The Extra's Rise

The main residence of the Kagu estate buzzed with renewed energy as word spread that Ren had not only been found but had returned significantly stronger than when he'd disappeared. Advanced communication systems throughout the compound carried updates to family members across the Eastern Continent, while staff moved with the efficient purpose of those preparing for an important celebration.

"The formal reception hall has been prepared," Selene announced as she led us through corridors lined with portraits of Kagu ancestors. "The entire family wishes to properly express their gratitude for what you've accomplished."

I walked beside her, noting how different her demeanor was now compared to our first meeting days ago. The desperate worry had been replaced by genuine relief and something approaching awe as she processed the magnitude of what had been achieved.

"Bringing Ren home safely would have been enough," she continued, her voice carrying deep emotion. "But to have him return with Liam's inheritance, having achieved such dramatic advancement... it exceeds our wildest hopes."

"He earned those gains through his own capabilities," I replied. "We simply helped him find the opportunity."

The formal reception hall was an impressive space designed to host diplomatic gatherings and important family ceremonies. High ceilings supported by elegantly carved pillars created an atmosphere of grandeur, while holographic displays along the walls showed real-time feeds from various family holdings across the continent.

Kem Kagu stood at the center of the room, flanked by his wife Yuki and their twin children. The moment we entered, the entire family dropped into the deep, formal bows reserved for figures of the highest importance.

"Second Hero Arthur Nightingale," Kem said with profound reverence, "on behalf of the entire Kagu family lineage, I express our eternal gratitude for your personal intervention in finding our son and heir."

"Princess Seraphina of Mount Hua," Yuki added, her emerald hair catching the ambient light as she maintained her respectful bow, "your assistance in this mission honors our family beyond measure."

The twins—Hee and Min—watched with wide violet eyes, clearly amazed to be in the presence of figures they'd only heard about in news reports and family stories. Their expressions showed the kind of awe reserved for living legends.

"Please rise," I said with appropriate courtesy. "Seeing Ren safely returned to his family is reward enough."

"Nevertheless," Kem insisted as the family straightened, "what you have accomplished in three days exceeded what our entire organization could achieve with unlimited resources and time. You didn't just find our missing heir—you helped him discover his true potential."

Ren stepped forward, his presence now radiating the enhanced power he'd gained in Liam's facility. The legendary gauntlets on his hands gleamed with subtle energy, while his overall bearing showed the confidence that came with genuine advancement.

"Father, Mother," he said with obvious emotion, "I need to properly explain what happened to me, and what these two accomplished on my behalf."

"Of course," Yuki replied, though her attention remained focused on properly hosting such distinguished guests. "But first, we must ensure the Second Hero and Princess Seraphina understand the depth of our family's gratitude."

We were guided to an elevated seating area where refreshments had been arranged with the kind of attention to detail that marked formal diplomatic occasions. The estate's environmental systems automatically adjusted temperature and lighting to optimal levels while discrete service drones provided anything that might be needed.

"When Ren first disappeared," Kem began as we settled into comfortable arrangements, "we feared the worst. In these times, with threats emerging across all continents, the sudden vanishing of a family heir suggests terrible possibilities."

"We mobilized every resource," Selene added, taking her place beside her brother. "Search teams, surveillance networks, contacts throughout the intelligence community. Nothing yielded results."

"Then word reached us that the Second Hero had personally agreed to assist in our search," Yuki continued with obvious amazement. "That someone of your legendary status would involve himself in what could have been dismissed as a routine missing person case..."

"It demonstrated a nobility of character that exceeded even the stories told about your heroic achievements," Kem finished with sincere admiration.

I nodded acknowledgment while privately reflecting on how the situation had evolved beyond anyone's initial expectations. What had started as a favor to help a concerned family had led to discoveries that could affect much larger concerns.

"The results speak for themselves," Seraphina said diplomatically. "Ren was not only found safely but emerged from his experience significantly enhanced."

"The advancement alone represents years of normal development," Selene observed, studying her nephew with professional assessment. "But beyond that, the artifacts he's acquired..."

Ren raised his hands, allowing the legendary gauntlets to catch the light. "Liam Kagu's personal weapons. I still can hardly believe they're real."

"Two centuries," Kem said with wonder, "we've preserved stories about our ancestor's lost sanctuary. Finding it seemed impossible, but activating its systems and completing its trials..."

"That required capabilities far beyond what any of us possessed individually," Ren said, looking directly at me and Seraphina. "Without their assistance, I would never have achieved what became possible."

The family listened with growing amazement as Ren described his experiences in the training facility. The impossible architecture, the knowledge inheritance platforms, the systematic advancement that had elevated his capabilities beyond normal limitations—each detail reinforced their understanding of what had been accomplished.

"The implications extend far beyond our family," Selene said with growing seriousness. "If Liam's facility was designed to prepare for future threats..."

"Then the Second Hero's assistance in activating it may have broader importance than even this remarkable personal achievement," Kem concluded with understanding.

"We should all be preparing for challenges that may require enhanced capabilities," I agreed, noting how the conversation was naturally moving toward larger concerns.

"The Kagu family pledges ourselves as allies to both the Second Hero and Mount Hua Sect," Kem declared with formal authority. "Our resources, our knowledge, our connections across the Eastern Continent—all are at your disposal should future need arise."

"Such alliance is greatly appreciated," Seraphina replied with diplomatic courtesy.

"More than appreciated," Yuki added with maternal warmth that transcended political formalities, "it's necessary. What you've done for our family creates bonds that extend far beyond simple gratitude."

As the formal expressions of thanks continued, I found myself impressed by the Kagu family's combination of genuine emotion and practical intelligence. They understood that Ren's safe return was just the beginning of developments that could affect much larger concerns.

"Will you honor us by staying for the celebration dinner?" Yuki asked as the immediate formalities began to conclude. "The entire extended family wishes to properly express their appreciation, and our finest chefs have prepared specialties from across the Eastern Continent."

"We would be honored," I replied, recognizing the invitation as both hospitality and continued respect for our assistance.

"Excellent," Kem said with obvious pleasure. "It will give us opportunity to discuss how our family might support whatever future endeavors the Second Hero may undertake."

As arrangements began for an elaborate dinner celebration, I reflected on how completely successful this mission had become. Not only had we found Ren safely, but everyone involved had emerged stronger, with valuable new alliances formed and ancient knowledge recovered.

The evening promised to be a fitting conclusion to what had started as a rescue mission and evolved into something far more significant.