Journey to Become the Zenith

Seeds of a New Era [Part -3]

Lane smiled sheepishly. "I wanted to report to you first." Victor sighed helptesly.

"You’re always over working yourself."

There was only soft rebukr rather than criticism within the sound of his voice. Lane hung her head slightly. "I don’t mind. As long as I can lessen your burden...

I don’t mind."

Victor regarded her for a second before him steps sounded closer until they were an arm length apart.

"Good job."

The couple words were warmer than could be heard by anybody else who he met so far.

The brightness of lane’s eyes seemed to drive away the fatigue from her long ride instantly. By hearing Those words they looked like merely praised by her team’s leader, but for her... It was accepted by the man she loves.

There was no better feeling than that.

Victor lifted his hands up towards herface, gently clearing away loose hair before resting it softly on her cheek. "You’ve worked plenty already. Go rest after we’re done chatting." LANE INSTINTELY leans closer, pressing his touch against hers for a moment with a soft satisfied smile on her face.

"I will rest...

After I make sure every promise that I’ve made to you has been delivered." Victor just smiled. "You’re so Stubborn you really are.

Lane couldn’t help but giggled a bit. "I learned it from you. Victor shooks his head a bit before chuckled tiredly, ’I guess it’s myfault".

" It is".

Both lover smiled warmly. There were not words nor big promises but between the two lovers smallgesture are the biggest words ever

Victor continued.

"For the time being..."

"I’ll be leaving Fantom City."

Lane’s smile faded slightly.

"I understand."

"I have another assignment for you."

She immediately straightened her posture.

"I’m listening."

"Continue patrolling the city."

"Keep observing every unusual movement."

"If anything involving the Elmhart Family appears..."

"Report it immediately."

Lane nodded confidently.

"It will be done."

She hesitated briefly before asking,

"...Will you be gone for long?"

Victor smiled faintly.

"That depends."

"If everything goes smoothly..."

"I’ll return quickly."

Lane simply nodded.

Although she wanted to accompany him...

She knew Fantom City still required trustworthy people.

She wouldn’t allow herself to become a burden.

...

Not far away...

Videl approached after overhearing part of their conversation.

She folded her arms, though the slight pout on her face betrayed her feelings.

"So you’re leaving already?"

Victor nodded.

"There are things I need to investigate personally."

Without hesitation, Videl answered,

"Then I’m coming too."

Victor smiled helplessly.

"I expected that answer."

"Of course you did."

She crossed her arms proudly.

"You already know I’d never let you wander into danger alone."

Victor let out a quiet chuckle.

"I do."

Before he could say anything else...

Lane stepped forward.

She looked at Victor before speaking softly.

"Victor..."

"The city still needs protection."

Videl turned toward Lane.

Their eyes met.

There was no hostility between them—only mutual understanding.

Both wanted to stay beside Victor.

Both wanted to protect him.

But they also understood what needed to be done.

After several long seconds...

Videl let out a defeated sigh.

"...You’re both right."

Victor raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

She scratched the back of her head awkwardly.

"I don’t like it..."

"But Fantom City isn’t stable yet."

"If something happens while you’re away..."

"Someone trustworthy should remain here."

Lane nodded in agreement.

"We’ve only just restored hope to the people."

"If we leave now..."

"They’ll lose the sense of security you’ve given them."

Victor smiled.

"I was actually hoping you’d reach that conclusion yourself."

Videl rolled her eyes.

"...Stop acting like you planned everything."

"I did."

She clicked her tongue before laughing despite herself.

"You’re impossible."

Victor simply smiled.

Videl’s expression gradually became serious.

"I’ll patrol with Lane."

"We’ll make sure nothing happens while you’re gone."

Lane looked toward Victor with unwavering determination.

"I’ll protect everything you’ve entrusted to us."

Victor slowly nodded.

"I’ll leave the city in your hands."

Those simple words carried a weight neither woman took lightly.

Both instinctively straightened their posture.

"We won’t disappoint you."

Victor looked at the two women standing before him.

Lane...

Who had returned without taking a single moment to rest because she wanted to report to him first.

Videl...

Who had immediately volunteered to accompany him, only to put the city’s safety above her own wishes.

Neither of them complained.

Neither asked him to stay.

Instead...

They quietly chose to support him in the way they believed would help him the most.

A warm smile appeared on Victor’s face.

"You two..."

"...always make things difficult."

Videl blinked.

"What do you mean?"

Victor stepped closer until he stood before them.

"It isn’t easy leaving people who care about me this much."

Both women fell silent.

Before either could react...

Victor opened his arms.

Lane smiled gently and stepped forward first.

Videl hesitated for only a heartbeat before following.

Victor wrapped both of them in a warm embrace.

Neither woman spoke.

Lane quietly rested her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes as though savoring a moment she wished could last forever.

On the other side, Videl slowly relaxed into the embrace, the playful smile she usually wore replaced by a peaceful one.

For several long moments...

The three simply stood together.

No one felt the need to speak.

The morning breeze passed through the garden, gently rustling the leaves around them.

It reminded them of the many days they had fought together...

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Authors Notes: Dear Readers, Thanks so much for joining me on this adventure! Your enthusiasm, feedback, and encouragement really keep me motivated to keep bringing *Journey to Become the Zenith* into existence. If you’re loving the Chapters, I’d love it if you supported my book with a Powerstone, review, or even a Golden Ticket—it helps me develop as a writer and lets more readers enjoy the story. I look forward to hearing your ideas and thoughts, so please don’t hesitate to share!

With love,

Scorpio_saturn777

Creator of Journey to Become the Zenith

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