Every soldier was emptying their magazines without delay, ready to shoot again the moment they ran out. Meanwhile, Alex and Michael stood amidst the chaos, a shimmering barrier protecting them from the hail of bullets.
Alex ignored the gunfire, his eyes locking onto a man kneeling in the dirt, hands clasped together, tears streaming down his face as he prayed. Without a hint of fear, Alex walked toward him, Michael effortlessly deflecting the bullets that came too close.
As Alex knelt beside the man, the battlefield noise seemed to fade into the background. The man's quiet sobs and whispered prayers filled the space between them. Then, in a gesture both powerful and humble, Alex joined him, bowing his head in silent prayer. At that moment, a light descended from the sky, brilliant and otherworldly, wrapping around Alex like a divine embrace.
The battlefield fell silent, every soldier lowering their weapons, eyes locked onto the radiant figure levitating above the ground. Alex's body was enveloped in a holy aura that shimmered like golden flames. Slowly, he descended, his feet touching the earth as lightly as a whisper. He looked around at the stunned faces and smiled. "Hello, I am Alex," he said, his voice warm and calm.
No one spoke. No one moved. The moment hung suspended in the air, thick with disbelief.
Then, the man who had been praying stood up, his hands trembling. He took a hesitant step forward before dropping to one knee. "Are you the Alex… the one the Father oreded me to help?"
Alex nodded, his expression gentle. "I am Alex."
The man's face broke into a relieved smile. "I am Johnathan Windall Oskar.
, the priest from the church nearby," he said, his voice shaking.
Alex placed a hand on John's shoulder, his gaze steady. "That's why He chose you… to be His knight."
John laughed softly, shaking his head. "With powers or without… I have always been His knight… and His son." He paused, his gaze shifting to the angelic figure standing protectively beside Alex. The golden hair, the piercing gray eyes—it could only be one being. John's eyes widened, and he bent his head slightly. "Greetings… Angel Michael!"
Michael nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Good to meet you, John."
Before another word could be spoken, the distant echo of marching footsteps reminded them of the reality around them. The palace entrance loomed ahead, its grand doors standing firm against time. The moment of peace was fleeting.
"I'm here to meet my parents," Alex stated firmly.
John's expression softened. "Go on. No one can stop you now."
Michael gestured toward the entrance. "Alex, let's go."
The palace doors groaned as Alex pushed them open, revealing a vast hall bathed in ethereal light. Ancient carvings glowed softly along the walls, whispering forgotten secrets. At the center floated a massive golden sphere, radiating a powerful aura.
Michael's gaze fixed on it. "Drop your blood on it, then break it."
Alex hesitated for a moment, then bit his finger and flicked a drop of blood onto the sphere. Remembering Hercules' training, he delivered a controlled punch—not for brute force, but for purpose.
A deafening crack filled the air as the sphere shattered, unleashing a flood of golden light. From its depths, a figure emerged—a man with long hair and a scarred chest, his aura fierce and unyielding. Michael rushed to him, gripping his shoulders.
"Sir Xander! Wake up!"
Xander's eyes snapped open, ablaze with fury. "Where are the dark forces? I'll destroy them all! Where's my son? I won't let them touch him!"
Michael held firm. "Sir Xander, please! Alex is safe… Look!"
Xander turned, his fierce gaze softening as he saw Alex standing before him. In a heartbeat, he was there, pulling his son into a crushing embrace. His shoulders shook as he laughed, his voice trembling, "You're safe… You're really here."
Alex clung to him, his own eyes misty. "I'm safe… for now. But… are you my father?"
Xander pulled back slightly, hands firm on Alex's shoulders, taking in every detail. "It's been so long… I need to look good for my son," he thought, a bittersweet smile crossing his face. With a casual flick of his hand, his battle-worn garments shifted into simple yet refined attire. He straightened his posture with a dramatic "Ahem!" before speaking. "I am Xander Forster Cane. That's the name I love to call myself… and your mother did, too."
Alex stood tall, his face set with determination. "I am Alex."
Xander burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the hall. He turned to Michael, smirking. "Did you spoil him this much?"
Michael scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, couldn't help it. After all, he's Anna's son. Not a bad kid, just… stubborn."
Xander's eyes widened. "Really?"
Michael nodded. "Yep! Only Lord Zeus could control this kid!"
Xander's expression softened. He lowered himself to the ground, motioning for Alex to sit beside him. "Come, tell me everything."
Alex began recounting his journey, each word filled with excitement and wonder. Xander listened, his heart swelling with pride. The stories of battles, friendships, and struggles painted vivid images in his mind.
