Runar dismissed his runic seals, letting the room return to normal. Then he lay back down on his bed, thinking about the next two weeks.
With the Pocket Universe's time dilation, two weeks outside could be years inside. Enough time to transform Celestia from talented child into genuine powerhouse. Enough time for me to make more progress on my Laws.
But we'll need to be careful. Her growth will be visible. We'll need a story...
Plans formed. Calculations ran. Possibilities evaluated.
Tomorrow, they'd go home. Celestia would move into the guest room. And their real training would begin.
This is going to be interesting.
Next Morning - Departure
The Cross and Stormwind families gathered in the hotel lobby for checkout.
Caspian was in an exceptionally good mood. "Great news, everyone! My insurance claim processed overnight. 120% payout—and my new Class-B diplomatic vessel is ready for pickup!"
"Already?" Seraphina looked surprised. "I thought you said it would take a week?"
"That was the standard estimate. But the dealer contacted me this morning—apparently, they had one in stock with all my specifications. And get this—" his eyes gleamed with excitement, "—it comes with the newest feature. Space-time jump capability!"
Jake's eyebrows rose. "Space-time jump? As in..."
"As in we can jump to any location within a light-year distance. Instantaneous travel." Caspian was practically bouncing. "No more hours of conventional flight. We'll be home in seconds!"
"That's incredible," Lirien said. "But isn't that technology usually restricted to military vessels?"
"Was restricted. They just declassified it for civilian use last month. High-end diplomatic ships get priority access." Caspian pulled up a holographic display. "Look at her—the Stormchaser II. Even more beautiful than the original."
The hologram showed a sleek vessel, slightly larger than his previous ship, with elegant curves and what looked like advanced runic arrays covering the hull.
While the adults discussed ship specifications—Jake and Caspian immediately falling into technical conversation—Runar and Celestia exchanged glances.
She looked perfectly normal. Stage 10 cultivation, Early Divine Grade physique (apparently), no signs of the massive transformation she'd undergone last night.
But Runar could see through the seals. Could sense her true power, carefully concealed.
She caught his look and winked.
Show-off, he thought with amusement.
"Alright, everyone!" Caspian clapped his hands. "Let's get moving. The ship is waiting at the civilian docking platform. We'll be home before lunch!"
They gathered their belongings—not much, since most had been destroyed in the attack—and headed out.
The morning air was crisp and clear. Telstra looked pristine again—the Time Law cultivators had finished their restoration work overnight. It was almost impossible to believe an invasion had happened just two days ago.
At the docking platform, Caspian's new ship waited.
It was gorgeous. Sleek, powerful, with an aura of barely contained speed.
"She's beautiful," Jake breathed.
"She's perfect," Caspian agreed proudly. "Come on, let's board!"
They entered through the extending gangway. The interior was even more impressive than the exterior—luxurious but functional, with the latest technology integrated seamlessly.
"Everyone strap in!" Caspian called from the cockpit. "First jump can be a little disorienting!"
They secured themselves in the comfortable seats. Runar noticed Celestia gripping her armrests with excitement.
"Initializing space-time jump," the ship's AI announced. "Destination: Velsinor City, residential district. Distance: 847 kilometers. Jump in three... two... one..."
The world twisted.
For a fraction of a second, Runar's enhanced perception caught what was happening—space itself folding, distance becoming meaningless, their position in space-time shifting instantaneously.
Then they were there.
"Jump complete," the AI announced. "Welcome to Velsinor City."
Through the windows, they could see their neighborhood. The entire journey—hundreds of kilometers—had taken less than a second.
"That was AMAZING!" Celestia shouted.
Even the adults looked impressed and slightly dazed.
"Space-time technology," Caspian said proudly. "The future of travel."
They disembarked at the residential platform. The Cross house was visible just a few blocks away, unchanged and welcoming.
"Home," Lirien said softly, relief in her voice.
"Finally," Jake agreed.
As they walked toward the houses, Seraphina cleared her throat. "Actually, before we all settle in... Lirien, Jake, could we talk for a moment?"
The adults stepped aside, speaking in low tones. Runar's enhanced hearing picked up the conversation easily:
"Celestia would benefit from intensive training before the academy," Seraphina was saying. "And Runar is clearly an exceptional teacher. Would you mind if she stayed with you for the next two weeks? Just for focused cultivation guidance?"
"Not at all!" Lirien said immediately. "We'd love to have her!"
"It would be good for both of them," Jake agreed. "Runar trains better with a partner anyway."
"Thank you." Seraphina smiled. "I know it's a lot to ask—"
"It's no trouble," Lirien assured her. "She can stay in our guest room. We'll take good care of her."
The adults returned to the children, who were pretending they hadn't heard everything.
"Celestia," Seraphina said, "how would you feel about staying with the Cross family for two weeks? For special training before the academy?"
Celestia's face lit up with perfectly acted surprise. "Really?! Yes! I'd love to!"
Runar hid his smile. She's getting better at acting.
"Wonderful!" Lirien beamed. "We'll get the guest room ready right away."
Caspian ruffled Celestia's hair. "You behave yourself, alright? And listen to Jake and Lirien."
"I will, Papa!"
Seraphina hugged her daughter. "We'll visit every few days to check on you. And if you need anything—"
"I'll be fine, Mama. I promise."
The Stormwind family said their goodbyes and headed to their own house a few blocks away.
The Cross family—plus Celestia—entered their home.
It felt good to be back. Safe. Normal.
"I'll get the guest room ready," Lirien said, heading upstairs.
"I'll make lunch," Jake offered, moving toward the kitchen.
That left Runar and Celestia standing in the living room, looking at each other.
"Two weeks," Celestia said quietly, a knowing smile on her face.
"Two weeks," Runar agreed. "This is going to be interesting."
"You have no idea."
And watching them, Jake paused in the kitchen doorway, a strange feeling in his chest.
They look like conspirators planning something, he thought. Should I be worried?
Then he shook his head. They're just excited about training together. I'm overthinking this.
If only he knew.