Grand Return System-Chapter 21: A Quiet Gratitude Beneath the Summit

A Quiet Gratitude Beneath the Summit

"Hmm... after breaking through to the King Realm, I feel different."

Leon opened his eyes slowly.

The world didn’t seem louder — it seemed clearer, lighter, as if the weight of gravity had loosened its grip. Deep inside, endless Mana flowed steadily like a vast underground river. He flexed his fingers, smiled faintly.

All confidence came from strength.

With strength like this — the path ahead suddenly felt easy.

The Amethyst Summit Division’s training hall was silent for a time, filled only with the scent of incense and the faint whisper of wind entering the Acedmy premises.

Soon, Selena stirred.

She drew a long, soft breath... then spread her arms slightly, feeling the new energy coursing through her meridians. The chill of her Divine Ice Bones shimmered beneath her porcelain skin, clear and refined.

Her heart jumped.

"So this... is the power of the Onyx Realm — first star. It’s terrifying... but beautiful."

Excitement lit her blue eyes — then another thought sparked, just as quickly:

Teacher said... once I reached Onyx Realm, he would begin teaching me sword arts.

Meaning...

Tomorrow — she could finally touch the Amethyst Mist Sword techniques.

Joy swelled through her. She turned —

And froze.

"Eh...?"

Her gaze landed on Leon — and she didn’t recognize him for a heartbeat.

He looked like the same man — long black hair falling past his shoulders, midnight robes etched with thin amethyst embroidery, purple eyes deep as twilight.

But now—

His aura was gone.

Hidden.

Yet somehow more overwhelming than ever, like standing beside a mountain that pretended to be a stone.

"Teacher feels... different. More distant. More like someone the heavens send down for a walk... How can someone change this much... so quickly?"

She couldn’t understand it.

But it didn’t matter.

No matter what he became — he was still her teacher.

She walked forward, heart full, then dropped to her knees.

"Thank you, Teacher, for bestowing your cultivation. I’ve already broken through to the Onyx Realm."

She bowed deeply.

Gratitude poured through her chest.

Had Emerald Crest Division chosen her that day — she would have spent her life under teachers who looked at her like burden.

Instead, fate brought her here.

Leon had given her elixirs.

Sacred guidance.

And now — part of his own cultivation.

Where else in the world could she have found such a teacher?

She was lucky. Blessed. And she knew it.

Leon smiled lightly.

"Alright. Get up. You and I are teacher and student — no need for ceremony. Just remember the kindness I’ve shown you, later on. That’s enough."

Selena lifted her head, eyes serious.

"Don’t worry, Teacher. I will never forget your kindness."

Her voice trembled — then steadied.

"I never had great ambitions. Only one thing in my heart — revenge for my parents. Once I take it... I’ll return to Amethyst Summit Division, and stay by Teacher’s side forever, serving you."

The words landed quietly.

Leon’s chest softened.

He thought back — to the violent beasts that had slaughtered her household at the foot of the Acedmy premises. Until now, nothing had been found. Before, his power had been too limited to truly investigate. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Now...

He finally had the strength to involve himself.

He thought for a long moment, then spoke gently:

"Very well. After the Seven Division Martial Meeting is over, I’ll take you down the mountain to temper yourself. While we’re there — we’ll also search for the one who killed your parents."

Selena’s lips trembled.

She didn’t speak.

She simply moved forward, heart breaking open, tears spilling silently — and she collapsed into his chest like a child starved of comfort.

He felt her shoulders shake.

This girl had carried loss alone, for too long. On the cold path of cultivation — there had never been anyone who stayed, listened, or cared.

Only this man — who gave her strength...

And now promised revenge.

"Teacher..."

Her voice cracked as she cried harder, clutching his robe.

Leon sighed softly and rested a hand on her back.

"Alright, enough. Don’t cry so much — your face will get puffy."

Her breathing steadied little by little. She wiped at her tears, cheeks flushed, then suddenly realized — she had thrown herself boldly into his arms.

Her heart exploded in embarrassment.

She jumped back, hands over her face.

"Of course not! Teacher only knows how to scare people..."

She turned aside, cheeks glowing pink, recalling the madness of what she’d just done.

And outside —

somewhere high above the Amethyst Summit Division, clouds drifted softly on the wind, hinting at futures silently being rewritten.