The day passed in a blur, and soon Ray found himself back at home, seated at the dining table with Lyra and their parents. The mood was celebratory, with Lyra's parents doting on her and showering Ray with equal affection.
"Congratulations, Ray!" Their mother, Evelyn, said warmly. She was a kind-faced woman with soft features and brown hair tied neatly into a bun. Her green eyes sparkled with pride.
"Thanks Mom" Ray replied, his voice subdued.
Their father, Marcus, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a graying beard and a booming laugh, clapped him on the back. "Don't let Lyra's talent overshadow yours, kid. Lightning manipulation is nothing to scoff at."
Lyra rolled her eyes. "Of course not, Dad. He'll probably fry himself before anyone else."
Ray chuckled, shaking his head. Dinner continued with laughter and conversation until the plates were cleared, and everyone sat back, content.
Evelyn leaned back in her chair, her expression softening. "The Union sent someone to oversee the ceremony today, right? Must've been quite the honor."
"They did," Lyra said, leaning forward, her silver hair spilling over her shoulders. "The representative seemed impressed, especially with my talent."
Marcus grinned. "I bet they're hoping to recruit S-rankers like you for one of the eight academies. Those places are where true elites are forged."
Evelyn nodded. "It's said that the 12 Sages of the Union, the ones who govern humanity, are all S-rank powerhouses. Each of them awakened with SSS-rank potential, yet even they couldn't fully ascend to the pinnacle. Humanity's resources and knowledge are still too limited to nurture such heights."
Lyra's eyes widened. "Even the Sages couldn't reach SSS rank?"
Evelyn shook her head. "Not yet. They've done everything to unite humanity, expand our reach across the stars, and uncover lost secrets. Still, even with their collective strength, the gap between potential and realization remains vast. They say S-rank itself took centuries of effort."
Ray remained silent, absorbing the gravity of those words. The Sages were seen as near-mythical beings. If even they couldn't fully realize their potential, what hope did others have?
---
It was then that Evelyn turned to Ray, her expression soft but serious. "Ray, there's something you need to know before you leave tomorrow."
Ray stiffened, as did Lyra.
Evelyn hesitated before speaking again. "You're adopted."
The words hung in the air like a thunderclap.
"What?" Ray said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lyra's eyes widened in shock. "Mom, what are you talking about?"
Evelyn reached out, placing a gentle hand on Ray's. "We've always loved you as our own, but it's only fair you know the truth. You came to us as a baby, and we raised you with Lyra. That doesn't change how much we care for you."
Marcus nodded solemnly, adding, "It's why we never treated you any differently."
Ray struggled to process the revelation, but before he could speak, Evelyn continued with a small smile. "And one more thing, Ray... you have my permission to court Lyra if you ever wish to."
The room fell silent.
Ray's face turned red. "W-What?" he stammered.
Lyra's cheeks flushed a deep pink. "Mom! That's—he's—"
Marcus had a flushed look too but not due to shyness "Try it and i will break your legs kid!! Nobody can touch my daughter not even my son —kheuk"
Evelyn shrugged as she punched Marcus in the gut "It's not unusual, considering you're not blood-related. Just something to think about."
The awkward tension lingered as Ray and Lyra gulped, both muttering excuses and retreating to their respective rooms.
---
That night, Ray lay on his bed, his mind racing. The day had been overwhelming, and sleep came slowly.
When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer in his room. The swirling purple sky of the mysterious dimension greeted him once more, and the portals stood waiting.
This time, Ray didn't dismiss it as a nightmare.