust away.

"You bastard! Take your own damn car! Tch. I'll charge him for this."

Suddenly, a voice as sweet as sugar and cold as winter echoed behind him.

"Well, well... if it isn't Alex Dragonheart himself. Finally returning from an adventure that could've easily killed him."

Alex turned—and his blood ran cold.

Two figures stood in front of his mansion, blocking the path.

Sweat beaded on his forehead.

He looked in the direction Carter had gone and screamed,

"You bastard, come back and take me with you!"

----

A/N:

So how was the chapter? Tell me in the comments!

Thanks for the golden tickets:

@Divo_the_Gamer, @LaggingPenguin,

@hamzaumer, @Winter_Metor,

@matthew_phelps, @capnmoonfire,

@Mark_Campos_5123, @Achillios,

@BluuuuTea, @Elrolith_, @Danger_Croc,

@Agent_Black, @hunter_jkf, @Bjarne_H

I really appreciate the support, guys.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.