Alex sat around in the room for a few hours, at which point Lingkai finally returned.
The tortoise came up from the door on the floor first, walking over to the right before two other figures climbed up through it. One a snake, the other a tortoise.
The two turned toward Alex, their eyes showing signs of surprise.
"It's really him," the tortoise said in a hushed voice.
"You really came! I can't believe you made it here, Alex," the snake said in a louder voice.
Alex paused for a moment, the voice so familiar to him. His eyes widened as he recognized them finally.
"Senior Luhei?!"
The snake's form changed, turning into a beardless man with short black hair. Alex recognized his human form more than his snake form.
"Young man, it's great to see you," the snake said, stepping forward as he took Alex into a hug. Alex stared blankly for a moment before grabbing the man tightly.
He let go a moment later, staring at the snake's body. "You're…" he paused. "Are you alright?"
