Chapter 181: The Last Night in Zenith

Jet closed the last suitcase and placed it beside the others near the entrance of their temporary residence.

Three bags contained most of the belongings they had managed to recover, while another held the clothes and necessities Nadia had purchased for Inez.

The remaining luggage belonged to Frey and Mikhail, who had spent the afternoon arguing over how much equipment they could reasonably bring.

Their transportation arrangements were finalized, although Jet had deliberately kept their destination flexible.

They would leave Zenith City first, then continue toward whichever location offered the best combination of security, accommodation, and opportunities for Awakeners. Cassian had promised to remain in contact while they evaluated their options.

Jet checked the luggage once more before returning to the sitting room, where Nadia was helping Inez organize a small backpack. The little girl had insisted on carrying her favorite belongings herself, although Nadia had already removed several unnecessary items.

"Inez, you don’t need three notebooks for the journey," Nadia explained, holding up another book she’d discovered inside the backpack. "I’ve already packed your school materials with the other luggage."

Inez frowned and reached for the notebook. "But this one’s different, Aunt Nadia. It’s where I draw things. What if I see something interesting and want to draw it?"

Nadia considered the explanation before smiling and returning the notebook. "All right, you can keep that one. But we’re leaving the extra toys behind. Your brother isn’t going to appreciate carrying another bag."

Jet chuckled as he approached them. "Actually, I think Frey should carry it. He’s been bragging about how useful he’ll be during the journey."

Inez giggled, apparently delighted by the suggestion. Nadia shook her head, although her smile remained warm.

She had spent most of the day ensuring that Inez’s clothes, and documents were properly organized, refusing to leave anything important until the last moment.

Jet appreciated the effort more than he could express.

Once Inez returned to arranging her belongings, Nadia accompanied him toward the kitchen.

"Everything’s ready," Nadia informed him, lowering her voice. "I’ve checked her documents, packed all her supplies, and made sure she has enough clothes until you find somewhere permanent. Just remember that she’ll need time to adjust."

Jet nodded, glancing toward the sitting room. "I know. She’s trying to act excited, but I can tell she’s nervous. She’s never lived anywhere outside Zenith."

Nadia folded her arms thoughtfully. "Then don’t rush her. Give her something familiar wherever you settle, even if it’s only a regular bedtime routine. Children handle changes better when they know what to expect."

Jet smiled faintly. "You’ve become pretty good at giving parenting advice."

Nadia laughed softly. "Someone had to keep the two of you organized. Besides, Inez is a wonderful child. Taking care of her was never the difficult part."

Jet looked at her appreciatively before returning to the entrance. He had one final appointment before they departed, and although he wasn’t particularly looking forward to another emotional conversation, he knew it was necessary.

Alessandro had asked him to visit his residence that evening.

Unlike their meeting at Darkstar Guild headquarters the previous afternoon, this wasn’t intended to discuss Damian’s crimes or revisit the battle. Alessandro had simply said there were a few things he wanted to tell Jet before he left Zenith City.

After informing Nadia where he was going, Jet collected his jacket and headed outside.

The journey to Alessandro’s residence took less than half an hour. By the time Jet arrived, the sun had nearly disappeared beyond the surrounding buildings, leaving the wealthy neighborhood illuminated by streetlights and the warm glow spilling from mansion windows.

Bernard greeted him at the entrance.

"Good evening, Mr. Saint-Clair," the elderly butler said, offering a respectful nod. "Master Alessandro is expecting you. Please follow me."

Jet returned the greeting and entered the residence. He’d visited the mansion before, but tonight the atmosphere seemed unusually quiet. Bernard led him through the entrance hall toward a spacious sitting room overlooking the garden.

Alessandro was waiting beside a small table, dressed in ordinary clothes rather than his usual Guildmaster attire. Two cups of tea had already been prepared.

"Jet, come in," Alessandro greeted him, gesturing toward the opposite chair. "I appreciate you visiting despite everything you still have to arrange."

Jet sat down carefully, adjusting his injured arm. "It’s fine, Guildmaster. Most of our preparations are finished. Nadia’s helping Inez with the remaining things."

Alessandro nodded and poured him some tea. "Good. I imagine moving with a seven-year-old requires considerably more preparation than traveling alone."

Jet smiled. "You have no idea. Inez somehow thinks she needs to bring half her belongings, even though most of them wouldn’t fit inside her backpack."

