As Alexander stood before the numerous displays that showed some of the gathered masses of the Galactic Empire, he could see the fear in their eyes—the weight of despair that had settled over them like an unshakable shadow.
Some gathered along the streets, others in restaurants and places of gathering while others watched from the comfort of their homes.
And like many, his family and friends were gathered at the Gray estate, watching as Alex stood behind the podium, cutting a heroic figure described in tales.
Behind him were two hunters, Hunter Zol and Hunter Mason. These two volunteered for the role as they had known Alex the most since the beginning of his journey.
They were also well-known figures by the people, and their confident stance and presence aided in calming the people's hearts.
The people had lived too long under the looming threat of annihilation, knowing that at any moment, a rift could open and void creatures would spill forth, tearing through their cities, their homes, and their very existence.
They had grown accustomed to the silence before the storm, living each day as if it might be their last. But this was not how they were meant to live.
Alexander stepped forward, his voice carrying across the address systems, strong and unwavering.
"People of the Galactic Empire," he called, and the murmur of the crowd quieted. "I know the fear that grips your hearts… I see the way you walk your streets, waiting for the next attack, dreading the moment the sky splits apart.
"You have lived with the knowledge that everything you love could be taken from you in an instant. But hear me now—this is not the end."
He let his words settle, scanning the faces before him. He needed them to believe, to see what he saw—that fear was not their master.
"Fear is a weapon," he continued. "If we allow it to control us, we have already lost. But we are not a people who cower in the face of darkness.
"We are not meant to merely survive—we are meant to live. To build, to dream, to reach for the stars, just as we always have."
A murmur rippled through the crowd, uncertainty mixing with something else—hope.
Alex pressed on, his voice firm. "The void creatures may be relentless, but so are we. And we are not alone. The hunters stand between you. I… stand before you and the abyss, unyielding, undeterred."
The way he uttered the 'I' instilled some sense of assurance within the people, that his words were not just hot air--he meant what he said.
"We fight not for glory, not for recognition, but for you. As long as we stand, as long as there are those willing to push back against the darkness, the Galactic Empire will not fall."
He could see the shift in their expressions, the flickers of defiance rekindling in their eyes.
That was what he needed. "So I ask you," he said, his voice steady, unwavering, "do not surrender to despair.
"Do not let fear dictate the course of your lives. Look around you—your families, your friends, your homes.
"These are worth fighting for. These are worth believing in. Let the void rage against us if it must. We will not break. We will not kneel."
Silence hung in the air for a brief moment, and then a roar of voices rose up in response. The people were still afraid, but now, something stronger burned within them—resolve.
They would not live as prisoners to fear. They would stand, just as they always had. And together, they would see this madness come to an end.
"Cosmic mana waves and veil tears would be a thing of the past." Alex continued after the commotion settled a bit. "No more would you have to live with a looming shadow over your heads.
"Live freely, live like every day is your best… This is what we are, this is what we do… we push forward regardless of the challenges.
"Humanity will prevail.."
The second roar that followed shook many worlds as feelings of hope were born anew. People shed tears and hugged their loved ones like never before.
They didn't know why nor did they care, but something told them to believe in him and his words.
Julia and the rest of the family cheered with hearts filled with hope and admiration. They knew Alexander but even they were surprised how he touched their hearts and the hearts of many.
"Alexander is one of a kind, isn't he?" Elina commented to the leaders she stood with.
"Yes…" Basso nodded with a calm expression. He didn't show it, but he was just as touched. "But will he be able to do what he said?"
Naturally, he knew how powerful Alexander was, but what he set out to do was a universal task of insurmountable proportions.
"Hmph!" Elina snorted. "I'm surprised you still doubt what he is capable of. The gift he has given you is far more than you can imagine.
"The only way to grow stronger with it is if you grasp the underlying nuances. Only then would you appreciate the power he wields."
Though Elina said so herself, even she was not sure how to proceed. She knew it was there, but she just didn't know how to push it further.
She knew she could ask Alexander, and maybe he could nudge her in the right direction, but she didn't want to.
'I'll figure it out myself…' Elina added inwardly.
"Only time will tell.." Basso replied, his gaze on Alexander's back. "For now, let's deal with the remaining void creatures within the bounds of the empire."
The others nodded in understanding while the people continued to celebrate the message.
It was a truly inspiring sight.
Once satisfied with the people's reaction, Alexander concluded his message. It was time to get back to work.
He needed to put some things in order and then focus on what he said he would do.
'But first, someone needs to wake up.' Alex thought silently. 'I need some answers.'