BXBX NOVEL Chapter 68: Returning to the Academy (2)
Approaching the mission desk, Zeus, with his powerful and commanding aura, stepped forward. His voice, deep and authoritative, sliced through the silence. "We\'ve completed the mission."
The officer behind the desk, a seasoned veteran, looked up, momentarily taken aback by the sheer confidence radiating from Zeus. Before he could respond, Lucy stepped forward, her expression as cold as ice, and placed a burlap sack on the counter.
The officer hesitated, then gingerly opened the sack. His eyes widened in shock as the severed head of Bork, the infamous terrorist, rolled out onto the counter.
The officer stammered, clearly unsettled. "This... this mission has been on the board for quite some time." He looked between Zeus and Lucy, struggling to mask his disbelief. "I can\'t believe you two managed to finish it so quickly."
Zeus nodded calmly, his face betraying no emotion. "It was well within our capabilities," he replied, his tone even but carrying an undercurrent of authority that left no room for doubt. "Now that the mission is completed, there should be bonus points, correct?"
The officer blinked, snapping out of his astonishment. He quickly shuffled through some papers, his hands slightly trembling.
"Y-yes, indeed," he confirmed, regaining a bit of his composure. "For successfully completing this high-level mission, both of you will receive 50 points each, plus an additional 20 bonus points."
Zeus offered a small, respectful nod. "Thank you," he said, his voice measured and polite, though it carried a weight that made it clear the conversation was nearing its end.
Lucy, standing beside him with her usual icy demeanor, spoke as well. "Thank you," she echoed, her tone flat and indifferent, her expression unchanging as if the events of the day had not affected her in the slightest.
The officer, sensing the finality in their words, quickly finalized the transaction. "You\'re both welcome. Your contributions are appreciated," he added, his voice slightly more formal now, as though recognizing the seriousness of the individuals before him.
Zeus gave the officer one last nod before turning to Lucy. "Let\'s go," he said quietly, his tone softer yet still commanding.
Lucy merely nodded, her stoic mask firmly in place. As they exited the mission center, the officers left behind exchanged uneasy glances, murmuring among themselves about the powerful pair who had just completed a mission that many had considered impossible for so long.
Once outside, Zeus turned to Lucy, his eyes sharp and focused. "I\'ll be leaving now," he informed her, his voice brisk and to the point.
Lucy barely had time to register his words before Zeus took off, disappearing into the distance with a speed that left her momentarily stunned.
She watched the spot where he had vanished, her thoughts briefly lingering on how remarkably fast he was. But then, with a slight shrug, she pushed the thought aside. "I need to get home to Lucas," she reminded herself, her heart warming at the thought.
Meanwhile, Zeus, now outside the mission center, moved swiftly through the streets, his thoughts already focused on what lay ahead.
The cool evening air brushed against his face as he made his way back to their home, his pace quick and purposeful. As soon as he arrived, he stepped inside and, with a familiar gesture, removed the Zeus mask. The powerful persona faded away, revealing his true self—Lucas.
A sense of relief washed over him as the weight of the Zeus identity lifted, allowing him to relax into the comfort of his own skin. Lucas took a deep breath, savoring the tranquility of the moment before heading to the kitchen.
He immediately set to work, his hands moving with practiced ease as he prepared a simple but hearty meal. He knew Lucy would be returning soon, and he wanted everything to be ready.
The aroma of cooking food filled the small home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Lucas found himself smiling as he stirred a pot on the stove, imagining Lucy\'s reaction when she walked through the door.
It wasn\'t long before the sound of the door opening reached his ears. Lucas turned just in time to see Lucy step inside.
The moment her eyes met his, the cold, detached expression she wore outside melted away. In its place appeared a warm, genuine smile, one that was reserved solely for him. Without a second thought, she rushed over to him, her eyes shining with affection.
"Lucas!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly as if afraid to let go. "I missed you so much."
Lucas returned the embrace, holding her close. He could feel the intensity of her feelings in the way she clung to him.
"I missed you too, Lucy," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance. He gently stroked her hair, comforting her. "But first, you should clean yourself up before we eat. Dinner\'s almost ready."
Lucy pulled back just enough to look up at him, her eyes sparkling with joy. "You always know how to take care of me," she said with a small, appreciative smile. She gave him one last squeeze before heading off to clean up, leaving Lucas to finish the final touches on their meal.
A few minutes later, Lucy returned, looking refreshed and more at ease. She took a seat at the table, her earlier cold demeanor completely gone. As they began to eat, Lucas noticed the way her eyes lit up with every bite. It was moments like these that made all their struggles worthwhile.
As they began their meal, Lucy\'s excitement bubbled over. "Lucas, you should have seen it!" she exclaimed, her voice bright with pride. "The mission was tough, but I handled it so easily. I\'m getting stronger every day!"
Lucas smiled warmly, his eyes fixed on her animated face. "I\'m so proud of you, Lucy," he said, his tone rich with admiration. "You\'re becoming more powerful than I ever imagined."
Lucy\'s face lit up even more at his praise. "And it\'s all because of you," she added softly. "You\'ve always been there for me, guiding me. I couldn\'t have done any of this without you."
Lucas reached across the table and gently squeezed her hand. "The strength was always yours, Lucy. I just helped you see it."
They continued to talk as they ate, the conversation flowing naturally between them. Lucy recounted her mission experiences in vivid detail, while Lucas listened attentively, offering occasional thoughts and advice. Pride and contentment filled him as he realized how far they had both come.
As dinner ended, Lucy leaned back with a satisfied smile. "I feel so much better now," she said, her voice calm and content. "Thank you, Lucas."
Lucas nodded, pleased to see her so happy. "I\'m glad," he replied. "Now, get some rest. You\'ve earned it."
Lucy stretched as she stood. "Good night, Lucas," she said, her smile warm and genuine, before heading to her room.
"Good night, Lucy," Lucas replied, watching her go with a gentle smile.
Once she was gone, Lucas remained at the table for a moment, his mind already turning to their next steps. Challenges lay ahead, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of peace, content knowing they were together, ready to face whatever the future held.