Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

"We're here," Rebecca announced softly as they stepped into the town where she had grown up.

Despite traveling on foot, it hadn't taken them long to reach Chainedvale. After all, they were superhumans—each one faster than any horse. They covered the distance in less than half the expected time.

Natasha had already sent Quinton back to the Blood Domain with a message for her father: she would be returning later than planned.

This trip wasn't on her schedule—but with the baby in her arms showing signs of needing fresh air and joy, Natasha decided a little detour wouldn't hurt.

"It's… peaceful," Sarah murmured, her eyes scanning the tranquil streets as they passed through.

She'd been here once before, though her memories of that visit were hazy with duty and urgency. Just like today, she wore a thin veil over her face, hiding her expression from curious eyes. But this time, without the weight of a mission, she finally noticed the serene beauty of the town.

Chainedvale was vast, home to over three thousand residents—all under the protection of Lord Victor Steelhound.

Though he governed a handful of towns, Chainedvale was the crown jewel—his largest, most cherished city.

The town's name sat at the bottom of every crime report, a testament to the efficiency and presence of the Steelhound soldiers. Any incident was resolved within hours, a day at most.

Lord Victor Steelhound was a man of strict discipline but carried a heart softer than most. His only desire: the growth and safety of his people. That's why, even as Chainedvale's ruler, he still played an active role in forming the Capital's security strategies.

Alice was looking around, her eyes shining with wonder.

Natasha could tell with just a glance—humans were such lively beings. That energy was reflected everywhere, especially in the colorful displays of the market stalls.

Though it was already a few hours past sunset, the town was still bustling. Customers moved through the streets, vendors called out with cheerful voices, laughter rose from food stalls, and even small carnival-like games lined the roadside.

Her gaze wandered until it landed on a stall selling skewers.

She slowed her steps and approached, the smoky aroma of grilled meat drawing her in. Turning her head slightly, she asked, "Want one?" Her voice was soft, a gentle smile playing at her lips.

Alice swallowed hard, staring wide-eyed at the sizzling skewers turning slowly over glowing coals. The vendor brushed on a rich, glistening sauce, making the meat even more irresistible.

She didn't need to answer. The longing in her eyes spoke louder than words.

Without a word, Rebecca stepped forward and bought four skewers—one for each of them.

Natasha, who usually didn't eat much, took hers without resistance today. "Thank you," she said with a quiet nod.

Rebecca returned the smile and passed the next skewer to Sarah.

With the skewers in hand, they continued walking toward Rebecca's house, savoring the juicy meat as they went.

It was an adorable sight—Alice, trying to pull an entire piece of meat into her mouth, only to struggle with chewing.

"Don't be hasty. No one's taking it from you," Sarah said gently, concerned the girl might tire her jaw.

Alice understood and obediently slowed down, carefully chewing what was already in her mouth before taking smaller bites from the next piece.

"They must've joined the celebration by now. I wonder what Alex might be wearing..." Rebecca murmured, a wistful look softening her face.

She couldn't help it. There was something about Alex in formal clothes—his appeal always seemed to skyrocket the moment he wore them.

"Don't worry. When he returns, I'll make him wear it again," Sarah said with a knowing smirk.

Rebecca grinned. "Looking forward to it."

°°°°°°°°°°

"Haah..." Amanda sighed as she held a glass of chilled fruit drink, her gaze drifting toward the growing crowd around Edric and Alex.

"I share the sentiment… they're annoyingly popular," Celestria muttered, draining the last of her own drink with a faint grimace.

Mostly girls had surrounded the two boys, firing off questions like devoted fans, their eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Alex's fame has soared ever since he defeated that Spirit User. And now that he's been given the King's symbol of bravery, they've started calling him the Hero of Humanity…" Amanda commented, her tone laced with both pride and exasperation.

The title sounded grand—and heavy. People had begun to place their hopes on Alex, believing he would be the one to usher in peace.