Alessandro chuckled, and for a brief moment their conversation felt almost ordinary. Jet accepted the tea, enjoying the comfortable silence that followed.

Eventually, Alessandro placed his cup on the table and regarded him thoughtfully.

"You’ve changed considerably since we first met," Alessandro observed. "Not simply in strength. You’ve become more decisive, and you’re beginning to understand the responsibilities that come with being an Awakener."

Jet listened without interrupting.

"Your progress is remarkable," Alessandro continued, leaning backward. "You’ve only recently awakened, yet you’ve already survived situations that would overwhelm many experienced Awakeners. Reaching the 2-Star Realm so quickly is impressive, but what interests me more is how you approach challenges."

Jet lowered his cup, considering the compliment. He knew his regression and Divine Runes had given him advantages Alessandro couldn’t possibly understand, but that didn’t make the Guildmaster’s guidance any less valuable.

"I’ve learned a lot from you," Jet replied sincerely. "Especially about controlling my strength instead of relying on it blindly. There were things I wouldn’t have understood without your help."

Alessandro acknowledged the words with a small nod, although his expression soon became serious.

"Then allow me to offer one final piece of advice," Alessandro said, resting his hands on his knees. "Never confuse extraordinary potential with invincibility. The stronger you become, the more dangerous the opponents you’ll eventually encounter."

Jet nodded, remembering how close he’d come to exhausting himself completely during the battle against Damian.

Alessandro noticed his expression and continued.

"Your Divine Rune is powerful, but strength alone won’t guarantee your survival. There will be enemies who possess more experience, bizarre abilities you don’t understand. Sometimes the wisest decision is to withdraw, gather information, and return when you’re properly prepared."

Jet considered the warning carefully. His knowledge of the previous timeline had already taught him how dangerous overconfidence could become, especially when facing Awakeners whose Divine Runes possessed unusual Authorities.

"I understand, Guildmaster," Jet answered, meeting his gaze. "I’ll remember that. I still have a long way to go."

Alessandro smiled faintly. "Good. I’d rather hear about your achievements in the future than receive news that you died because you refused to retreat."

They continued speaking for several minutes, discussing Jet’s recovery and the practical difficulties of traveling while injured.

Alessandro advised him to avoid unnecessary combat until his Mana circulation returned to normal, while Jet assured him that he intended to follow the physician’s instructions.

Eventually, the conversation slowed.

Jet glanced toward the window before turning back to Alessandro.

"Guildmaster, there’s something I wanted to say before leaving," Jet began, his expression becoming earnest. "Whatever happens from here, I want you to know that I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me."

Alessandro remained quiet, allowing him to continue.

"You gave me guidance when I needed it, and you treated me like someone worth teaching," Jet said. "I know things have become complicated, but that doesn’t change what you’ve done."

Alessandro looked at him for several moments before answering.

"And I don’t regret helping you, Jet," Alessandro replied quietly. "Nor do I hold you responsible for Damian’s decisions. What happened between you was the consequence of choices he made, and I won’t pretend otherwise."

Jet nodded, feeling some of the remaining tension ease.

Alessandro lowered his gaze toward the tea before continuing.

"However, I haven’t abandoned him," Alessandro admitted. "He’s still my nephew, and I intend to make sure he receives proper treatment and legal representation. I hope that someday he’ll recognize what he’s done and take responsibility for it."

Jet understood.

He couldn’t imagine abandoning Inez simply because she’d made a terrible mistake, although he also understood that protecting someone from consequences wasn’t the same as caring for them.

"I wouldn’t expect you to abandon him, Guildmaster," Jet answered. "He’s your family. I just hope whatever happens next doesn’t cause you more pain."

Alessandro offered a weary smile. "That’s something neither of us can predict."

Not long afterward, Jet rose to leave.

Alessandro accompanied him through the entrance hall, while Bernard waited near the front doors. Outside, the evening streets were quiet, illuminated by rows of decorative lamps.

Jet turned toward his mentor one final time.

"Take care of yourself, Guildmaster," Jet said, extending his uninjured hand. "And thank you again."

Alessandro accepted the handshake, gripping his hand firmly.

"You too, Jet," Alessandro replied. "Look after your sister, choose your companions carefully, and don’t forget what we’ve discussed."

Jet smiled before releasing his hand and walking toward the gate.

Alessandro remained beneath the entrance lights, watching the young Awakener disappear into the evening streets.

He didn’t know where Jet’s journey would lead, or whether they would ever meet again under better circumstances.

But he sincerely hoped they would.