Michael observed the genuine distress on his aunt's face. "Aunt Vivienne, let's go somewhere more private. It's not good to speak here," he suggested gently.
Vivienne nodded and led him to her office. The room was simple and unadorned, a reflection of her own straightforward and modest nature.
She sat behind her desk, and Michael took the seat opposite her. "How are you, Michael?" she asked, her voice thick with emotion. "It's been so many years. I... I almost didn't recognize you."
He could see the weight of guilt and sorrow she carried from the past. "You don't need to worry about me, Aunt. I'm doing very well."
"Michael, have you spoken with your mother?" Vivienne ventured cautiously. "She worries about you more than she shows. You're her only son. Even your sister is rarely home, always training at the Dragon Hall."
The mention of his mother tightened his jaw, but he responded calmly. "We met. Though I wouldn't call it a reunion. She came to plead for someone else's life. It doesn't matter now. I don't concern myself with them. My loyalty is to those who stood by me when I had nothing. The others can fend for themselves."
He wasn't swayed by her emotional appeal, but out of care for her, he softened his tone. "How is my sister? Is her cultivation progressing? When you next speak to her, please tell her to take care of herself."
In his previous life, his sister had been distant, but he now suspected there were forces at play he hadn't understood. He would bide his time and uncover the truth himself.
Vivienne's expression grew troubled. "She did visit once, looking for you. She had a terrible argument with your uncle and left the city in a rage, returning to the Dragon Hall."
At the mention of an argument, a flicker of lethal intent ignited in Michael's eyes. His gaze instinctively shot toward the city's center, where the Aetherion family estate stood.
Seeing his reaction, Vivienne quickly interjected, "It wasn't about you! Please, don't do anything reckless. You know your uncle's temper. He tolerates no challenge to his authority. Do not confront him over this."
Michael looked back at her, forcibly reining in his killing intent. He realized his emotions had been unusually volatile since returning to this city. "It's fine. I won't go to him. He is nothing to me."
Eager to change the subject, he moved to the reason for his visit. "Aunt, could you show me some high-grade swords suitable for a Star Realm warrior?"
Vivienne sighed, resigned to the family's fractured state. Then, his words fully registered. "You... you broke through to the Star Realm?"
He saw the shock and hope in her eyes and knew what she was thinking. "Yes. But do not take this as a sign that I will return to the family. That door is closed. I prefer my freedom."
Vivienne was still reeling. A 25-year-old Star Realm warrior was unprecedented. "I... I understand. Let me show you the collection."
She led him to a secure vault filled with an impressive array of weapons. The inventory was far more extensive and advanced than he had anticipated. Seeing S-level and even Galactic-grade weapons here meant the number of powerful experts on Blue Star was far greater than he had assumed in his previous life. He had been naive to think his current strength already placed him among the planet's elite.
His eyes settled on a sleek, deadly S-level sword. "Aunt, what is the price for this one?"
"That's an S-level blade, Michael. It's far beyond what you'd need..." she began, but trailed off under his unwavering gaze. She could see he had made his choice. "Very well. Take it."
He glanced at the price tag on the display terminal: 15 billion credits. "Acceptable. I'll take it." He moved to the terminal to initiate the transfer.
Vivienne rushed over. "Michael, what are you doing? This is your mother's company. Why are you paying? Just take it!"
He looked at her, not wanting to hurt her but unable to accept the gesture. "Aunt, I cannot take it without paying. I don't wish to be indebted to anyone." He finalized the transaction before she could protest further.
"I have to leave now," he said, his tone softening slightly. "But I will come to see you again in a few months, before I return to the battlefield."
Vivienne watched him, her heart aching with the futile hope of a reconciled family. She knew the man before her now felt no attachment to his bloodline, but she still dreamed of them all being together again one day.
Michael exited the building and slid into his vehicle. His gaze was once again drawn to the city's center, to the towering edifice of the Aetherion family compound.
Aetherion family, he thought, a cold fury settling in his heart. You had better hope my sister is unharmed. If I discover any wrongdoing, your family's legacy won't just end—there will be no one left to even count the bodies.
His killing intent spiked to a terrifying peak before he masterfully suppressed it. He had realized a crucial truth today: he had been underestimating his enemies. Now was not the time for a reckless confrontation.
Starting the engine, he drove toward the city's exit, his path set for Ravine City and the challenges that lay ahead.