NOVEL NEXT Chapter 132: Homecoming
Over two weeks passed in Garrison No. 7.
Every sunrise brought new waves of Hollows, and every night was filled with the cries of survivors and the clash of steel. The Junior Blood Legion did not rest. They fought, trained, and pushed their limits endlessly. Each battle carved deeper scars into their bodies, yet their growth was undeniable.
Venus's physical strength increased, now burning with greater control and destructive precision. Felix refined his blood manipulation to strike with surgical lethality, blending into the battlefield like a Red ghost. Rudos's healing arts became faster and stronger, able to sustain dozens at once under crushing pressure. Irina, once reckless, had grown calmer and more tactical, leading her clones with the poise of a seasoned warrior.
And Ryuzen… his power was evolving into something terrifying. His presence alone unsettled both ally and enemy, his roars shaking entire battalions of Hollows into disarray. By the week's end, whispers had already begun spreading among soldiers: the Junior Blood Legion fights like a force beyond their years.
Then the summons came.
A golden transmission seal descended from the skies, glowing with the crest of the Blood Legion's Six Legendary Commanders.
The order was absolute.
Return to Atlas Skycity immediately.
The soldiers of Garrison No. 7 watched in silence as the Junior Blood Legion prepared to leave. Many saluted, others bowed in respect. Commander Boron Varn himself came to see them off, his voice carrying across the garrison.
"You fought like warriors born for war. Remember this: strength is not only for survival, but for what you choose to protect. Do not forget that when you stand before the Six."
With those words, the teleportation circle activated.
Blinding light engulfed Ryuzen and his companions, and in the next heartbeat, the ruined cityscape of Vastera vanished.
They emerged upon the grand floating citadel of Atlas Skycity, the heart of the Blood Legion's might. Spires of black steel and crimson banners loomed over them, the air thick with the aura of countless high-ranked evolvers.
And at the summit, awaiting them, were the Six Legendary Commanders themselves.
Their eyes gleamed with interest, judgment, and something else—expectation.
Noah, the Fireball King, stood with his usual fiery presence, his aura crackling like a furnace barely contained. His voice carried weight, cutting through the grand hall.
"Juniors, a great mission is coming. One that will shape the course of humanity itself. You are no longer just juniors… you are soldiers who will carry the Blood Legion's name forward. Prepare yourselves. When the time comes, cowardice will not be acceptable."
The other five Legendary Commanders watched silently, their gazes heavy, their silence adding to the gravity of his words.
With the announcement made, Ryuzen, Venus, and the others were granted a brief reprieve. They returned to their homes in Atlas Skycity, each carrying the pressure of what was to come.
When Venus pushed open the door of her family estate, she froze.
Her mother, Evangeline, who had been bedridden for so long, was awake—sitting upright, her once pale and lifeless complexion now glowing faintly with warmth.
"Mother…!" Venus's voice broke. She rushed forward, falling into her mother's embrace. Tears streamed down her face, her cries muffled against Evangeline's shoulder. For the first time in so long, her arms were warm, alive, and comforting.
Ryuzen stood quietly, watching the reunion, his chest tight but his expression calm.
Evangeline stroked her daughter's hair gently, her eyes soft, though carrying the shadows of grief. "Shh… it's alright, my precious girl. I am here now. Thanks to the Divine Healer Aurora's grace, and the rare elixir she granted… my soul has been mended. Slowly, I can stand again."
Her gaze then lifted to Ryuzen, and for a moment her lips trembled.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice hoarse but sincere. "You took care of my daughter when I could not. Though my husband is gone… I can at least face the world knowing she was not alone."
Venus clung tighter to her mother, sobbing openly now.
Ryuzen inclined his head, his golden slit eyes steady. "She's stronger than you think. And she will only grow stronger. I simply walked beside her."
For a fleeting moment, the weight of war, hollows, and missions faded. In that small home, amidst tears and embraces, there was warmth. A fragile peace that gave meaning to all the battles they fought.
But even in that moment of calm, Ryuzen's mind lingered on Noah's words.
Another great mission. The future of humanity…
The fire in his heart stirred. He knew peace like this could not last forever.
In the evening.
When the door opened, John and Maki entered with the steady step of used used to patrol routines. Both still wore the black uniforms of the Skycity guard division, their weapons slung over their backs.
"Welcome back, lovebirds" John greeted, smiling as his eyes fell on Venus and Ryuzen. "As you said, we've kept an eye on Aunt Eva while you were gone. She's been recovering well."
Maki gave a small nod, her usual reserved tone carrying warmth. "The healer's medicine worked. She's stable now. You two don't need to worry."
Venus smiled gratefully, though her eyes shimmered with emotion. "Thank you, Sister. I… I was scared, but knowing you were here for her while we were away made it bearable."
John scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Well, someone had to look after her. Besides, she's also our family. Of course we'd help."
But then, as the couple took a closer look at Venus and Ryuzen, their casual demeanor cracked. A heavy, invisible pressure hung in the air, rolling off the pair like waves. It wasn't something forced—just the natural presence of those who had crossed a line ordinary people couldn't.
John's hand trembled slightly at his side. His instincts screamed danger, even though his heart told him he was looking at family. "...What is this pressure?"
Maki's eyes narrowed, her usually calm expression hardening.
"It's not just pressure. It's killing intent refined through battle. You've both… changed."
Ryuzen's golden eyes met theirs with a smile. "We've only walked the path we had to. Nothing more."
Venus stepped forward, her aura flaring unconsciously, flames dancing faintly in her eyes. "We fought through Hell Mode dungeons. We survived Hollow Waves. We bled, we grew… and we came back stronger."
John's mouth went dry. He forced out a laugh, but it lacked his usual confidence. "Stronger? That's an understatement. Just what level are you now?"
Ryuzen answered flatly, without hesitation. "Level 35."
He lied of course. In reality it was higher than that.
Still, Silence dropped like a blade.
John staggered back half a step, eyes wide. "Thirty-five?! That's… that's ridiculous! Even some squad captains in the city guard haven't broken past that yet!"
Maki's grip on her gun tightened. Her gaze was sharp, but beneath it flickered disbelief. "You've both surpassed the threshold of elite evolvers in just weeks. That's… no longer normal growth."
Venus exhaled slowly, her resolve firm. "Normal was never an option for us. If we don't grow… we die."
The room grew quiet again, Evangeline watching with a faint, proud smile. John and Maki exchanged glances, their shock evident. For the first time, they realized that while they had been guarding the city… Venus and Ryuzen had crossed into a battlefield far beyond their reach.