Yet even as she straightened up, her mind continued to turn silently over the question of what kind of person Benjamin truly had to be.

How could one man reduce three such formidable women to this level of utter misery?

The former Superior Spirit of Storm, the former Superior Spirit of Darkness, and the globally renowned strongest mage of this generation—all of them there with downcast eyes and heavy hearts because of him.

"I’m back!"

Benjamin’s voice rang out cheerfully as he reappeared through the tall doorway, stepping into the extravagant hall with confident strides.

He now wore a simple yet well-fitted traveling outfit that suited the fantasy world around him.

A light brown linen shirt with loose sleeves tucked neatly into a darker, sleeveless jerkin made of sturdy, weathered leather that hugged his torso comfortably, providing both mobility and subtle protection.

Over that he had layered a practical brown tunic of thicker woolen fabric that fell to mid-thigh, its edges trimmed with simple embroidery in darker thread.

His legs were clad in deep brown woolen breeches that were reinforced at the knees for travel, paired with sturdy dark brown leather boots that rose to just below the knee and were laced tightly for support.

The entire ensemble gave him the appearance of a seasoned traveler or minor noble preparing for a long road—practical and unassuming.

Yet it was carrying an understated handsomeness that only highlighted the bubbling power everyone in the room knew simmered just beneath the surface.

He looked smart and composed, the clothes fitting him naturally, but the outfit somehow only made the immense energy radiating from him feel even more contained and dangerous, like a calm sea hiding a storm.

"Hello again, Ragna," he greeted with a friendly wave, his tone warm and open. "We never really got a chance to know each other properly last time."

Ragna flinched just a little, her massive frame tensing for a split second before she recovered.

"There was no reason or benefit in that," she replied gruffly, though her voice lacked any real hostility. "My princess awaits your arrival. Shall we depart?"

Benjamin nodded without hesitation, then turned his gaze toward the three fairies still standing quietly in the hall beside Ragna.

And his expression softened noticeably.

"C’mon, come see me off," he asked gently, extending the invitation with a small smile.

They nodded silently in response, their movements subdued as the group left the extravagant hall together, footsteps echoing softly along the polished corridors and out the castle.

They kept going until they reached the position in the forest where the portal flower waited.

***

Standing in front of the massive blooming portal flower—the same enormous, glowing blossom that had sent Dynamis home the previous time—Benjamin turned his back to it and faced the gathering before him.

To his surprise, nearly the entire population of Fairylynch had assembled in the wide courtyard.

Fairies of all sizes hovered or stood in neat rows, their delicate wings catching the sunlight in shimmering colors, creating a sea of expectant faces that stretched far beyond what he had anticipated.

"Yikes. You guys gotta stop treating me like I’m some kind of emperor," he said with a wry, self-deprecating smile, rubbing the back of his neck as he took in the sheer scale of the farewell crowd. "And I will be back, like, in a week or so. Why the ceremonial farewell as if I’m going off to die for the nation or something?"

"Nonsense, Master Benjamin," Vaelora replied warmly, stepping forward with a gentle smile that reached her eyes.

Titania stood silently beside her, unusually quiet as she watched him with steady violet eyes.

Vaelora continued; "If you were not here, the titans would have overrun the entire kingdom in a matter of days. Because of you, I now possess a proper body and a physical hand with which I can hold my Queen close. Your stay here has been nothing short of a dream come true for many of us."

Benjamin smiled back at her words, a soft blush creeping along the tips of his ears and across his cheeks as he shifted his weight slightly, clearly touched but trying to play it down.

"Well... I was also the cause of the titans appearing in the first place, so that doesn’t really count," he waved his hand shyly, attempting to deflect the praise. "Yo, Tania, you’re not saying anything? Cat got your tongue?"

"Hehe. What, you want me to cry and throw myself all over you in front of everyone?" Titania teased lightly, placing one hand on her hip with her usual playful confidence even as her voice carried a hint of genuine emotion. "I believe in you. Elara cannot hold you down forever, even if what I did was unfair. But I sure will miss you a whole lot. Don’t keep me waiting too long, alright?"

Benjamin laughed warmly, the sound genuine and light as he promised her sincerely that he wouldn’t leave her by herself for too long.

Subsequently, he looked through the crowd, giving personal farewells to as many fairies as he could reach.

Most of them wore saddened expressions, their wings drooping slightly as they offered quiet words of goodbye and small tokens of affection.

Clay was crying non-stop, large tears rolling down her cheeks as Claire held her gently in her arms, rocking her soothingly while whispering comforts.

For the first time since Benjamin had known her, Roselyn simply stood quietly to the side, offering a soft, genuine smile instead of her usual expensive teasing remarks, her eyes reflecting a rare moment of sincere melancholy.

A trade regarding the titans had already been settled earlier.

Benjamin had initially wanted all of the young titans to remain safely with Titania while he continued on his journey.

Since he was planning to return later so he could play with them and spend proper time together.

But Grey Ivy and Titania had refused to accept that arrangement outright.

They had demanded firmly that he take at least one of the titans with him on the trip, their voices united in stubborn insistence that refused to be ignored.