Time flowed rather quickly, and unknowingly Seth found the unknown knot he had buried deep in his heart loosen.

As he stared at everyone at the table, for the first time in a while he felt a soothing peace come over him.

’so this is what it’s like...’ Seth sighed.

Obviously their relationship hadn’t healed — the scars were too ingrained to fade so easily.

But still, they had taken a step, and that step yielded results...

After dining, Seth gathered with the rest of his friends, who were already prepared and ready for departure.

After bidding goodbye to his family, they quickly boarded their ride and left for the airport.

Staring at the grand, sleek fighter jet towering and majestic before him, Seth couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.

This was his first time boarding such a craft. After all, the last time he was moved with something like this, it wasn’t even a conscious experience.

He was worried — wouldn’t they be vulnerable to all those flying corrupt creatures in the sky?

How would they maneuver corrupt zones? Even as an Awakened, the thought of plummeting from thousands of feet high still filled his heart with dread.

Though he could fly, it was due to the support of his will influencing the space around him.

And with his current stats, his flying range was limited to a few dozen meters. As weak as it was, Earth was still a world — even an Awakened couldn’t bend the rules of the world so easily.

"Hehe, even awakening didn’t cull the fear of heights from you." Maya chuckled as she eyed his expression, reading him like a book.

She had insisted on seeing him off. After now, when they would meet again would be left entirely to fate.

Even though Seth had promised her he would be back home as soon as he could, Maya wasn’t foolish. She understood the workings of the world.

She could already see through the chaotic structure of the current society. Mired between this and navigating the Origin Realm, honestly it would be a miracle if Seth had time to spare for her.

Seth scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I’ve told you already, I’m not scared of heights."

"Mhmm, so explain why you always look so tense anytime you’re about to board a flight?" Maya mischievously pointed out.

"You..." Seth glared at her, but honestly he couldn’t argue. Truly he wasn’t scared of heights — he was more terrified of being put in a situation outside of his control.

What if the plane suddenly crashed? What could he do?

Seth hated nothing more than being in a situation where his life and death were out of his control, placed in the hands of another.

This had created a natural aversion in him to traveling by air or sea.

But despite these feelings, he still remained logical. He might hate the lack of control, but that wouldn’t stop him from boarding.

"Hm?" Seth halted his train of thought as he suddenly noticed Maya’s sudden change in demeanor.

"Sigh... I’ve already promised you I will be back whenever I can. And you don’t have to be worried — I’m an Awakened, there are very few things that can harm me out there. I just need you to stay strong and safe." Seth consoled as he pulled her into a hug.

Maya had practically been attached to him by the hip since they were young. Their first actual long-distance separation happened when he enrolled into Avalon.

And he still remembered the fit she threw about wanting to come along. When this wasn’t granted, she cried all night long until he left.

He could imagine her horror when the apocalypse happened, and she was safe while he wasn’t.

Though he came back to her in one piece, he was about to leave again. He could tell this broke her heart.

But he had to. His world had become bigger — it couldn’t revolve around her anymore like the way it was when they were kids.

"Just promise me... promise me you will stay alive. I know I can’t stop you, but just promise me this." Her faint voice rang muffled from his chest.

Seth smiled confidently, his bold voice ringing as he chuckled. "Hehe, don’t worry. I have no plans of dying anytime soon."

Maya finally nodded and pulled away...

"It’s ready, guys. Time to depart," the pilot called as he ascended into the jet bridge, the four others following behind.

"I have to go now," Seth sighed, bidding farewell to his little aunt before walking toward the jet bridge.

"Be safe! And you better bring a beautiful niece-in-law with you next time I see you." Maya’s loud voice rang out, her words causing him to stumble in his steps.

Seth sped up his pace, waving at Maya, quickly rushing into the jet bridge and out of sight.

Maya finally stopped waving, bringing her hands down. Void silently warped around her palms.

And a grey-lit crystal appeared. If Seth were here, he would recognize it as an evolution crystal.

Maya’s eyes glinted. "I can’t let you carry this burden alone, Seth..." she muttered beneath her breath.

Gazing at the slowly starting jet, her eyes brimming with resolve, she turned around and walked away, her steady steps imposing an image of determination and purpose.

... Back on Seth’s end...

Following the brightly lit narrow metallic path right into the aircraft.

This particular model of jet was fashioned to maximize mobility and speed over everything else.

Making its insides a lot more cramped, it had only six seats — one spearheading the rest for the pilot, and the rest for them.

Seth sat on the only vacant option, buckling himself tightly as he remained tense but ready for takeoff.

"Hehehe, big bro, be ready to be wowed. Compared to this Safe Zone, Aegis Safe Zone is on another level." Brandon bragged, trying to build anticipation.

Seth smiled, his eyes flashing. "Oh? I heard from my dad that Aegis encompasses the whole of Washington DC. It’s only normal it would be a lot grander."

Brandon shook his head, wearing a mysterious smile. "I’m not talking about that. Don’t worry, when we get there you will see for yourself."

"Oh?" Seth raised his brows. Now he truly was curious, anticipation budding in his heart.

"Everyone get ready for takeoff." The pilot’s voice cracked from the radio on their helmets.

Suddenly a loud hum could be heard as the engines of the grand craft slowly revved to life.

All five individuals braced themselves as the jet slowly got into motion, the pilot slowly pushing on a lever on the control board.

The jet quickly picked up speed, the pressure of air on the wings slowly lifting the craft from the earth.

Halfway to the sky...

"Alright, we’re going full throttle!" The pilot announced again.

Seth could feel his heart beating against his ribs. He licked his dry lips, slightly nervous — this experience was new.

The pilot flipped open a small compartment and punched the button concealed within...

Boom!

The air itself clapped into an explosion. After building enough momentum, they burst forth at a speed absurdly close to that of sound.

Sending both passengers and pilot reeling back from momentum in their seats...

Everyone’s eyes burned bright with expectation,

their thoughts in sync...

A new phase of their lives begins here and now...

{End of Volume 1: The Descent of the Origin}