n

n

nCrystal wrapped her arms around Geth as he walked up to her. She cupped one of her hands around his cheek and smiled before turning to Zolis.

n

"He hasn't given you too much trouble, has he?

" She asked.

nZolis couldn't help but laugh while wiping her eyes.

n

"Nothing that I can't handle. Where are the kids?

"

n

"Til is heading to get them now. He'll be back in just a minute,

" Crystal answered.

"Catch me up on what you two have been doing.

"

nGeth interrupted the two women this time.

n

"That can wait for a bit. We will gather everyone later, and I'll handle the briefing from there.

"

nHis mom pouted a bit and still pestered Zolis with her questions. Geth just rolled his eyes.

nHe waited impatiently for Til to come back with the children. They hadn't been in the Dungeon when the transfer took place.

nHis mom said as soon as the glowing started, they became worried. Bruce led the children out of the Dungeon along with his sisters.

n'Larz, where were those who weren't present in the Dungeon teleported?'

nThe soft voice of the butler quickly responded to him.

n'All of the inhabitants outside of the Dungeons at the time of teleportation were sent to the North Gate. I can directly transmit a message to every living being within these walls if you wish.'

n'Tell everyone to meet at the Tower in the center. Do you have a headcount?'

n'There are eighty-nine currently inside the city, not including the Guardians. Would you like for the Guardians to proceed to each of the four Gates?' Larz responded promptly.

n'Sure. We will head to the North Gate and will return swiftly.'

n

"Zolis, let's head to the North Gate.

"

n

"Why?

"

n

"Aren't you ready to see the kids?

" Geth chuckled.

nZolis didn't ask any more questions and followed him as he headed to the north. His mom stood in confusion, wondering how he knew where the children were.

nGeth explained his small chat with Larz along the way.

n

"Eighty-nine? Hulk's group or the women from the Water Dungeon must have done some recruiting.

" Zolis stated.

nGeth nodded,

"I believe so. It's unlikely that our family took many people in. Blaze and Swole's groups should have only been around ten total between the two of them.

"

n

"When do you plan on taking the last three Dungeons?

" Zolis asked a bit hesitantly.

nSigh

n

"I hate to say it, but we need to get it done quickly,

" Geth answered.

"There's no telling what's happening in the Regions around us.

"

nZolis fell silent as those words sunk in.

n

"Don't forget, we also have that Boss and hooded figure wandering around as well,

" Geth added.

n

"There's also that Blade guy.

"

nGeth thought back to his fight with Blade. He also hadn't forgotten that they would be dead if not for the man.

n

"I don't think he's as bad as he seems. It's likely that he just joined up with the first group he could to stay safe. Can't say that I wouldn't have done the same in his shoes.

"

nZolis thought about it for a moment before realizing that he was right. Even the women she had spoken to said that Blade had looked disgusted at Thorn's

"inclinations.

"

n

"All inhabitants of Valhalla, please report towards the Tower in the center of the city. Geth will be along momentarily to speak with you.

"

nLarz's voice resounded inside the pair's heads as they continued traveling north. It didn't take long for them to see multiple figures walking from the North Gate.

nAs the figures grew closer, many familiar faces came into view. Zolis released Geth's hand and ran forward when she saw the kids walking next to Bruce.

nBruce raised his hand and waved towards Geth. He returned the gesture with a nod as he glanced across the group of almost forty individuals.

nHe was familiar with most of them. Though there were some that he could tell were new, they were still folks that he had bumped into around town.

nGeth smiled back at Bruce as he quickened his pace. His daughter ran right past Zolis and launched herself into his arms.

nHis usually impassive face quickly melted as a genuine smile formed. Geth caught Melody out of her small leap and held her close.

n

"Daddy!

" She exclaimed as she wrapped her tiny arms around his neck.

"I missed you!

"

n

"I missed you too, baby.

"

nMelody pushed herself away and tugged at his beard,

"Did you kill a bunch of monsters while you were gone?

"

n

"Who told you that? Yes, Mommy and Daddy have killed a lot of monsters these past couple of months.

"

nGeth was quite surprised with how articulate she had become. She was barely speaking whole sentences just a few months ago.

n

"Anna helped me put points in Intelligence and Wisdom. Kael's Grimoire helped him too! He's even smarter than me!

"

n

"Elsa?

" Geth asked.

n

"I named my Grimoire Anna after I named myself Elsa. It's what I yelled out when she asked for a name...

" Melody then trailed off as if she was embarrassed about her name choice.

n

"Hahaha, you could have done worse. It's nice to meet you, Anna.

" Geth looked at her Grimoire as he spoke.

n'She said it's nice to meet you, too.' Albus spoke up.

n

"Just call me El if you don't mind. It isn't as embarrassing.

" She told him.

n

"I can do that, El. Now, let's go see your brothers.

"

nGeth sat her upon his shoulder as he walked towards Zolis, who was talking with the boys. Melody fell from his shoulder and into Zolis' arms when they reached them.

nKael ran up to him and tugged on his robe. Geth stooped down and hugged him tightly.

n

"I've missed you.

"

n

"I've missed you too, Dad!

"

nGeth was a bit taken aback yet again. El had already told him about them adding Attributes, but it was still hard to take in.

n

"So, what name did you pick?

"

n

"...I would really rather not say. Can you just call me Peter?

" He asked.

n

"Peter...

" Geth rubbed his chin for a moment.

"Did you name yourself Spiderman?

"

n

"Well... you know I wasn't talking very well before. It came out as Piderman...

"

nGeth burst out laughing.. It was the first real laugh he'd had in quite some time.

n