Since The Great One needed some time, we were forced to stay in Loistavadvaar and wait for everything to be properly arranged by him. He, using the device, transformed his body into a perfect copy of The High Queen's, then utilizing her memories, slowly assumed her mannerism from the obvious elements like the way she spoke, through more complicated things, such as her body language.

Druoag accompanied him a lot, knowing how Ixa was back when she was alive. It wasn't perfect, because the heavyweight alien didn't know her too well, but it had to work since we had nothing better to offer.

Genusha and the Atri kept a close eye on them, offering their insight. The rest of us, the humans, had nothing to offer in those preparations. So, pushed by Tihana's wish to learn how to fight, I began teaching her and Daniel; he naturally stuck to us, as there was nothing for him to do.

It was a very difficult task for me since my physical capabilities couldn't even be compared to theirs, but I kept doing my best by sealing my powers and being very careful, to get myself closer to what they could do, and then select the best moves for them.

They sparred among themselves because going against me would definitely be a bad and stupid idea.

It lasted a few days, which were very hard for them, as I was pushing them to their limits, and then helping them with my magic to regenerate after an exhausting day, which led to very fast progress. Then the flow of time got kinda blurry. Days turned into weeks.

I didn't even notice the departure of The Great One. At some point, I just realized that he had to be already out there since all the aliens were joining us to observe. Even Druoag, who limited himself to only watching, because the difference in physique and strength was too big, so he couldn't offer much else. He still kept a keen eye on everything we did. It brought him some joy, to an otherwise very boring life in Loistavadvaar.

Each time he was sitting on the ground, glaring at us, I was able to catch glimpses of the spark returning to his eyes. He fought his whole life, and he enjoyed it, so it was very much understandable, that something we were doing out there picked his genuine interest.

I wrote 'something' because I doubt that he would consider it training, without a heavy load of irony.

I bet he knew that, and that's why he didn't even attempt to get involved. Instead, just watched from afar, as a form of amusement.

And like that the awaited day has come. The High Queen aka The Great One has returned to Loistavadvaar. He just appeared like it was nothing, then, levitating, joined us, as we were in the middle of the session.

It all immediately stopped, and then he gave us a long lecture about his efforts to put the situation in order. He didn't go too deep into politics, but even I was able to notice, that not everything went smoothly. Still, he achieved somewhat we all wanted him to achieve. Even though, we had very much a lot to pursue after his initial work concluded.

All the aliens in Arc left. I was no longer considered one of the enemies of the Ixan empire, and all of us could return. He even found enough time to unlock the memories of the people I was close with. He did it to show how much he appreciated my efforts so far, as a little surprise.

I'm not gonna lie - I liked it very much.

So, on that day, we formally parted ways. All the aliens went with The Great One, and the humans went with me, back to Arc.

We ended up in what was left of my house. Pushed away, blackened by fire, rubbles. There was a clear path to the basement, where Daniel searched for information about the mystery, which led us to reunite.

- Oh, finally - Tihana said, throwing her head back. - I couldn't wait to get out of that cave.historical

- You didn't like the city? I thought it was quite pretty - said Daniel.

- It was very pretty - she agreed - but also very boring.

- That is, in fact, true - he accepted her reply.

- Come one, let's go - I cut their conversation, heading to the very front of our group.

They followed me, and that is how we emerged from the ruins. At first, I didn't notice that many changes to the city, but as we progressed further, I saw more and more new buildings.

- Couldn't you just fly us there? - Daniel asked, clearly not wanting to walk all the distance.

- I could, but you have two perfectly fine legs, so how about instead of that, you use them? - I asked not hiding the sarcasm in my voice.

Tihana snorted, as she found my words funny.

Daniel didn't. He responded by clicking his tongue loudly. This led to a long silence between us. He seemed a bit angry, or pretended to be, and I, with Tihana, barely could hold cour laughers. At least initially.

- So, have you been thinking about what you are going to do now? - he asked eventually, as he became bored.

- Actually yes. I'm gonna keep training my daughter, and guide her through her first days as a hunter. At least until I won't hear back from The Great One, about how we are going to proceed further. Then, depending on what he will say, I'm taking a few days off. I need some vacation.

- Are you gonna take Tihana with you? - he asked.

This picked my fake daughter's attention.

- I had enough vacation for a while - she said immediately. - I want to use the device and get strong.

- I guess this sums up everything - I added.

Daniel shrugged his shoulders, and then changed the topic to the places I would want to visit if I could, so I listed them all. One by one. And pointed out why, which occupied all three of us, until we reached the city center, filled with people walking around, and using the device to buy things or sell the crystals.

It was much busier than I remembered. The architecture around also looked very different.