Hermes never liked being the center of attention, especially not with Magni walking beside him like a parade float waiting for confetti.
But as the familiar cobbled roads of Village AD18 came into view, the weight in his chest lightened. His hometown hadn't changed much. The buildings still looked like pastel cookie boxes, each one with thatched roofs, and the air still smelled faintly of baked bread and pine. It was home.
The moment he stepped past the archway of the village gate, a boom erupted from above!
"Congratulations, Hermes!"
Multicolored confetti exploded midair as townsfolk jumped out from behind buildings and carts.
A group of kids ran toward him with paper hats, tossing flower petals and shouting, "Hero! Hero! Hero!"
"Oh no." Hermes muttered, cheeks flushing. "They actually threw a welcome party?"
Magni tilted his head, eyes sparkling. "Brother Modi, you never said you had a fan club!"
