"We’re finally back." Derek sighed as soon as he stepped out of the Teleportation Gate. The portal sent them to the Sirius Continent after Thirteen input the coordinates of the Main Headquarters of the Central Government. At the last minute, Erica convinced Zion that it would be better if he accompanied Shana to their family’s residence and personally told them about their relationship. "It will be more sincere that way," Erica had said, which Thirteen believed was true as well. They could also ask the Grand Marshal and the Field Marshal to let them ride a private jet that would send him, Erica, and Sherry back to the Aldebaran Continent. Since Derek, Diana, and Mildred also needed to return home, setting the Sirius Continent as their destination was deemed the most convenient choice for everyone. Derek and Mildred originally lived in the Cygni Continent, but two years had passed, and their families had already evacuated to the Sirius Continent with the help of the Central Government. Clearly, they were given preferential treatment, which was a benefit of having a family member who was part of the Military’s Hero Party. The main purpose of the Hero Party was to encourage young men and women to join the Central Government and protect their world from external and internal threats. So the stronger and more influential they became, the more manpower the Central Government acquired during their seasonal recruitment process. When the officer on duty was informed that Zion, Shana, and the members of the Hero Party had appeared in the Teleportation Gate, the higher-ups immediately mobilized an escort for these VIPs, who held strategic value to the military. They were then escorted to the Main Headquarters, where the Field Marshal, who was also Shana’s father, Tristan Summers, was waiting for them. "I’m so glad to see you, Shana," Tristan said as he hugged his daughter tightly. "Your mother and I miss you terribly." Tristan had held back until they were finally in private before hugging his daughter, whom he hadn’t seen for the past two years. Zion had already informed him that Shana would undertake special training to increase her survivability in the Cygni Invasion. Since Tristan knew he could trust Zion, he agreed to cooperate and gave his daughter permission to travel with him. "I missed you too, Father," Shana replied and returned her father’s hug. "I have a lot of questions to ask, but that can wait until we return home." Tristan reluctantly pulled back and looked at his beautiful daughter. "You now look like a proper lady. Also, you are giving a mature vibe, like the young woman you now are." Shana, who had also learned how to make a poker face from her training in the Temple of Zaphiel, smiled at her father while apologizing secretly in her heart. She was indeed no longer a young lady but a young woman, who had taken her first steps to adulthood. "I’m sure your mother will be delighted to know you are back," Tristan said with a smile. "You still haven’t informed her?" Shana asked. Enjoy exclusive content from freewebnovel "No. I want it to be a surprise. You’ll cooperate, won’t you?" "I will." Shana also missed her parents dearly, so she didn’t hesitate to agree to her father’s plan to surprise his wife. "Father, can Zion, Erica, and Sherry stay with us for a day?" Shana asked. "They will be returning to the Aldebaran Continent tomorrow." "Of course, they can," Tristan replied. "In fact, all of your friends can stay with us if they want to." Shana shook her head. "Derek, Mildred, and Diana also wish to see their families, so they would be leaving today. They have already finished reporting to you, so they are probably on their way home." Tristan nodded. "Don’t worry. I already informed my subordinates to take care of their needs. They won’t have problems going home." After a few minutes of chatting, the two left the office of the Field Marshal and looked for Zion, Erica, and Sherry, who were currently at the temporary barracks of the 69th Battalion. The soldiers and the Captains were very happy to see their Commander and even congratulated him for being engaged to Erica and Sherry, who were standing beside him. "A month from now, we will be departing for the Cygni Continent," Thirteen declared. "You guys better train until you drop till then. I don’t want any of you to be dying on me, so make sure to remember that." ""Sir, Yes Sir!"" "Also, I will give you a week of vacation to spend with your families," Thirteen declared. "Make sure to spend quality time with them. To the single guys out there, this is the time to man up and confess your feelings to the ladies you fancy. "I don’t want any of you dying in a ditch and regretting that you haven’t done this and that. Remember, we are about to face a Jinn Invasion that could turn the Cygni Continent into a No Man’s Land. "That means the lands where humanity can live might once again decrease, leaving only the Sirius and Aldebaran Continent behind. We will fight until we can no longer fight! So, starting tomorrow, all of you can go back to your families. "But don’t slack off on your training either. The only one you can count on to save yourself is none other than yourself. The stronger you are, the safer you will be. Do I make myself clear?" ""Sir, Yes Sir!"" Tristan and Shana, who had appeared in the barracks of the 69th Battalion, watched as Zion gave orders to his subordinates. "This boy really knows what he is doing," Tristan said in admiration. "If only we can find someone as competent as him, I will no longer have to worry about finding a good marriage partner for you." ’Don’t worry, Father,’ Shana thought. ’You don’t need to find someone as competent as him because he is already my person.’ Of course, Shana didn’t say this out loud because this was not the place to do that. There was a time and place for everything, and she didn’t want to create a scene in the Main Headquarters of the Central Government. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎 After giving his orders to his subordinates, Thirteen glanced in Tristan’s and Shana’s direction. The teenage boy immediately gave his superior officer a salute, which Erica and Sherry imitated. "Zion, Erica, and Sherry, you will be staying at our residence today," Tristan said in a tone that would not take no for an answer. "Are the three of you ready to go?" The teenage boy glanced at Shana, and the latter nodded to him in return. "Thank you, Sir, for your hospitality," Thirteen replied. "It will be an honor to stay in your residence for a day." "Good." Tristan nodded in satisfaction. "Let’s go. I already informed the chef in our house to prepare a feast because we will be entertaining important guests." Thirteen reached out to hold Erica’s and Sherry’s hands, allowing the three of them to walk side by side with them as they followed behind the Field Marshal and the Saintess. Those who saw him holding two flowers in each hand could only sigh and look at him with admiration. After all, both ladies were true beauties whom anyone would wish to become their lover. "Fortunately, the Saintess and the Supreme Commander are not in a relationship," one of the Soldiers said. "I know, right?" his friend replied. "If that really happened, many hearts will be broken." Similar discussions were being held as the soldiers watched the Field Marshal’s entourage pass them by. While this was happening, Erica watched the Field Marshal’s and Shana’s back with a faint smile on her face. She was looking forward to how Shana’s family would react to her relationship with Zion and how they would see the teenage boy from now on. Still, she was certain that things would be fine. After all, the military had already recognized Zion’s importance to the world as a brilliant commander. Having him as a son-in-law would ensure his loyalty to the Central Government, which was a win-win situation for both the Grand Marshal and Field Marshal. Not to mention, they had been long in search of a strategist who could effectively put their manpower to good use. Perhaps wishing to go home as fast as he could, Tristan decided to use a helicopter instead of a car to return to their residence. Ten minutes later, the helicopter safely landed on the Summer’s Residence, where Zion would formally ask for Shana’s hand from her parents.