After a while, Xander sighed, his gaze distant. "Alex, in Heaven, they teach only the good… but they avoid all wrong thoughts and feelings. You need to understand both to truly see the world."
Michael chuckled. "Hercules will love that advice."
Xander smirked. "Tell him it comes from a fellow warrior."
A sudden knock at the chamber doors interrupted them. John stepped in, looking uneasy. "Some people outside… they're causing trouble. I think you need to talk to them."
Xander exhaled sharply. "Tell them I want all procedures done at once."
Moments later, in the grand hall, a group of officials and armed officers stood waiting. A man in a suit adjusted his tie, camera crew beside him. The tension in the air was palpable.
One of them stepped forward. "We need to ask you some questions."
Xander crossed his arms. "You're welcome to ask—but don't test my patience."
The suited man smirked. "So, you claim to be part of the Trinity of Earth?"
Xander removed his glasses and let his golden eyes flare, a crown of light forming above his head. "Is this proof enough?" His voice carried a quiet challenge. "Any more questions?"
The officer hesitated, then asked, "Then why are your people not responding to our calls?"
Xander's expression darkened. "Know your place."
A wave of energy pulsed through the hall, shaking the walls. "We protect this planet under the Brave Light Order of the Universe. If you dare cross the line again… there will be no mercy."
was struggling to breathe. "I am sorry for my indecent behavior! But… why have you been here for a century?"
Xander's gaze was cold. "I won't answer that. But after all the favors I've provided you, are you planning to forsake your promise?"
"I am sorry! That's not what I meant, Sir Xander!" the man pleaded.
John checked his pad, then looked up at the cameraman. "Officer, if you want us to forget this disrespect, I want you to release the cameraman from his post and remove his family's surveillance—without a trace."
The officer stood in shock, speechless. He pulled out his phone and stepped aside.
Xander turned to John, frowning. "What are you doing, idiot? Why are you doing this?"
John simply nodded. "Trust me for a minute."
Xander stared at the cameraman. "I don't know what you're trying to do. Is he really worth it?"
The officer returned moments later. "It's done, sir. Thank you for giving us this chance."
He turned to the cameraman and extended his hand. "You are no longer an agent, Specter. Please return your gun and badge."
The cameraman set down his equipment, his movements slow, deliberate. With a deep breath, he unholstered his gun and placed it alongside his badge in the officer's outstretched hand. For a moment, he hesitated—then, reluctantly, he shook the officer's other hand.
With his camera slung over his shoulder, he walked out of the castle, the weight of unseen chains lifting from his shoulders.
John sat at his computer, his fingers tense against the keyboard as he muttered under his breath, eyes fixed on the screen. Ethan Holdman. Codename: Spector. The words sent a chill down his spine.
"98% success rate. No traces, no major losses…" John murmured, scrolling through classified mission logs. His heart pounded as he read the codenames:
Operation Blackout. Ghost Protocol. Silent Requiem.
He ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. "Erased a terrorist base. Infiltrated the mafia. Holds the highest Navy shooting record. A living phantom," he whispered.
Xander, standing behind him, narrowed his eyes. "Why the hell do we need him?"
John exhaled sharply, leaning back in his chair. "Xander, when you're walking through a world like this… you need someone you can rely on." His voice was firm, unwavering.
Xander scoffed, shaking his head. "Him? You expect me to trust a ghost?"
John smirked, tapping the screen. "MI6 spies are the best in the business. And the world isn't slowing down."
Xander stepped closer, his gaze landing on something unexpected—a locket hanging from John's neck. His breath caught. The shape, the engravings… it was unmistakable.
His fingers clenched. The locket. The one I gave that child before I left for war.
His voice was low, demanding. "Where did you get that locket?"
John blinked, startled. "It was given to me… by my uncle."
Xander's jaw tightened. "His name."
John hesitated before answering, "Tonner Holdman."
For a moment, silence hung between them. Then Xander let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. He placed a firm hand on John's shoulder, his voice laced with something between nostalgia and relief.
"Tony… that stubborn fool. He made it."
Ethan, who had been listening in silence, felt a jolt in his chest. He stepped forward, his voice almost a whisper. "You knew him?"
Xander met his gaze, a ghost of a smile on his lips. "Knew him? He was a brave boy. Reckless as hell, but always standing tall."
Turning back to John, his expression hardened once more. "John, I'm leaving his family—and his official status—in your hands. Same as before.".
Eathen's mind was practically screaming— "What the hell do these guys think they are?! How can they both act so damn arrogant?!"
Before he could even blink, Xander casually turned around, flashing a smug grin. "Of course, we're arrogant. Because we can do whatever we want."
eathen starring at xander in awe , knowing nothing for what to do .