Chapter 60: Getting Adopted

Words : 1046 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

Alix crosses his arms, gazing down at them with an unreadable expression. "Don't mention it." His voice is calm, yet there's a weight to it. His gaze softens slightly as he tilts his head. "So, what are you two going to do now? Do you know where your tribes are located?" Liss's head snaps up, her expression suddenly clouding. The question strikes deep, and the joy of freedom is quickly overshadowed by a painful memory. She lowers her gaze again, her voice barely above a whisper. "We... we don't know. The humans attacked our home. They either kidnapped or killed our people. We were separated from everyone when they took us away." Nikon's jaw tightens. "That's how we became slaves. The ones they didn't kill, they sold." His fists clench at his sides, a flicker of anger flashing in his usually composed expression. A heavy silence falls over the room. Even Varkas, who had been standing quietly at Alix's side, exhales sharply. His eyes darken with something unspoken. Then, suddenly, he steps forward. "Your Majesty," he says, his voice firm. "I want to adopt these two." Liss and Nikon freeze. Alix blinks, then throws his head back with a short, amused laugh. "Varkas, don't ask me." He gestures toward the children with a smirk. "Ask them if they want to." "I know I can't replace your family," he says, his voice quieter now, more personal. "But I can give you a home, protection, and a future where you don't have to worry about being taken again." He looks between them, his golden eyes unwavering. "If you want that, I'll take responsibility for you both." Liss and Nikon exchange glances. It's not an easy decision. Their families, their tribes—if any of them survived, they should be searching for them. But the painful truth is that they don't know where to begin. They don't even know if their people are still alive. Nikon takes a deep breath, his fists still clenched. His whole life, he has dreamed of finding his people, of avenging those who were taken and protecting what little he has left—his sister. He looks up at Varkan, his golden eyes searching for something, maybe reassurance, maybe certainty. "Will you teach me?" Nikon asks, his voice quieter now but still firm. "If I become your son... will you make me strong enough to never lose again?" Varkas's expression doesn't change, but there's something different in his gaze. He steps forward, placing a heavy hand on Nikon's shoulder. "I will. But strength isn't just about swinging a sword or taking revenge. If you choose this path, you'll train until your bones ache, until you're exhausted beyond belief. You'll learn discipline, patience, and control. Strength is nothing without the wisdom to wield it." Nikon hesitates for only a moment before nodding. "I understand. I'll do it." Then, almost shyly, he adds, "...Father." Liss gasps softly, her eyes darting between Nikon and Varkan. For a second, Varkan seems frozen. Then, he exhales through his nose, shaking his head with a quiet chuckle. "Then prepare yourself, boy. You've just chosen the hardest path of all." Nikon turns to Liss, his expression softer now. "Little sister, do you not want to get adopted?" His voice is gentle, but there's a hint of concern beneath it. Liss looks down at her hands, twisting her fingers together. For a moment, she stays quiet, her small brows furrowed in thought. Then, she peeks up at Nikon before glancing toward Varkan. Her voice comes out small, almost hesitant. "Of course, I want to... I want to have a father." She shifts on her feet, her cheeks turning slightly pink as she adds, "I just... never thought I would." Varkas watches her carefully, his golden eyes unreadable. Then, with a sigh, he kneels before her, lowering himself to her level. "Then from today onward, you have one." His tone is firm but not unkind. "No one will take you away again." Liss's eyes widen. Her lips press together as if holding back tears. Then, slowly, she nods. "Okay... Father." A small, warm smile tugs at Varkan's lips, barely noticeable. He reaches out and ruffles her hair, making her scrunch up her nose in protest. Alix, watching the exchange, shakes his head with a smirk. "Well, that's settled, then. Varkan, you've got two new kids. Try not to scare them off with your strict training on the first day." Liss giggles softly, while Nikon exhales, his tense posture finally easing. Alix glances at them once more before nodding toward Varkan. "You can go now. Get them settled in, familiarize them with your home." Varkas places a hand on each of their shoulders, giving a small nod of gratitude. "Understood. Thank you, Your Majesty." He turns to Liss and Nikon. "Come, you two." Liss hesitates for a moment, casting one last look at Alix before following Nikon and Varkan out of the chamber. As the heavy doors close behind them, Alix lets out a quiet breath, his sharp eyes scanning the dimly lit room once more. He lingers for a few minutes, moving between shelves, inspecting old tomes, and checking the intricate devices scattered across the tables. If Magnius left anything else of value here, it would be hidden well. But after another careful sweep, he finds nothing useful—just broken artifacts, half-finished projects, and worn-out scrolls that crumble at his touch. "Nothing can be useful." Alix mutters, straightening up. There's no point in wasting more time here. With that, he steps out of the chamber, making his way back to his private quarters. The moment he enters, the tension in his shoulders eases slightly. He removes his coat, tossing it onto a nearby chair before sinking into a comfortable seat. Finally, a moment to relax. ---- The Eldoria city is heavy with unease. The usual lively streets are subdued, the air thick with whispers and tension. Shopkeepers glance around warily, their voices hushed as they speak to their customers. Soldiers patrol in higher numbers than usual, their presence a clear sign that something is wrong.

Chapter 60: Getting Adopted

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