Chapter 26: A Respite Before the Storm

  It had been two months since John was proclaimed the Ruler of the Biuniverse. At this time, he had faced challenges, made mistakes and, above all, learned. Despite having the power to subdue anyone, he stood firm that true authority was earned with respect, not with intimidation.

  The first few days were awkward. On one occasion, Juan traveled to an underwater planet to negotiate with the Nautilenos Tribe. As a sign of peace, he carried with him a red flower, not knowing that in that culture it was a symbol of imminent war. The aquatic warriors were already taking out their weapons when, at the last second, Lightning, with its incredible speed, changed the flower for a rose, a symbol of peace.

  Lightning (jusking): "Brother, you have to read more about the intergalactic guide to customs..."

  Juan learned quickly from his mistakes. Again, on a mountainous planet, he almost signed a decree that would have granted control of several cities to a gang of criminals. Luckily, Valtherion noticed the deception and stopped Juan before he made the mistake.

  Valtherion (serious): "My lord... good intentions are not always enough. There are those who take advantage of them.”

  Over time, Juan began to trust less in gross power and more in reason. He refused to use his imposing aura or take off his trench coat to show his presence.

  Juan: (thinking) "I don't need to be feared... I want to be respected."

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  An Unexpected Encounter

  One day, while Juan was reviewing some reports in his office, a rumble caught the team's attention. When they went out to the garden of the mansion, they saw a figure they already knew:

  J?rmungandr, or rather, the young man who now adopted a human form, was in front of them. But he was no longer the child they had rescued; now he seemed to be 16 or 17 years old, with long dark hair, and a taller and thinner complexion.

  Lightning (with a mocking smile): "How the hell are you already taller than me?"

  J?rmungandr (laughing): "Maybe because you were dwarfed."

  Lightning: "Hey, I'm 1.70! It's not my fault that you look like a post."

  Juan: (laughing) "Where have you been all this time?"

  J?rmungandr explained that he had been on a planet called Nifheim, a desolate but quiet place, where he managed to change his skin and rest. There, he had grown faster, as part of his mystical nature.

  J?rmungandr: (seriously) "I didn't know if I should go back... but I felt I had to go back with you, Juan."

  Juan gave him a big hug.

  Juan: "It's good to see you again."

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  The Journey of Rest

  Juan's life had become a constant coming and going between planets, signing decrees, resolving conflicts and seeking to maintain balance in the Biuniverse. His friends knew he was pushing himself too hard.

  Charlotte, Elizabeth and Scarlett proposed something unusual:

  Charlotte: "How about... you take a break?"

  Juan: (denying his head) "I can't... the Biuniverse needs me."

  Elizabeth (firmly): "Juan, you've been without stopping for months. If you get exhausted, the Biuniverse will lose its best hope."

  Lightning (crossing his arms): "Don't be stubborn, friend. Relax for a couple of days... what's the worst thing that can happen?"

  Juan knew that insisting would be useless. Reluctantly, he accepted.

  Juan: "It's okay... but only two days."

  What Juan didn't know... is that this trip would not only be a break, but the beginning of something much bigger.

  End of chapter.