“But still I-” Arthur tried to retort. His shivering stopped after hearing Valerio’s consolation, but his mind still refused to accept he had taken a life.

“Arthur, without you they wouldn't have survived and we wouldn't have gotten out of the mirror world without any losses” Jayden said calmly.

“We’re out?” Arthur asked. He could already guess they were out since Uncle Val was here.

“Yeah we did” Jayden smiled.

“Thank God” Arthur sighed in relief as he tried to get up from the bed.

“Ahh” Arthur shouted in main. His whole body was screaming in pain , especially his eyes.

“You need to rest Arthur” Valerio sighed as he slowly pushed Arthur back into the bed. Arthur didn't argue and kept his mouth shut.

Jayden and Valerio left Arthur to rest as they closed the door and left. Valerio looked at his right hand which he used to disperse Arthur's Nova.

There was a small scratch in his arm. The bleeding stopped and the scratch slowly healed itself.

In Valerio’s left hand was Arthur’s Nova crystallised into a diamond.

“Interesting” Valerio muttered to himself as they reached the training area. Lyra was also standing there with Mathew and Kael. Some previous complexion returned to her face as she was somewhat better.

“Didn't I tell you to rest?” Valerio asked with a sigh.

“It's okay Uncle Val, I'm all better since I was in the healing room” Lyra replied with a smile. Rather she was more concerned about Arthur, since Kael got her caught up on the things she missed.

“So, did he wake up?” Kael asked hopefully.

“Yeah, he did. But it looks like he couldn't remember much about what happened” Jayden replied with a sigh.

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“Is he alright though?” Lyra asked in concern.

“Yeah, but the recoil on his body is too great, he couldn't even move an inch” Jayden explained.

“Ahh, that usually happens after the awakening as the body is not adapted to handle the power” Mathew said as everyone nodded. They too have experienced the unbearable pain that comes after the awakening.

Everyone just stood there silently for a while when Lyra suddenly looked at Valerio weirdly.

“Uncle Val, are you ok? You seem a little off” Lyra asked with a frown.

“Haha, nothing. Just thinking about somethings” Valerio laughed with a shrug.

“Oh” Lyra replied without much thought.

“Okay guys it's getting late. I'm gonna head home and clean 5 years worth of dust” Jayden said with a sigh.

‘Is my house even intact now?’ Jayden thought in amazement. If his house was destroyed, he would probably be homeless.

“Do you need any help Jayden?” Mathew asked.

“Haha thanks, but I can at least do that much on my own” Jayden laughed waving his hands. He said goodbye to everyone and left the underground facility.

Now only Mathew, Valerio, Kael and Lyra remained with Arthur resting.

“You guys should also get some rest. Take a few days off if you want” Valerio said to the remaining people. They nodded without saying much.

…

The next day Valerio was helpless to find that the twins and Mathew didn't take the day off like he suggested and instead came to work.

“Sigh, why don't you guys take a few days off?” Valerio asked helplessly.

“Haha, it's ok uncle. Look, we are as energetic as always” Kael exclaimed, punching his chest. Lyra and Mathew, who was behind Kael, also laughed.

“You guys aren't going to listen to me anyway” Valerio shook his head as they got ready to open the shop.

The twins were setting up tables and cleaning the windows when the twins smelled something burning.

“Kael, did you leave the stove on?” Lyra asked doubtfully.

“Nah sis, I didn't even go there” Kael replied with a frown. He also smelled something burnt.

They both looked at Mathew who had a terrified expression like he saw the devil.

“Um…turn around you two” Mathew said with an awkward tone.

“Huh, is there something behind us-” Before Kael could complete, Kael and Lyra both received a smack on the back.

“Howw dare you guyss leave me all alone and go for a vacation” came an angry and tired voice.

“Uhmm, Ruby” Lyra tried to cook up an explanation as the twins turned around awkwardly.

“Do you know how much I worked in your absence??” Ruby asked, anger still visible in her face.

“Eh…Ruby hi, it's been sometimes” Lyra laughed nervously.

“Ruby, that hurt” Kael said pitifully as he rubbed his back.

“What do you mean Ruby?” Lyra asked with the same nervous laughter.

“Don't act too smart, Uncle Val told me everything” Ruby replied with a sneer. These guys thought they could still fool her.

“Did Uncle Val tell you we went on a vacation?” Kael asked.

“Yeah” Ruby nodded.

‘Damn. Uncle Val put us in a difficult position’ Kael thought, trying to think of some other reason in a hurry.

“No no Ruby, we went to…uh” Lyra replied, her voice trailing off as she was also rapidly trying to think of something.

“Ahh yeah, we went to some universities for admission” Kael exclaimed loudly. He had a smug expression for coming up with a believable lie.

“Haha yeah, that's where we went” Lyra laughed, showing a thumbs up to Kael.

“University?? Admission? You expect me to believe that?” Ruby asked in anger. These guys were still playing her for a fool.

“If you don't believe us, ask the Manager” Kael laughed awkwardly.

“Isn't it right Manager?” Lyra asked as she turned around to look at Mathew.

“Manager?” Lyra called out in panic.

Mathew who was sitting there before was nowhere to be seen.

“Are you trying to drag him into this and escape? Keep on dreaming” Ruby said as she cracked her knuckles with an evil smile.

Sounds of whacking were heard throughout the shop.

“UNCLE VALLLL!!” came two pitiful voices.

…

The door to the undergro

und facility opened as Mathew entered with a relieved expression.

“Phew, good thing I made it out” he sighed in relief.