Three years had passed since Kaien had vanished into the unknown portal. The Vlorians' estate was quiet that evening, bathed in the golden hues of sunset, but Jay Vlorian's heart was restless. He had been tracking rumors of strange energy fluctuations, guild reports of powerful disturbances, and whispers of portals opening in remote lands—all pointing to a single location: the same portal his younger brother had disappeared into years ago. Jay's hands clenched instinctively as he approached the edge of a ruined stone platform where the portal shimmered faintly in the twilight.
His heart skipped a beat. There, stepping out of the dark swirling vortex, was a figure that froze him in place. At first glance, Jay thought he was hallucinating. The figure was tall about 173cm tall—an imposing seven feet of pure presence—but his build wasn't that of a heavily muscled warrior. Instead, he was lean, with toned but not overdeveloped muscles, carrying the natural agility and speed of someone who had survived countless battles. Ebony-black hair framed his face, slightly tousled from the journey through the portal. His deep blue eyes shone with quiet confidence, tempered by the sharpness of experience.
The white silk tunic he wore had become slightly tattered and untidy, evidence of relentless fights and harsh travels. A deep blue cloak rested around his neck, frayed at the edges, and stylish brown adventurer boots completed the ensemble. Though he looked young for his age, the calm aura around him spoke of battles that had aged him in ways beyond years.
Jay's breath caught. "Could it… be?" he whispered. The features, the aura… it had to be Kaien. His height, his face, his eyes—even the slight tilt of his head—were unmistakable. "Kaien…" Jay said softly.
Kaien's gaze lifted. Recognition sparked like lightning in his piercing eyes. Though taller and more composed than the Kaien he remembered, his essence—the unmistakable spark of life—was undeniable. "Jay…" Kaien's voice, deeper yet still youthful, carried the weight of survival and growth.
Without thinking, Jay lunged forward. "Kaien!" he shouted, wrapping his arms around the tall figure. For a moment, all thought of caution and reason disappeared. It didn't matter that Kaien was now taller and radiating a dangerous aura—he was still his brother, alive.
Kaien's eyes softened. Despite the calm and sharpness in his gaze, he hugged Jay back. "Jay…" he murmured though he knew from Nyxara who has told him that three years has passed in the outside world and there are improvements in his body changes. The warmth, the feeling of home—it had been years since he'd felt it. For a heartbeat, the trials, the battles, the countless enemies faded into nothingness.
Jay stepped back, studying him carefully. "You… you survived. You've… changed so much." His voice trembled, mixing awe with relief. "I feared… I thought I lost you forever."
Kaien shook his head lightly. "I'm fine now. Three years have taught me much, but it's good… to be home. To see you."
The two brothers walked back toward the Vlorians' estate. Jay kept a steady hand on Kaien's shoulder, unwilling to let him slip away again. Each step felt like a reunion with something lost long ago.
The estate's doors opened, and their family emerged. Alora, now nineteen years old herself, was the first to spot him. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and without hesitation, she ran forward. "Kaien! You're alive!" she cried, tears glimmering in her eyes. She hugged him tightly, almost knocking him off balance. Kaien laughed softly, returning the embrace, feeling the warmth he hadn't realized he'd missed so desperately.
Their mother followed, her expression a mix of shock and relief. "Kaien, my child! You… you did survive?" She grasped his face, as though she needed to touch him to believe it.
"I… I made it, mother," Kaien replied calmly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I promised I would return."
His father, tall and imposing even in middle age, approached last. "Kaien… you've truly… changed," he said, resting hands on Kaien's shoulders. "You've been through much, and yet, here you are. You have a home, son. You always did."
Kaien's chest swelled with an unfamiliar but welcome warmth. The battles, the hardships, and the endless portal trials had taught him independence, strength, and cunning—but nothing could replace the embrace of a family who cared deeply.
Meanwhile, news of Kaien's return spread like wildfire through the noble circles. Whispers flew between families: some were shocked, some amazed, and others quietly pleased. Among those shocked was Kalen Virel, pacing nervously in his grand chamber. "He… he actually survived?" Kalen muttered, his voice betraying disbelief. "I thought that portal was a death sentence for anyone, even Kaien!"
Beside him, James Russell—head of another prominent noble family—stared wide-eyed. "Our plans… all of them… failed," he muttered. "He's alive. He returned. And he's… stronger than we ever expected."
The two men exchanged uneasy glances. How should they behave the next time they met him? Should they show respect, fear, or feigned politeness? Kaien's growth and aura had shattered their assumptions, leaving them unsure how to proceed.
Back at the Vlorians' estate, Kaien allowed himself a small laugh. "Three years… I've been through more than anyone could imagine," he said softly. "But being home… it feels incredible."
Alora tilted her head, curiosity sparkling. "You sound so… serious. Did all that fighting change you that much?"
Kaien smirked faintly. "Every battle teaches a lesson… every enemy leaves a mark. But nothing compares to family."
Jay chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You certainly left your mark. I never thought I'd see the day when my little brother would return from a portal—alive, taller than me, and… well, you look like a completely different person."
Kaien looked around at his family—the mother, father, and sister—and felt a rare sense of belonging. "It's… good to be home," he whispered. For the first time in years, he didn't feel the constant weight of danger pressing on him.
Elsewhere, noble families who had assumed his death now grappled with awkward shock. Kalen Virel frowned, pacing. "How… how do hell did that bastard survived?!".
James muttered, irritation and disbelief mixing. "He's… different. More than different. He's dangerous, yet alive. Our assumptions were… wrong."
Back at the Vlorians' estate, Kaien smiled faintly. "I suppose… I've changed. But it's good to have people who care. Who truly matter."
Jay clapped him on the back, laughing softly. "Welcome home, Kaien. Let's see if the next three years can keep up with you."
Kaien's grin widened. "Oh… they'll have to try."