"Sir...we are arriving at Clark International Airport," Graves reported.

"Thank you, Graves," Richard said, folding the document and setting it aside. He glanced out the window as the plane descended towards Clark International Airport, the familiar sights of his homeland coming into view.

As they taxied to a stop on the tarmac, Richard felt a surge of anticipation. It had been too long since he had set foot on Philippine soil, and he couldn’t wait to be reunited with Sara and Lisa.

With Graves by his side, Richard disembarked from the plane, greeted by the warm tropical breeze. He took a deep breath, savoring the familiar scents of home – the earthy aroma of the soil, the sweet fragrance of tropical flowers.

"Feels good to be back," Graves remarked, echoing Richard’s sentiment as they climbed down the stairs.

Richard nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It does indeed, Graves."

Five JLTV Oshkosh pulled up near them, awaiting their arrival. And the moment its passenger started stepping out of the vehicle, Richard saw familiar faces.

"Sara...Lisa,"

His girlfriend and his little sister were waiting for him, their faces lighting up with joy as they caught sight of Richard approaching. Sara rushed forward, her arms outstretched, while Lisa hung back shyly, a smile playing on her lips.

"Richard!" Sara exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. "I’ve missed you so much."

Richard hugged her back, feeling the warmth of her embrace wash over him. "I’ve missed you too, Sara."

As they pulled apart, Richard knelt down to Lisa’s level, opening his arms to her. "Hey there. Did you miss me?"

Lisa nodded, her eyes shining with happiness as she threw herself into Richard’s arms. "I missed you lots, brother."

Richard hugged her tightly, feeling a surge of love for his little sister. "I missed you too, Lisa."

Richard glanced up at Sara, noticing the subtle but unmistakable curve of her baby bump beneath her shirt. His heart skipped a beat as he realized the significance of the change in her appearance.

"Sara is..." he began, his voice catching in his throat as he struggled to find the words.

Sara smiled, her eyes shining with happiness as she placed a hand protectively over her stomach. "Yes, Richard. Our baby."

Richard’s heart swelled with joy as he reached out to gently place his hand on top of Sara’s, feeling the faint flutter of movement beneath his fingertips. "I can’t believe it has grown to this much...Before I left, it was completely flat, and now..."

Sara nodded, her smile widening. "It’s been an incredible journey, Richard. And having you back home makes it all the more special."

Richard’s chest swelled with pride and excitement. "I can’t wait to embark on this journey with you, Sara. With our little family."

Lisa, beaming with excitement, piped in, "I’m going to be an aunt."

Richard chuckled, ruffling Lisa’s hair affectionately. "That you will, Lisa. That you will."

*** 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Of course, when there was a celebration in China, there would be a celebration at home. Foods, drinks, and laughter filled New Clark City as they celebrated the victory of Blackwatch against the apocalyptic threat from Lin Feng.

A raised platform was located in the center of the city, where Richard was standing before a podium. Before him were thousands of New Clark City residents who had been there for months after being transferred from Makati to Clark.

"Ladies and gentlemen. I’m sure you have heard the news that we defeated the last obstacles for the future of humanity, and I’m sure that most of you don’t understand the significance of it. Well, let me explain it to you now. Do you believe in the supernatural? Like things like aliens, monsters, or zombies? I bet most of you don’t. But just a few months ago, we were facing a threat that seemed straight out of a horror movie. We fought against an enemy that sought to destroy everything we hold dear – our families, our homes, our very way of life. Now what if I told you that those zombies weren’t made because some scientist messed or screwed up with nature? What if I told you that they were intentionally created by someone who wanted to bring about the end of the world as we know it?

That’s right. The threat we faced wasn’t just a freak accident or a natural disaster. It was the result of a deliberate act of terror orchestrated by a man named Lin Feng. This man is not human, he is a supernatural creature that allowed him to summon monstrous creatures that made the world what it looked today. Yes...when I say supernatural, I mean it very seriously. If you still don’t get it, then how about magic? Are you guys familiar with magic?"

The crowds exchanged confused glances, some murmuring amongst themselves. Richard cleared his throat, adjusting his stance before continuing.

"Alright, let me break it down for you. Magic is real, and Lin Feng wielded it like a dark sorcerer. But here’s the thing. No matter how powerful Lin Feng may have been, he underestimated the strength of humanity. He underestimated our capacity for resilience, for courage, for sacrifice."

He paused, letting his words sink in as he scanned the faces before him.

"And because of that, we stand here today, victorious. We stand here because ordinary people, just like you and me, rose up to face an extraordinary threat. We stood together, united in purpose, and we prevailed."

A few cheers erupted from the crowd, tentative at first but growing in strength as Richard spoke.

"So, my fellow citizens of New Clark City, let us not forget the lessons we have learned. Let us remember the power of unity, the strength of community, and the indomitable spirit of humanity. Let us honor the sacrifices of those who fought and fell, and let us pledge to build a future worthy of their legacy. Toast for the future of our city, of our families, and of our world!" Richard raised his glass, a gesture mirrored by those around him.

The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers and raised glasses, the clinking of glasses filling the air as they celebrated their hard-won victory and the hope for a brighter future.

After giving his speech, Richard was approached by Mark from behind and whispered.

"Sir, I think it’s time to have that discussion."

"Very well."