Chapter 139 : Lily’s brithday and the system’s gift too her (1)

Chapter 139: Chapter 139 : Lily’s brithday and the system’s gift too her (1) Just as all five voices echoed together— "We’re coming with you too." Alex’s mouth twitched. "...And why do you guys want to come with me?" Charlotte and Seraphina stepped forward in sync, arms crossed, eyes sharp. "Why not?" Charlotte said with a playful smirk. "If I remember correctly, your sister’s about to turn 14, right?" Seraphina nodded. "And besides, don’t you think she might be feeling... alone? Being in the hospital all this time without any real company or friends?" That reasoning hit Alex harder than expected. ’Damn... she’s right. Lily has been cooped up there all this time. Even if she doesn’t show it, she must feel lonely.’ Charlotte grinned, sensing his silence meant agreement. "Also... we kinda want to meet the person who can actually scare the mighty Alex Dragonheart." Draven chuckled. "Right? What other reason could we possibly have? Celebrate her birthday, maybe tease you a bit, you know—friendly stuff." Alex narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I don’t know... maybe you guys want to complain about me to her?" All four of them—Charlotte, Seraphina, Draven, and Alden—froze for a fraction of a second, stunned. ’He figured it out?!’ But like seasoned spies, they schooled their expressions quickly. Charlotte stepped forward, smiling sweetly. "Oh, come on. Do you really think we’re that petty?" Alex just stared at them silently... for a long five seconds. In his mind, he muttered, ’Useless, what do you think?’ The system’s smug voice echoed in his mind. [I think you should let them come. Letting Lily meet new people will be refreshing. She’s seen your annoying face way too many times already.] Alex’s mouth twitched. ’My face is not annoying, you damn bugged system. It’s god-tier beautiful. Now it’s a tier above even the gods, and you know it.’ Still, he sighed... then smiled faintly at his friends. "Alright... you guys can come." All of them beamed, even Alden giving a rare soft smile. "Then let’s go!" Charlotte declared. --- Soon, all six of them exited the grand Phoenix Spire. It was already late. The academy grounds were quiet, dorms dim with sleeping cadets, and barely a soul saw them leave. As they walked through the quiet night, Draven suddenly asked, "Hey, is it okay to leave without informing Ms. Selena or the student council?" Alex smirked. "Perks of being Apex. I don’t have to report to anyone." He glanced sideways. "But what about you guys? Still willing to come, even if you get in trouble?" The group collectively stiffened. Then Alden stepped forward, putting on a confident smirk. "Don’t worry. I’ll handle that." Everyone started clapping dramatically, praising him like he’d just solved world hunger. Except Alex, who narrowed his eyes. "...And how exactly do you plan to do that?" "You don’t need to know that," Alden said smugly and immediately started messaging someone on his EtherPad. Alex’s mouth twitched. ’Shady bastard...’ Everyone chuckled at their banter. Soon, they reached the warp gate near the academy walls. After a quick security scan and ID clearance, they entered the gate. --- Vooooom. They were instantly transported. The next moment, they emerged into the massive warp terminal at the heart of the Avaloria capital. "Ugh... I hate long-distance teleportation..." Ava groaned, swaying slightly. Seraphina stepped beside her and gently rubbed her back. "Deep breaths. It’ll pass." As Ava slowly regained her balance, Alex looked around. "Alright, let’s take a cab from here—" Pfft. A loud burst of laughter erupted from both Charlotte and Alden. Alden clutched his stomach, tears forming in the corners of his eyes. "Ahahaha! Oh gods, I always forget... you’re a commoner through and through." Alex’s mouth twitched violently. "...And what the hell is so funny, you ugly-looking bastard?" A visible vein popped on Alden’s temple. "I’m laughing at you, you poor-ass bastard! We’re not riding in some peasant cab!" Just as Alex was about to launch a retort— "Enough," Seraphina said flatly, stepping between them like a teacher separating toddlers. She whipped out her EtherPad and tapped quickly. Within two minutes, the sound of low thrusters approached. A large, luxurious hover car—sleek, glowing faintly with mana—pulled up beside them. The door slid open with a hiss. A butler stepped out, bowing politely. "This way, my lady." Alex’s mouth hung open. Only he seemed surprised. Everyone else climbed in without a second thought, chatting casually. Even Ava didn’t react. It was as if they saw million-credit hover cars every day. Alex, still standing outside, stared blankly at the vehicle. ’Why didn’t I transmigrate as a rich noble kid?!’ He clicked his tongue, muttering under his breath. "Damn rich kids..." Then climbed in, settling beside Charlotte. --- Once they were all seated comfortably inside, Seraphina leaned forward. "To Avaloria Central Hospital." The driver nodded. "Of course, my lady." As the car hummed to life, Alex looked around. "You guys brought gifts, right? It is her birthday." Seraphina smiled cryptically. "Don’t worry. We’ve got it covered." Charlotte and Alden nodded as well, looking suspiciously confident. Alex narrowed his eyes. ’Why do I feel like they’re planning something...?’ Still, he let it go. Seraphina turned to him, her expression gentler now. "So... your sister’s infected with Abyss Corruption, right? How’s she doing?" Alex nodded. "Yeah. The doctors are doing their best. She’s stable now, thankfully." Ava spoke up, her voice soft and sincere. "I hope she recovers quickly." Alex smiled, touched. "Thanks... really." The car glided silently through the glowing city as the night deepened—onward to what was sure to be a very memorable birthday. --- While chatting, bickering, and teasing each other, the group of six finally arrived at the prestigious Avaloria Central Hospital. The building towered into the night sky like a monument of gleaming glass and magic steel, softly glowing with soothing lights. As they entered the main hallway, voices lowered, and heads began turning. Doctors, nurses, patients, and even visitors paused mid-step. All eyes were glued not to the group as a whole—but to the silver-haired young man walking confidently in front of them. Alex. His aura was impossible to ignore. Dressed in his sleek, rune-lined midnight coat, constellation-threaded gloves, and impossibly perfect hair, he looked like a celestial being had decided to cosplay as a hospital visitor. Every step he took seemed to shine just a bit more than reality allowed. Charlotte sighed loudly, breaking the trance. "We’re gathering way too much attention," she muttered, then promptly smacked Alex on the back of his head. "Ow—what the hell was that for?" he asked, rubbing his scalp. "Can’t you wear normal clothes for once?" she scolded. "You’re like a walking lightbulb with a superiority complex!" Alex smirked. "You can’t hide this godly beauty, even in peasant robes." Alden clicked his tongue in irritation. Draven crossed his arms. "I hate it when he’s right..." Alex chuckled. "Jealousy’s an ugly color on you guys." Charlotte rolled her eyes. "Which room is she in?" Alex straightened. "I had her moved to the VIP treatment wing after I... made a lot of money. She’s in Room 804 on the eighth floor." Everyone nodded in sync and headed toward the crystal-paneled elevator. They stepped out onto the VIP floor moments later, walking past plush carpeting and magically stabilized air with soothing aura lights. As they reached the room, Alex paused in front of the sleek silver door, suddenly looking hesitant. "What happened?" Draven asked. Alex shook his head. "Nothing." He took a deep breath... and pressed the button. The door hissed open with a quiet chime. Inside the room, a young girl was sitting up on her bed, tapping on a holographic screen with practiced focus. Her fingers danced across a rhythm game interface as chibi characters bounced and sparkled in tune with the beat. She wore an adorable oversized hoodie designed after her favorite game character—a chibi bunny knight with floppy ears, armor-shaped patches, and even a tail at the back. Her silver hair was tied into a loose side ponytail, and her ruby-like red eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and concentration. It was Liliana—Alex’s little sister. And she was waiting. The clock on the screen blinked: 12:08 AM She grinned devilishly. "Tch, he’s late again... That idiotic brother is gonna pay~" Then the door opened. Her grin widened like a predator spotting prey. ’He’s here~ The time for punishment has come!’ But as she turned her gaze, what met her eyes wasn’t her brother. It was three beautiful young women who looked like they’d just stepped out of a dream. Charlotte. Seraphina. Ava. All three locked eyes with her. There was a moment of silence. Then— "Waaaaah! She’s so cute!!" they cried in perfect unison. Before Lily could react, all three rushed her like a tidal wave of sparkles and squeals. "Ah—Wait! Hold on!" Lily panicked. But they didn’t listen. Charlotte hugged her from the left. "Look at these puffy cheeks! I could die!" Seraphina gently ran her fingers through Lily’s soft hair. "Such flawless silver... and she’s wearing a bunny hoodie... she’s weaponized adorableness." Ava squealed, poking Lily’s nose. "She even smells sweet—what are you, a dessert?!" They surrounded her, hugged her, petted her, and completely disregarded the fact she was still recovering. ’W-What the hell is happening?! Where are you, brother?! Save me, you traitor!’ Then the other three entered. Alden glanced at the scene and muttered, "Typical girls..." Draven smirked. "I’m just enjoying the show." Alex, however, simply stared at the chaos and smiled softly. ’Maybe... bringing them wasn’t a bad idea after all.’ He stepped forward. "Alright, girls, tone it down or she’ll cry and curse me for not saving her," he said casually. The moment he spoke, the three girls blinked, snapping out of their doting daze. They immediately stepped back. "S-Sorry!" Charlotte said. "We didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable," Ava added quickly. "Forgive us," Seraphina said with a graceful bow. Lily, still stunned after being sandwiched between three very big pairs of breasts... of the ladies, just blinked slowly. Then Alex walked forward and grinned. "So, my lady, how’s your condition?" Lily pointed at him dramatically. "Who are you?" Alex froze. "Huh?" Everyone else went still. "What do you mean ’who am I’? I’m your brother!" Lily squinted. "Shut up! My brother’s not this good-looking. He’s like... kinda ugly. You trying to rob me or something?" Silence. Then— BWAHAHAHAHA! All five of them burst into uncontrollable laughter. Alden laughed so hard he collapsed on the floor, clutching his stomach. Even the system inside Alex’s mind cracked. [Pfft—She got you good, host.] Alex’s face turned bright red. ’This brat... she’s definitely messing with me.’ He stepped forward, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry I’m late..." "I didn’t catch that, Mr. Robber," Lily said sweetly. "Can you repeat it louder? I’m sick, you know." Alex’s eye twitched. "...I said I’m sorry." "Still didn’t hear you." "...I’m very sorry." "Oh, you poor thing," she said, resting a hand on her forehead dramatically. "How can I forgive you..." Alex groaned. "Do you really want me to do that in front of everyone?" Lily smirked devilishly in response. Everyone leaned forward in curiosity. Alex sighed like a man walking to his execution. Then, straightening his back, he took two solemn steps forward. "Kneeling before the mighty supreme commander Liliana Dragonheart..." he said loudly. "I, Alex Dragonheart, report for duty." He glanced at his watch. "...Apologies for being eight minutes late." Then he knelt, placing his fist to the ground. "Please... forgive me." Dead silence. Then— "HAHAHAHAHAHA!!" Alden almost fell backward, clutching his side. Ava had tears in her eyes. Draven actually did fall over, laughing like he was dying. Even Seraphina snorted, barely holding her composure. And Charlotte, ever the opportunist, quietly made a video with a hidden mini-camera. Alex looked around and muttered, "I want to die..." Lily tapped her chin, pretending to think. "Oh right, you’re that cringe-lord brother of mine, huh?" The laughter resumed. Alden wiped a tear from his eye. "Coming here was the best decision I’ve made in my entire life." Everyone high-fived each other. Alex stood up, brushing off imaginary dust. "I brought chocolate cake... but looks like you don’t want it." He turned dramatically. But Lily’s eyes lit up like firecrackers. "Wait—wait wait wait! Where are you going?!" "You’re my one and only, bestest big brother in the world!" she said rapidly, holding her arms open. "Come here and give me a hug. Also, bring the cake." Alex’s mouth twitched. ’This sweet loving brat...’ Still, as he looked at her—healthy, playful, and smiling—he couldn’t stay mad. He stepped forward and gave her a warm, genuine hug, wrapping his arms gently around her tiny frame. And for a moment, the room was filled with quiet warmth... the kind only family could bring. -------- A/N: So how was the Chapter? Tell me in the comments! Thanks for the ???? gift @Anju09 i really appreciate the support. 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