Chapter 75: Chapter 75

Watts stood in the glowing expanse of the Literal Realm, his form illuminated by the surreal hues of shifting reality.

His focus was now no longer on the facility, he was done with that, so right now he had something important to do.

Before him, his aunt and sister lay on a bed he had conjured, their faces peaceful in unconsciousness.

He had already inscribed the runes necessary to heal them, channeling the energy of the realm into their battered forms.

Now, as the magic worked its course, he waited, his hands fidgeting by his sides.

Their breathing steadied first, soft and rhythmic, as the runes pulsed faintly before fading from sight.

Slowly, their bodies stirred, subtle movements that signaled they were regaining consciousness.

Nova noticing this, chirped and flattered her wings flying and perching on Watts’ shoulder, curiously looking at them.

Yet, instead of relief, a growing tension gripped Watts. He had thought this moment would be one of triumph, of overwhelming joy.

Instead, an unwelcome knot of unease twisted in his stomach.

All this time, he had worked tirelessly toward this goal, fighting against impossible odds haunted by their absence.

His sole purpose had been their rescue. Every plan, every risk, every battle had led to this.

But now, with them here, safe and stirring awake, he felt disoriented, as though he had reached the peak of a mountain only to find an uncharted abyss on the other side.

The faintest groan from his sister broke his thoughts. Her eyelids fluttered, her head turning slightly toward him.

His aunt stirred next, her lips parting as if to speak before sinking back into silence.

Watts’s heart raced. He clenched his fists, unsure whether to step forward or remain where he was.

Because right now, he was as nervous as a high school kid joining a new school.

But then his brain jolted, his super brain working to give him some of the analysis he had been making since he came here.

A troubling question gnawed at the edges of his mind: Why had their rescue been so easy?

He had prepared for a grueling battle, expecting the Order’s defenses to be overwhelming.

Gwen’s memories that he had absorbed earlier, had painted a vivid picture of the Order’s power and huge forces.

Because even if not many people had information about the Order, people with high enough status could get it.

But even then, all they could get were speculations and hypotheses.

After all if the Order was easy to find, then the Paragons would have dealt with them already.

But one thing was clear, their hideouts were believed to be bastions of power, brimming with elite guards, deadly traps, and layers of magical wards.

Power that is fit to rival even the Paragons who controlled the galaxies.

Yet his family had been held here—in a facility that, by comparison, was laughably under protected.

It didn’t make sense.

Not in the slightest.

Was this a trap? Had the Order deliberately let him find and rescue them? And if so, why? What was their endgame?

What were they up to. What did they gain from him rescuing his family. After all this meant they had lost their bargaining chip.

But then again, did they really need a bargaining chip to do anything to him?

Not at all. In fact, Watts knew he was too weak to even be considered their threat.

That is why this puzzled him the most.

He had scoured the council’s memories, piecing together fragments of the Order’s vast network.

They had resources, influence, and terrifying strength at their disposal.

Sacrificing one facility, even with its research and captives, seemed like a calculated move.

But what could they stand to gain? His mind swirled with possibilities, none of them comforting.

The ease of his victory left him feeling uneasy, as if he were a pawn in a game far larger than he understood.

Another groan brought his attention back to the bed. His sister’s eyes blinked open, dazed and unfocused.

His aunt’s hand twitched, and her lips moved again, though no sound came out. Watts felt his throat tighten. A wave of emotions surged through him—relief, apprehension, guilt.

The last time he had seen them, their relationship had been anything but smooth.

Arguments and misunderstandings had driven a wedge between them.

He had left to pursue his own path, believing he was doing the right thing, only to realize too late the cost of his choices.

And now, after everything they had endured because of him, how could he face them? What could he say to make things right?

His sister’s gaze finally found him, her brow furrowing slightly. "W...Watts?"

Her voice was weak, a mere whisper, but it struck him like a thunderclap. He stepped forward instinctively, but then stopped, unsure of how to proceed.

"Yeah, it’s me," he managed, his voice unsteady. "You’re safe now. Both of you are."

His aunt’s eyes opened next, her expression one of confusion and weariness.

She tried to sit up, but the effort seemed too much, and she sank back against the bed. "Where... where are we?" she rasped.

"It’s a safe place," Watts said, kneeling beside the bed. "Its called the Literal Realm. You don’t need to worry. No one can hurt you here."

Both women looked at him, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and disbelief.

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words about their separation.

Watts felt the weight of his own doubts pressing down on him. Would they blame him for what had happened?

Could they forgive him for not being there when they needed him most?

Honestly he couldn’t take it anymore, the nerves were killing him.

And thank God Nova came to his rescue, she chirped flapped her wings to aunt Liz, perching on her shoulder and rubbing her little head on her neck.

Aunt Liz’ eyes went wide open looking at the beauty, not to mention Layala who has always liked cute things.

And with o doubt, Nova was like the cutest pet one could ever ask for.

"Her name is Nova," Watts smiled a bit, his nerves calming.

However the two seemed to not have heard him and continued to rub Nova who seemed to pretty much enjoy it.

But since the two had just recovered and souls had been spent they were way too drowsy to keep awake.

"You guys should rest, when you wake up, everything will be back to normal," Watts told them.

His sister’s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before her eyelids drooped, the exhaustion overtaking her once more.

His aunt followed suit, her breathing evening out as sleep reclaimed her.

Nova in their midst.

Watts remained by their side, his thoughts a storm of conflicting emotions.

As much as he wanted to savor this moment, to believe that the nightmare was over, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far more dangerous.

Whatever the Order’s plans were, they had yet to reveal their full hand. And Watts knew he couldn’t let his guard down—not now, not ever.

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