Creation Of All Things-Chapter 25: Family Reunion 1

Aria dragged herself into the house, still feeling the burn from training. The moment she saw Adam in the kitchen, she let out a dramatic groan.

"She's trying to kill me. You know I'm not good with physical exercises, and yet the Ice Queen is forcing it on me," she whined, slumping against the doorframe.

Adam didn't even look up from what he was doing. "Good morning to you too, Aria."

She grumbled under her breath and stomped off to her room.

Gloria walked in right after, her posture relaxed despite the morning workout. Alfred followed, drenched in sweat but grinning like he'd just won a prize.

"Morning, Adam," Alfred greeted, his voice full of energy. "And before you ask, yes, I won against Aria today."

Adam chuckled at his little brother's excitement. "Good for you."

Alfred pumped his fist before heading to the bathroom to freshen up.

As Adam focused back on the meal, he glanced at Gloria. "So, how's life as an aunt?"

Gloria smiled, but there was a wistful sigh that followed. "It's nice, actually. I won't lie."

Adam smirked. "See? Not so bad. Wonder why you didn't just go for it from the start."

Gloria leaned against the counter and gave him a pointed look. "Like I've said before, it was your father's—"

"My father's wish," Adam finished for her, glancing up with a knowing expression. "Yeah, yeah. But here you are."

Gloria shook her head, but there was amusement in her eyes.

They worked in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds being the sizzle of food and the occasional clink of utensils.

Then, as Adam stirred the pot in front of him, Gloria spoke again. "So, how did your little run-in with the Blackveil guys go?"

Adam didn't answer right away. He simply finished what he was doing before leaning against the counter. "Interesting, to say the least," he said. "Had to deal with some pests, but nothing too troublesome."

Gloria raised an eyebrow. "You got what you needed?"

A smirk played on Adam's lips. "Yeah. And I got something else, too."

Gloria frowned. "Something else?"

Adam nodded. "I'll show you later."

Gloria narrowed her eyes slightly, but she didn't push further. Instead, she grabbed the plates and helped him set the table.

Once everything was ready, Adam wiped his hands on a cloth and turned toward the hallway. "Alright, let's get the twins before Aria passes out in her room."

Gloria chuckled. "I give her five more minutes before she tries sneaking a nap."

Adam smirked as he called out, "Aria, Alfred! Food's ready!"

From the bathroom, Alfred's voice rang out. "On my way!"

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From her room, Aria groaned. "Ugh… coming…"

Gloria shook her head, amused. "Every single morning."

Adam chuckled. "And you love it."

She didn't deny it.

The dining table was set, the aroma of warm food filling the air. Adam sat down first, while Gloria poured tea into their cups. A moment later, Alfred arrived, freshly showered and still drying his hair with a towel. Aria dragged herself in behind him, plopping into her seat like she had just fought a war.

"Finally, real food," Aria muttered as she grabbed a piece of toast.

"You act like I starved you," Gloria said, rolling her eyes.

Aria gave her a deadpan look. "You did starve me. Training on an empty stomach is a crime."

Alfred, already halfway through his first plate, grinned. "I don't know, I think it was fun."

Aria shot him a glare. "That's because you enjoy suffering."

Adam chuckled as he took a bite. "Alright, enough complaining. Just eat."

For a while, the room was filled with the sounds of utensils clinking and the occasional satisfied hum from Alfred. Aria, despite her earlier complaints, was eating like she hadn't seen food in days.

Then, as Gloria refilled her tea, she glanced at Adam. "So… about that thing you said earlier. What exactly did you get from the Blackveil guys?"

Aria and Alfred both perked up at that.

"Wait, you ran into Blackveil?" Alfred asked, setting his cup down.

"Of course he did," Aria muttered, wiping her mouth. "He has a talent for walking into dangerous situations."

Adam leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against his cup. "It wasn't intentional. They were just in the way."

"And?" Gloria pressed, her gaze sharp.

Adam smirked slightly before reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small, dark orb and set it on the table.

The room went silent.

Gloria's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing. "That's…"

"A Devourer's Orb," Adam confirmed.

Aria and Alfred exchanged confused looks. "Uh… and that is?" Alfred asked.

Gloria exhaled. "It's an artifact. A dangerous one."

Adam nodded. "It's unactivated, though. Right now, it's just a useless rock."

Aria leaned forward, poking the orb with her fork. "So… what does it do?"

Gloria's gaze didn't leave the orb. "It absorbs."

"Absorbs what?" Alfred asked.

Gloria looked at him. "Everything."

Silence.

Aria slowly pulled her fork back. "O-Okay, that's creepy."

Adam smirked. "Don't worry. As long as it stays unactivated, it's harmless."

Gloria wasn't convinced. "And if it does activate?"

Adam's expression darkened slightly. "Then we have a problem."

Alfred frowned. "So what are you gonna do with it?"

Adam took the orb back and tucked it into his pocket. "I'll handle it."

Gloria sighed, rubbing her temples. "I swear, you make things more complicated every day."

Adam grinned. "Keeps life interesting."

Aria groaned. "More like stressful."

Alfred laughed. "Well, at least breakfast was nice."

"A breakfast without me?"

The room froze. Adam slowly raised his head, already recognizing that voice. Meanwhile, Gloria's face went pale.

She knew what was coming next.

Before anyone could react, she shrieked, taking a step back as if preparing to bolt.

Adam, on the other hand, remained calm, resting his chin on his palm as he looked toward the entrance.

"Granny," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You figured it out all by yourself."

Standing at the doorway, dressed in an elegant yet imposing outfit, was none other than Tatia Williams—the President of the Federation and Adam's grandmother.

Gloria forced a sheepish smile, turning to face her. "H-Hello, Mother. Long time no see…"

Tatia's sharp gaze landed on her daughter, eyes narrowing. "You brat. You've been away for too long and you hid the existence of my brother's children from me."

Gloria stiffened.

"You," Tatia continued, voice cold, "are in so much trouble."

Then, just as quickly, her expression shifted. The cold glare melted into a warm smile as she turned to Adam and the twins.

"But what can I say? One of the perks of being President," she said, stepping inside like she owned the place.

Aria and Alfred exchanged a glance, then turned to Adam.

"…We're so screwed, aren't we?" Aria whispered.

Adam just sighed. "Yeah."