"Seniors~"

A sudden voice interrupted their conversation, making both Amanda and Celestria flinch. They turned to see a familiar short-haired girl from the newspaper club trotting over with a grin.

"Miguel?" Amanda blinked, in confusion seeing the flushed girl.

"Hello, senior~ You look so damn hot today," Miguel said, a little breathless, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Celestria raised an eyebrow, "Why are you breathing like that? Are you okay?"

Miguel gave a quick nod, "Mm-hmm. I just sprinted to the venue when I heard the two golden bachelors had arrived."

Both Amanda and Celestria immediately narrowed their eyes.

"They aren't bachelors," Amanda snapped before adding, a little too casually, "They're... engaged."

It wasn't official in the traditional sense, but the understanding between them felt close enough.

Miguel, unfazed, flashed a cheeky grin. "But they can still have a few concubines, right?"

Amanda and Celestria's eyes widened in sync—and then they bolted toward their lovers without a word.

"Ah… where were you?" Alex asked, a bit surprised as Celestria suddenly appeared beside him, slipping her hand into his with practiced ease.

Celestria didn't answer Alex immediately. Instead, she leaned in with a soft smile, her grip on his hand tightening just enough to make a point.

Then, without looking away from him, she raised her voice ever so slightly, "Someone was getting the wrong idea, so I had to make sure they remembered who you belong to."

Alex blinked, his lips curling into a smirk. "Territorial today, huh?"

"I've always been," she whispered, before tugging his arm down gently and locking it with hers. "I just don't always need to show it."

Meanwhile, Amanda had already made her way to Edric. She didn't say a word—just walked up, looked him in the eye, and casually draped both arms around his neck.

"Someone's been spreading wild theories about you," she murmured with a sugary smile. "Should I start breaking fingers, or will a warning glare do?"

Edric chuckled, clearly amused, his hand resting on her waist. "You don't have to do anything. They'll get the message."

Just behind them, Miguel blinked as the atmosphere shifted. The icy undertones, the confident stares, the way both girls had claimed their men without raising their voices—it made her spine tingle.

"Tch... possessive types, huh?" she mumbled with a nervous laugh, scratching her cheek. "Noted... very noted..."

One of her friends leaned in and whispered, "You're lucky they didn't blast you through a wall."

Miguel nodded rapidly. "Mental note: never flirt with walking natural disasters."

It was then—

"May I have your attention, please?"

The deep, composed voice echoed from the stage.

Everyone turned to face the man who stood at the center, dignified as always—Headmaster Hector. His white hair was neatly combed back, his presence refined in a black suit that accentuated his stature.

As silence settled and the crowd focused on him, Hector offered a gentle smile before speaking again.

"We've been through a lot—many joyous moments, and many disastrous ones. Over these years, some of you have changed in unimaginable ways, while others still carry the same spark I saw when you first stepped into these halls three years ago."

A faint smile spread across the faces of the third-years. The weight of his words was real—familiar, grounding.

"But regardless of how much you've changed," Hector continued, "know this: I'm proud. Proud of who you are… and even prouder of who you're going to become."

A warm silence followed, as many lowered their heads, reflective and touched.

"This may be your last day at the academy. A new journey awaits each of you beyond these walls. But if ever you find yourself faced with a mountain too high, an obstacle too heavy…" His eyes swept over the hall.

"Remember—this academy never closes its doors for those who seek guidance. You'll always have a place here."

Raising his glass he added, "Cheers on your graduation!"

Everyone followed suit and raised their glasses.

Although Alex didn't spend much time here after waking up, he has built quite a good connection with the teachers here. The dormitory, the common hall...he would surely miss them.

However, as the Headmaster said, they have to focus on a new chapter of their life.

The chapter would decide whether their book would continue to unfold or would be burned to cinders.

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- After this date and a few r-18 chapters, we would head towards the last arc of the story. Thanks for reading. Drop a comment or Power stone or GT.