As the night draped its dark curtain over the town, Alex found himself completely absorbed in the pages of the book about Alexander the Great. With each turn of the page, he delved deeper into the history of Alexander's conquests, marveling at his strategic brilliance and fearless determination. Time seemed to slip away unnoticed as Alex followed the remarkable journey of the ancient conqueror, from his legendary battles to his visionary leadership.
Hours passed in a blur as Alex poured over the detailed accounts of Alexander's campaigns, his mind captivated by the stories of heroism and triumph. Despite the late hour, sleep eluded him as he eagerly absorbed every word, his fascination with history fueling his curiosity.
Meanwhile, in the quiet hours of the night, Zede, Kylan, and Harris slumbered peacefully, unaware of Alex's nocturnal venture. But as dawn approached and the first light of morning began to filter through the curtains, it was time for them to rise and prepare for their imminent departure to SSHQ for three days of detention.
As Zede roused himself from sleep and made his way through the house, he noticed a soft glow emanating from Alex's room. Curiosity piqued, he approached the door with cautious steps, wondering what could be keeping Alex up at such an early hour.
With bated breath, Zede gently pushed the door ajar and peered inside. To his surprise, he found Alex seated at his desk, bathed in the warm glow of the lamplight, completely engrossed in the book. His eyes were alight with fascination as he devoured the ancient tales with fervor.
Zede couldn't help but smile at the sight before him—a testament to Alex's newfound passion for learning. He watched silently for a moment, unwilling to disturb Alex's reverie, before quietly stepping back and leaving him to his studies.
With a sense of pride and admiration, Zede made his way to join Kylan, ready to face the challenges of the day ahead.
As Zede and Kylan stood at the gate of Kylan's house, Zede couldn't help but share his discovery about Alex's late-night reading session. The news immediately drew concerned expressions from Harris and Kylan.
Kylan's brow furrowed as he inquired about the book Alex had been reading, his voice tinged with apprehension. Zede admitted that he hadn't gotten a clear look at the book, suggesting that it might have been the one he purchased at the store the day before. Harris interjected, suggesting that perhaps it was beneficial for Alex to explore knowledge, regardless of the content.
However, Kylan's concerns ran deeper. He reminded them that Alex wasn't an ordinary individual; he was a clone of Alexander the Great. If Alex were to discover his true identity, it could awaken within him a dangerous desire for conquest, mirroring the ambitions of his ancient counterpart.
With a heavy heart, Harris assured his companions that he would take responsibility for Alex's well-being. He urged them to depart, assuring them that he would keep a close eye on their unique companion. Reluctantly, Zede and Kylan nodded, trusting Harris to watch over Alex in their absence, and began to make their way toward SSHQ.
As Harris entered the house, he made his way to Alex's room and found him fast asleep. Deciding not to disturb him, Harris quietly stepped inside, his curiosity about the book piqued. However, before he could investigate further, a sudden noise echoed from the kitchen, prompting Harris to investigate.
Making his way to the kitchen, Harris discovered the AI-powered Grampa robot struggling with spilled food on the floor. Without hesitation, Harris jumped in to assist, quickly helping to clean up the mess and prepare breakfast.
As Harris sat down to eat, his gaze wandered back to Alex's room. To his surprise, he saw Alex emerging, moving with a confident stride reminiscent of royalty as he descended the stairs. Harris observed as Alex directed the AI-powered Grampa to vacate his chair, his demeanor commanding.
Seizing the opportunity to engage Alex in conversation, Harris inquired about the book he had been reading. Alex responded positively, praising the book's content and discussing the benefits of reading in general. Though Harris appreciated Alex's enthusiasm, he couldn't shake the unease brought on by Alex's regal mannerisms.
Despite his concerns, Harris appreciated Alex's efforts and encouraged his passion for reading, hoping that it would help him adapt to his new surroundings. Yet, the peculiar way in which Alex carried himself continued to linger in Harris's mind, hinting at a deeper mystery surrounding Alex's true nature.
In the hidden basement laboratory of Kylan's home, the ancient helmet rested upon its pedestal, its surface pulsating with an otherworldly glow. Mysterious hums emanated from the artifact, filling the chamber with an eerie resonance that seemed to reverberate through the air.
As Alex sat in the dining room, enjoying his breakfast, a sudden sensation washed over him, causing him to pause mid-bite. His eyes darted around the room, searching for the source of the strange disturbance. Unable to shake the feeling that someone—or something—was calling out to him, he rose from his chair, a furrow forming on his brow.
Harris, noticing Alex's sudden change in demeanor, furrowed his own brow in concern. "What's wrong, Alex?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
Alex hesitated for a moment before responding, his gaze fixed on some unseen point in the distance. "I thought I heard someone calling me," he admitted, his tone uncertain.
Harris's concern deepened at Alex's words. The notion of someone—or something—reaching out to Alex from the depths of the basement filled him with a sense of unease. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.
Alex nodded slowly, his expression troubled. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't shake the feeling that something's not right."
Harris placed a reassuring hand on Alex's shoulder, offering him a comforting smile. "We'll figure it out," he promised, though the unease lingered in the back of his mind like a shadow, casting doubt on the safety of their seemingly ordinary morning.