Marcus woke before the sun had risen. He silently left the two women in his room behind, and went for a very long and enjoyable shower. When Marcus came back into his room, Janette had moved from her sleeping bag under the blanket with Cherry. They both had red faces and looked very happy "I told you we have enough time." Janette giggled and Cherry laughed. Marcus rolled his eyes and went to open the windows. A fresh breeze entered the room and Marcus left the lovers alone to make himself a royal breakfast. Half way through, Achara showed up and scolded him for eating alone. Soon, the house got busy and minutes later a large breakfast was made by many hands.

"Marcus." Janette called for him and brought him a phone. His father called from Beijing, he had only now learned of his return and they spent half an hour talking about the most important points. More would be said once his father and Sophia would come to visit him in a few days time. "If it had not been for Janette I would have given up any hope to ever hear from you. Marcus, as soon as I can I will come and meet you in person." his father said and it seemed, that his odyssey had washed away any lingering feeling of resentment inside Marcus' heart. He was looking forward to seeing his father and Sophia.

A large table in the common room was loaded with food and the core of the clan was seated around it. This included Luca and Rian, who had been with the clan for over a year now. On an impulse Marcus unmuted Xeen. Good morning Xeen. A few moments later the familiar voice sounded in Marcus' head.

What a view! Good morning. Marcus continued to eat and to listen to the small talk on the table. "Janette is famous now." Achara said with a wide grin. Marcus turned to Janette and she rolled her eyes "It so happened, that I did a thing, and cameras were around and some reporters too. One thing led to another and now some people know who I am. The end."

Cherry ruffled her hair and told a different story "Janette "Dead Eye" Long is the figurehead of the Hawkeye community and people all around the world are listening to her training videos and speeches. A lot of people wanted to join your clan thanks to that.". Marcus turned to her with big eyes "What did you do?" Janette looked unhappy but Achara said "She single handily prevented an attack from some extremists on the UK Prime Minister Sandra Stoker.". With a cheeky smile Cherry explained further "We had been to a state dinner and she identified the extremists hidden as waiters. When they attacked she took them out, completely without my help. I was so proud." So, Janette had stepped onto the world stage before me, Marcus thought.

Apparently she is as capable as you made her out to be.

Of course, Janette is awesome, hes thought with a good amount of satisfaction.

"Have you already told Marcus that he is a wanted terrorist?" Grace said and Marcus nearly spilled his fruit juice. "WHAT?", for a moment he thought it was a joke but Kou nodded "It is true, we all are. To be precise, we are on the terror list of the USA."

I take it, that this is not good.

Not at all, Marcus thought.

Janette started to explain, while chewing on her toast "Two years ago the USA sent an expedition to the ginghi with the clear goal to gain influence over them. The ginghi were not interested and the USA went to plan b. They made up an incident, claiming the ginghi had attacked them and tried to storm the city. They had three 20 man raid teams ready to go, thinking that would be enough to take over the city." Janette laughed and breadcrumbs flew over the table.

"They really did not believe the reports, MORONS! I was not there, but based on what I have heard, a minute later they were all dead. The Great Protector did not even make a move, just Azaa, Uela and her elites wiped them out. Since then, the ginghi are officially an enemy of the US and all supporter of the ginghi are on the terrorist watch list. That includes us, because we have a strong bond with them." Janette finished with a smile.

I see that politics is still a bane of the living. At least that has not changed. Xeen's remark made Marcus smile and Janette squint her eyes.

It is time, Marcus thought.

Very well.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Marcus got up and closed the doors and windows of the room before he got back to his chair. All discussions faded away and all eyes were on Marcus. "You have already told me a lot about what happened here and it is time I tell you some things too. First and most important you might wonder how I was able to return." All eyes in the room agreed with that statement. "The truth is…" and Marcus took a deep breath "I did meet somebody on the planet." The room was dead silent. Marcus retold the story how he explored the ruins and how he found the throne. When he said he touched it, Kou let out a painful moan "Have you not learned anything from Indy!". Marcus looked apologetic and continued his tale. "The thing is...what happened…" Marcus was staling "Spit it out!" Grace said with a smile. "Basically the spirit of a long dead, ancient alien connected to me and has been my invisible companion since then. His name is Xeen." There I said it, Marcus thought and braced for the reactions.

