The journey back to the Sol System took two months, making a total of more than six months since Zol and the others left in search of Alexander.
The journey back was even more perilous as they had to take alternative routes to escape the new veil tears and void creatures appearing all over. Fortunately for them, they encountered no major issues.
With the increasing situation of their universe, it was paramount for the leading hunters of every star system to return and handle to situation.
When the ship docked at the Orbital Ring, Charlotte wasted no time and immediately headed to the capital, her usual composure replaced with visible tension.
Mason and his men boarded another vessel to return to their territory, leaving behind a lingering silence.
"Uncle, we would like to go to Earth," Julia informed her uncle, already knowing what she and Ross wanted to do.
"Alright," he replied after a pause, his gaze steady but kind. "Take James with you. He'll ensure you're safe."
As they prepared to leave, her uncle turned away, heading toward the Knight Estate. There were many things he had to do in preparation for the rising crisis.
Henry decided to return to his home on Mars as he had no connection with the Grays. Going with them would make him appear out of place and insensitive.
In the Grays' living room, Ross, Julia, and James sat in tense silence. The weight of their failed mission was evident on their faces, and their expressions alone told William and Olivia everything they needed to know.
William's heart sank as he looked at the three. The absence of his eldest son over the years had carved a void in him that no reassurance could fill. Seeing them return empty-handed was another cruel blow.
James, sensing the heavy atmosphere, took it upon himself to explain. "Mr. Gray," he began cautiously, his tone a mix of regret and earnestness.
"The search… it didn't go as planned. The galaxy where Alex was displaced… it's incredibly unstable and dangerous. We tried, but going any further would have been a death sentence."
"S-so does that mean…?" William felt his chest tighten just trying to voice out his thoughts. His hopes of seeing his eldest son again began to crumble.
"No, Mr. Gray. It just means we couldn't locate the exact place he was displaced. The location was too dangerous if we attempted to go any further."
James could see the man was about to break down and had to say something to reassure him. But he wasn't exactly sure what t say that could sooth the man.
Though James' words were meant to reassure, they did little to ease the ache in William's heart.
He forced a nod, the strain in his face visible. "I understand," he muttered, though his voice wavered.
He glanced at Julia and Ross. Both avoided his gaze, their heads bowed in shame and guilt.
Julia's trembling hands betrayed her struggle to keep her composure, while Ross's jaw clenched in silent frustration.
William exhaled deeply, his own sorrow momentarily set aside. 'They already feel responsible,' he thought. 'If I break now, I'll only make it worse for them.'
"Hey, you two." His heavy voice filled with resolve made Ross and Julia look up at him, tears already threatening to fall from Julia's face.
His smile and stretched out arms caused Julia's tears to fall as she abruptly stood up and embraced the man with Ross following suit.
William held them both tightly, his warmth and strength enveloping them. Julia sobbed into his chest, her tears flowing freely, while Ross, though silent, gripped his uncle firmly.
"I know you feel like you've let us down," William began, his tone gentle but firm. "But you haven't. Alex is strong, stronger than any of us can imagine. If the last four years have taught us anything, it's that we must never lose hope. One way or another, he'll come back to us. I'm certain of it."
"Yes, uncle." Ross replied first while Julia took a step back while wiping her tears. "Mm." She nodded in turn.
"That's what I want to hear," William said, a faint smile breaking through his sorrow. He turned to James, who had been watching the exchange in respectful silence.
"Thank you. Please convey my gratitude to Lord Zol. Your efforts mean more to us than words can express."
James nodded, his expression earnest as he shook William's hand. "Of course, Mr. Gray. We'll continue searching as soon as the situation allows."
A little while later, James and the kids left the apartment.
Olivia approached her father, her face pale and her shoulders sagging. "Dad… what do we do now?
"And how… how do we tell Aaron that his brother might not be coming back anytime soon?" Her voice cracked, and she buried her face in her hands, trying to stifle the sobs that threatened to escape.
William placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We don't lose hope, Olivia," he said firmly, though his voice softened as he continued.
"Alex is different. You know that. He's survived things that most people wouldn't even dream of. Whatever he's facing out there, I believe he can handle it."
Olivia looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But it's been so long. What if—"
"No," William interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "No what-ifs. We focus on what we know. Your mother needs us. Aaron needs us. Until Alex comes back, we have to stay strong for them. Can you do that?"
After a moment of hesitation, Olivia nodded. "Yes, Dad. You're right."
Father and daughter shared a quiet hug, their emotions unspoken but deeply understood.
And so, though their hearts ached with uncertainty, the Grays chose hope. For them, it was the only way forward.
Meanwhile hope was having the time of his life, a broad smile on his face as he flew at faster than light speed, impaling and ripping apart void creatures like twigs on a wooden log.