Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

Several months quietly slipped by.

During this time, no new attempts were made to hunt down Alex. The Curse, ever-watchful, never sensed the presence of any divine being entering the lower realm. That alone meant their ruse—Alex's supposed death—had worked. For now, they were safe.

Of course, there were still spies. A few shadows lingered around Edric and the others, always watching, always waiting. But they never saw Alex. He only ever met them through teleportation circles, slipping in and out like a ghost. No tracks. No signs. Just silence.

Alex had found a place to hide—deep within the Blood Domain. It was a shattered town at the edge of the realm, a place that had once been a city before the Great War tore it apart. Now, it stood abandoned, forgotten by time, and untouched by most.

It was perfect.

With help, Alex built a shelter there. Quiet, hidden, safe. Natasha had been with him through every step—setting up the space, cloaking it from wandering eyes, and feeding him everything she knew about the Blood Domain. Her support wasn't just practical—it kept him grounded. He might not have said it out loud, but he relied on her more than he realized.

Edric didn't sit still either. He ventured into the elven lands, digging for any clue about their movements. What he found was no surprise. The elves had already chosen their champions—three warriors they intended to send forward and have registered for the Celestial Trials.

Meanwhile, Rebecca's path took her to the beast realm. But the news she brought back was different. Conflict had erupted there. Some say it was over a dispute. Others whispered it had to do with the death of an Elder. Whatever the reason, the tribes had turned on each other, and unity was slipping through their fingers.

Even so, the three warriors Alex and Natasha had chosen remained the top contenders. There were attempts to push them aside, to strip them of their place—but in the beast realm, strength decides everything. And the three had proven theirs.

They didn't win through politics. They didn't need permission.

They earned it with blood, grit, and raw power.

And that's why they were still the best hope for what was to come.

Talking about the Blood Domain with the help of Natasha and the active involvement of the Monarch has allowed them to select three trustable and strong Vampires for the job, and among the three was Quinton as well—the same guy who escorted Alex to the beast realm back then.

From the human realm, there have been some attempts to push a few warriors to include their names in the list too.

However, to test whether they are worthy or not, the King of the four nations always brings Edric into the picture. And with the guy's endless growing strength, he almost crushes his enemy every single time.

So, from Alex's perspective, the world has already chosen their ten warriors who would take part in the contest, which would decide the fate of the world.

...

Now, Alex was sitting in his hideout along with others

Everyone he cares about and wants to protect is here.

Today was the last day before these few individuals would be getting involved with the trials which would decide who would be participating

Champion of Champions—they named it.

Tomorrow it would start and it would last for fifteen days. After that, they won't get a single day to spend time like this together.

So, in a way, this was their last day on this planet when they could be like this together ...or the last time they all saw each other.

"Let's not make it gloomy, y'all. Let's just relax and pretend we aren't participating in anything." Edric voiced while raising the mug of beer towards the others.

Celestria smilingly added, "That's right. Even if this is a farewell let's not make it sad or anything. Let's just drink and enjoy!" She was having ginger ale but the enthusiasm was no less

Everyone raised their glasses, including Alice, who was just following their movements and cheered.

Alex and Celestria were in charge of cooking food for others.

Sarah and Amanda were talking on the side, and Alice acquired the lap of the Saintess.

Rebecca and Natasha were discussing something, but considering the smiles on their faces, it was apparent that they weren't talking about the Trials.

Jullie was with Edric, talking about school and stuff.

Jullie has been spending time in the academy recently so she was able to live her last few days as a teacher.

Seeing everyone enjoying themselves, Alex smiled.

Celestria leaned toward him and asked, "You like it like this, right?"

Alex nodded, "Who doesn't like to see their friends, family, and lovers safe and sound? Who doesn't enjoy peace?"

Celestria held his hand, giving it an assuring squeeze as she said, "This won't be the last time we will be like this. I can bet on that."

Alex sighed, "I hope the Allfather listens to you and grant you this only wish."

"Hey, Alex. Can't my Father be a part of this celebration?" Natasha's voice rang, the girl seemed to be in the mood to complain.

These past few months, because they have been communicating a lot, Natasha has opened up herself to others. Not appearing grumpy all the time was the biggest sign that she was no longer wary of the people around her.

Alex shrugged at that complaint, "I mean I asked if he wanted to come out but,"

[I don't like crowded places.]

The black blob appeared over Alex's shoulder and made himself clear.

"Pa!" Alice suddenly jumped from Sarah's lap and advanced towards Alex with a bright smile.

She held the black orb from Alex's shoulder and hugged him close to her.

The Curse grumbled, being squeezed by the girl, but despite having the option to disappear, he didn't.

"Hey, Alice...no fair..." In a small voice, Natasha complained but the little girl was not going to let go of her father.

Alex chuckled as he placed some meat and vegetables, which he had grilled, on the plate and held it towards Edric.

"Thank you~" The guy took it with a grin. He actually had a meal a few hours ago, but he could always be hungry if Alex cooks.

"Alex, have you thought of how you would replace someone during the selection?" Sarah suddenly asked, and the topic gathered everyone's attention, except for Alice's, of course.

She was still playing with her Pa!

Alex hummed, "I think I will manage something. If it comes down to it, Edric will sacrifice his position."

Edric paused mid-chew before he hurriedly shook his head, "No way! I am grinding my a*s every single day for that contest. Ain't no way."

Alex shrugged, "It's about world security, though. And between us, we all know who would be more beneficial."

Edric was now serious, "Are you really planning to replace me?"

Alex shook his head, "I have something else in the plan, but if it fails, then maybe."

Edric heaved a sigh...and looked back at the plate.

The room fell into awkward silence after that.

"Wait, I can also give you my spot." Breaking the silence, Rebecca suddenly suggested.

Alex's brows raised, "But you aren't participating, right? Cela said only one warrior from the human realm is possibly going to take part in the trials?"

Alex genuinely believed that because of all the things that happened recently, Rebecca might have lost her touch

However, "Just because I am not shouting about my strength doesn't mean I have dropped the plan on joining the Trials. I haven't gone through the third evolution just to stay on the sidelines."

"She has been training rigorously with me the past few weeks, you know," Jullie added.

Alex's brows rose in surprise, "I really thought you dropped the plan."

"Of course not. So, if things come down to it, you can replace me, Alex...although I really want to show you how strong I have become, it is a fact that nothing holds more importance than your presence in the arena."

It was known to every single person in the room that if there was any chance for their world to survive, then it rests in the hands of this single man.

Another brief silence before Celestria urged, "Now, let's not talk about the Trials anymore. Remember we are here just to enjoy!"

Everyone agreed to that. There was a lot to stress about. There were many possibilities and many things go completely awry in these upcoming days. Maybe things might go as they have planned or everything might flip upside down. Who knows!

However, they decided to not worry about it for now and enjoy their last day together.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- I might add another chapter of this day, with just Alex and his lovers, since after that, we would land on the final arc of the story. Thank you for being a part of this journey.