The room was still silent and looks were exchanged. "This Xeen, he is here right now?" Cherry asked with a worried look. "Yes he is currently seeing and hearing everything. He can also read my mind." Marcus explained and Kou had furrowed his brows "Okay, but how did this allow you to return… and hello to Xeen." he waved at Marcus somewhat clumsily.

You were right in your previous prediction, I like Kou. He has a quick and rational mind. Tell them I greet Marcus' friends and family.

"Xeen greets my friends and family." Marcus said while holding back laughter.

"About the return. Turns out Xeen exists in the Astral Plane and it allows him to see portals. This is how I was able to journey through the worlds until I found some humans." Marcus said and more questions came up. For half an hour Marcus explained all kind of details about Xeen and his journey. "I would say you are bat shit crazy but it is the only explanation that makes sense, how you could find the portals." Grace was as direct as ever.

"How many portals are right now on Earth" Cherry asked.

About two hundred. An extreme amount I have to say.

"About two hundred, and Xeen says that is an extreme amount." Marcus said and Cherry nodded with a serious look. "Are you aware that Xeen is about the greatest source of information humanity has ever encountered. Just the information about the existence of the Astral Plane is invaluable. Actually call it mind boggling." Kou said.

The man realizes my worth. He is quickly rising in my ratings.

"Yes, but everything I have told you needs to stay in this room. I hope everybody understands that." A lot of nodding went around the large table. "What class did Xeen have while he was still alive, I take it he was a class holder?" Luca asked a very good question.

"Sorcerer, it is a complex class. A class based on mental abilities, intelligence and willpower." Marcus said without lying. He felt the inquisitive eyes of Janette on his skin but she did not ask more questions in that direction, instead she pushed the topic towards his journeys. Marcus spent another two hours talking about his adventures until somebody knocked at the door and it turned out the rest of the clan was in need of the people in charge.

Marcus went into his room to change his sweaty shirt and the door closed behind him. Janette and Cherry looked at him "What class is a Sorcerer." Janette said bluntly.

It is alright, I know you can not keep secrets from them.

"Artificer." Marcus said and Cherry gasped. "That fact can never get out. If the world learns you have an ancient Artificer in your head you will never be a free man again." Cherry said and Janette clenched her teeth.

"I trust the rest to keep your secret but we need to be careful who to trust from here on. You should tell Azaa, of course." Janette said as if it was nothing. "Did you replace me as blood donor?" Marcus suddenly felt anxious, her name had come up so suddenly. Janette rolled her eyes "Of course not. But you should not make her wait any longer." Janette said with a smile and Marcus' heart felt lighter. "I will help you pack later today, your permits and all are still viable, even with the improved security measures." she continued and walked closer to Marcus. She put her hands around his face and brought hers really close "Xeen, I hope we will become best friends but if you ever hurt Marcus, I will find a way to end you for good."

Marcus, you are blessed with great companions.

She is serious about that, Marcus thought.

I'm aware.

"He understands." Marcus said.

The afternoon Marcus spent exploring the estate grounds and Kou gave him a tour together with Sophon, who slept in a baby sling. As Marcus learned, ten of the new members were rookies who were trained by Luca. An idea from Janette, that was right up Marcus' alley. They had another full team of active class holders, and Rian was in charge of them, if he was not tinkering away in his lab. Marcus watched the rookies train under the watchful eyes of Luca, and was reminded of Helsinki. He could see how many things here mirrored the setup back then. The young people would gain a good start into their class holder career and the clan would gain capable members.

There was so much new that Marcus could barely grasp it and he only managed to say hello to the second team. He would have to get to know them later. As evening came along, he got a call (over Janette's phone again) from Cromwell and his team. It was a joyful exchange and Marcus was looking forward to meeting them again...also...if he understood some hints correctly...Alistair and Candis were "seeing" each other. What ever that meant.

When he got back into his room he found a new and already packed bag and Janette waiting. "I have taken care of the tickets, we will get you a new phone on the way to the airport." This was happening really quickly. "Do you really want to get rid of me this quickly?" he said as a joke but Janette was serious "Azaa still thinks you are lost. Do you want to keep her waiting?" Marcus swallowed hard and shook his head. He really wanted to see Azaa, he was just not sure what he should say to her when he did.

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