Chapter 30 - The Return Home

  The day began like any other in the mansion. The team got up early, each following their routine. Lightning was practicing his speed on the private track that he had insisted so much that they build. Scarlett experimented with new potions in her laboratory, while Charlotte and Elizabeth enjoyed the day in the nearby river, in light suits and carefree from the world.

  But someone was missing... Juan.

  At first, everyone thought he was just resting, but the hours passed and there was no sign of him. Valterion, always attentive, was the first to notice that something didn't add up. He checked Juan's room... empty. The bed without touching.

  - He's not here... - murmured Valterion, his voice deep and restless.

  The team met, already worried.

  "What if he was kidnapped?" Scarlett said with a mixture of concern and anger.

  - Impossible, no one kidnaps Juan so easily... - Relámpago replied - Maybe he just went for a walk.

  Valterion, firm as always, simply said:

  - If he left alone, he had his reasons... Let's trust him.

  But inside... he was restless.

  ?

  On Earth - Monterrey

  Juan walked through the streets of his hometown. The world followed its course without giving too much importance to the fact that he was now the Ruler of the Bioniverse. Most people didn't even know who he really was.

  "That's better...", Juan thought.

  He decided to visit the pantheon where his grandmother rested. When he arrived, he felt a lump in his throat. His grave was intact, adorned with fresh flowers that his mother had surely left.

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  - Grandpa... - Juan whispered, kneeling in front of the grave - Would you be proud of me?

  Silence was his only answer.

  - Do you know? Sometimes... I feel like I'm not ready for this. I don't know if I can be the kind of leader everyone expects... or if I even want to be.

  Juan sighed, letting his thoughts envelop him.

  - What if I become bad? What if I lose control? How about if...?

  - How about what?

  The familiar voice interrupted him. It was his mother.

  - Mom... - Juan could barely answer before she hugged him tightly.

  "Why didn't you say you'd come?" he reproached him in tears.

  Juan smiled, relieved to be back, even if it was just for a day.

  ?

  The reunion at home

  The visit home was comforting. His mother prepared his favorite food for him: green spaghetti with mashed potatoes and milanesa. Juan ate as if he hadn't done it in weeks, and with each bite, he felt more... human.

  His father, with a more serious look, asked him an unexpected question.

  - And what kind of powers do you have now?

  - Ah... well... the truth... I'm not very clear about it.

  Juan's father got up and threw him a boxing glove.

  "Let's see how strong you are..." he said with a defiant smile.

  The scene that followed was intense but significant. Juan, although surprised, accepted the challenge. His father, with a firm posture, gave him some instructions on how to improve his blows and better channel his energy.

  - It's not just about strength, Juan... it's about knowing when to hit. You can't let power dominate you.

  That advice was engraved in Juan's mind.

  ?

  Meanwhile, in the Mansion

  The team was restless. Night had fallen and Juan still didn't give signs. Valterion, although worried, remained calm, keeping his composure in front of the others.

  - Trust him... -he said firmly- If something was wrong, we would already know.

  But inside... his thoughts were different. "If something happens to Juan... I won't be able to keep my promise," he thought.

  Suddenly, a blue light flashed in the mansion. The magic door was activated and Juan appeared, looking calm but exhausted.

  "Where the hell were you?" Lightning claimed.

  - I just needed a day to clear my mind... - Juan replied - I'm fine.

  Scarlett crossed her arms, still annoyed.

  - You gave us a huge scare!

  - I'm sorry... but don't worry. I'm back.

  Everyone sighed with relief... except Valterion, who couldn't help but think about Waru's words.

  ?

  Epilogue - The Mystery of Scarlett

  That night, when everyone was already asleep, Scarlett was in her laboratory. A flash lit up the room and, in front of it, a magic screen appeared.

  In it, the image of a hooded man was projected. Scarlett pressed her lips and said softly:

  - I found it...

  And the screen disappeared.

  The danger was just beginning.

  ?

  End of Chapter 30