"Max!" a chorus of voices rang out as everyone rushed toward him, their faces lighting up with joy and disbelief. In moments, he was surrounded — not just by acquaintances, but by true friends.
Jack, with his usual loud energy, clapped Max on the shoulder so hard it nearly knocked him over. Amelia gave a small smile, her calm presence a quiet reassurance. Revenna nodded at him silently, the corners of her lips barely lifting. Nash grinned, arms crossed, clearly pleased. Even Anton, who rarely showed much emotion, looked genuinely relieved.
Others soon joined in, young geniuses from both the Western and Eastern regions, all gathering around Max like stars pulled toward a sun.
Then came Aelric, stepping forward with his usual dramatic flair, hoisting a large barrel of wine over his shoulder like it weighed nothing.
"Everyone!" he shouted with a grin, "Let's drink to the fact that Max is alive and well!" That was all it took.
