"Leave us alone for a bit."

Last night, Arthur somehow explained Fariya's situation to Lucy. Back then, Lucy was too preoccupied with other, more relevant news, so she didn't question him longer than necessary. However, when the sun had risen and they left their room, the half-naked succubus was standing outside, like any dutiful slave.

Her eyelashes flapped, a seductive smile appearing on her face as she lightly bowed her head to the couple. The parasite grimaced, not knowing how to react, but his wife, Lucy, coldly snorted and stepped forward.

She uttered those words then approached the clearly unafraid succubus. Unwilling to be present for what's about to happen, Arthur excused himself, soundlessly backing away, not even trying to eavesdrop.

Left alone for a while, Arthur had time to converse with Midolf and Radolf, as well as the Quad-Spirit.

"Congratulations on retrieving Makaze back, master."-Radolf

"Yes yes! gratz!"-Midolf

The Dark Blade, its hilt now slightly changed in terms of appearance, emitted an unseen but deadly aura, akin to wind vibrations, capable of cutting anything in their way.

Now that the clone was integrated back into the original host, Arthur received a bunch of new skills, but the notable ones are the Sand skills, and [Thought of Effect], which is the upgraded Telekinesis ability the clone had gotten in the prison.

Despite not reaching the Exalted God Realm, Arthur was more than confident in being able to defeat and even kill any Exalted God, no matter who it is. Makaze is as strong as a Zen Treasure, and there are also the two Mythical Beings hiding inside of him, as well as the Quad-Spirit, which is a self-sentient entity known only to a few people.

Amongst the extinguished individuals that graced him with their presence, none can threaten him, even if they threw a timely ambush. The formation he put beforehand will make sure there is no disturbance throughout the competition.

There is also Lucy by his side… she's a strong cultivator and an opponent that even he would find difficult to overpower.

Basically, it could be said that he reached a praiseworthy level of power, allowing him to protect himself, his family, and his friends. All that is left is to peacefully finish the competition then head to Astria and see what's going on.

The last clone may return before they depart, which could be nothing but a good sign and a step toward a better future. He still hasn't decided which method he's going to use but it would be a lie to say he's not inclined toward a particular one; the one involving the Zen treasure located in the System Universe.

"I reckon the madam will tear the succubus apart, what do you think, master?"

Midolf snickered, the mere thought of seeing the Succubus get owned made him exhilarated. Arthur, however, didn't feel the time, he shuddered and shook his head, trying to purge all the bad thoughts.

"I don't know and don't care. I'm not responsible for my clone's actions."

"But your clone is you, is it not?"- curiously asked the Quad-Spirit.

"It's different. I wouldn't make a slave out of a succubus… or travel along with the Empress."

"But you did... I'm starting to feel bad for you, master. I'll pray for your safety."-Midolf.

"Shut it, will you."

"Yes master. Sorry, master." Robotically replied Midolf, barely holding back his laughter. Were it not for Radolf, the wiser one, who rebuked him, he'd have continued acting like that and enjoying his master's critical situation.

Thankfully, the clone did not engage in any adultery and hardly touched any woman, which greatly lessened the consequences and perhaps even minimized Lucy's anger and jealousy.

In any way, the best he could do is apologize and accept whatever is going to happen, that's what any loyal and loving husband would do after a screw-up.

…

The woman was busy writing something, her office smelled like old paper and wood, but it felt cozy and warm. Her focus was disturbed by three light knocks on the door, making her raise her head and softly say

"Yes, come in."

"I hope I'm not interrupting you." Said the man while chuckling.

"Not at all."

Arthur walked forward, sitting opposite Sonia, who has grown since their first meeting.

Back then, although the principal of the Nemia magic Academy, she was too emotional and did many wrong things. Now, on the other hand, she seemed to have become more responsible and wiser.

She went through many tragedies, especially the disappearance of Anastassia, her own sister, and only family.

Still, she has Maria, Robin, Rey, and the others by her side. Their support helped her greatly and made her what she is today… someone fit to be the Vice-master of the MoonStar sect.

In the couple's absence, she was the one who managed this city, made it prosper, and recruited appropriate disciples from all over the globe. She took care of the political and financial part of the sect, and though she's a mage, she still looks tired all the time, with large black circles under her eyes.

Thanks to the elixirs and skill books and cultivation scriptures Arthur had previously handed to her, Sonia was able to reach the Immortal Realm, further extending her lifespan and making her stronger. However, she wasn't interested in power for she found joy in managing the sect and doing what she's best at.

"We've not had much time to talk you and I.," Said Arthur, his hand raised ever-so-slightly, casting an effective healing spell that restored some color to the woman's face.

"Well, we don't have much to talk about, right?"

Sonia put down the pen and gave a faint smile, her back slumping back on the comfortable and large chair she was sitting on.

"I saw a woman standing by your bedroom. Did one of the clones return?"

"Yes, he did… and unfortunately brought with him a slave succubus. Lucy and she are currently talking."

"So you came to me for advice? You do know that I'm still single and bad with matters concerning romance, yes?"

Upon seeing the odd and helpless expression on the man's face, Sonia giggled, finding it comical to see a tough and ruthless man such as Arthur behave like this.

"I guess it is true that all men are afraid of their wives."

"Honestly, it's not my fault."

"Yes yes, that's what they all say."

"But it isn't though. It was the clone who messed up. I was with Lucy the whole time."

"Then try telling her that." Sonia said, her laughter never stopping..

"You can't. Lucy is just too overprotective of you, always getting jealous. It's not a bad thing, you know. I sometimes envy you guys."

"Really? I thought you're not interested in marriage and love."

"All women yearn for love but it's just not for everyone."

Sonia sighed and looked outside of the window, which was on her right. Her gaze fell on the plateau, which was starting to fill up as the competition was resuming after a good night's rest.

"I'm sure that, if you look, you'll find a man suitable for you."

"No thanks, I have my job and I am more than satisfied with it. Maybe in the future."

"Sure, but if there's a man you fancy then tell me right away. I'll drag him to your doorstep if necessary."

"Hehe thanks, Arthur."

After a short bout of silence, in which both looked at the plateau, Sonia spoke again.

"Thank you. For everything."

"You don't need to thank me. You're part of the family."

"After what I did to you and Lucy… I tried to kill you two yet you saved me countless times. You saved the Clan and gave us refuge. I owe you guys my life."

"There's no need to be so dramatic. We did what's right. You, your sister, your clan… you're good people, deserving of a good life. I believe that we helped each other, through thick and thin, up until this moment, and hopefully in the future too."

"Yes. Thank you again."

"Okay, now you seriously have to stop thanking me."

Arthur laughed and stood up, waving his hand at Sonia as he left the office.