"The critical question is whether we are truly prepared to face the Demon Lord's dark army," Advisor Alex observed solemnly. "That is the monumental task facing the continental defense forces and every martial artist across the realm."

Alex's assessment was undeniable. The Demon Lord's forces were cohesive, highly disciplined, and meticulously prepared. In contrast, the righteous sects remained bogged down by internal strife, political intrigue, and covert betrayals.

"We can do this, Lord Advisor!" Nora declared, stepping forward with unwavering resolve. "No matter the cost, we must fight for peace! Didn't you tell me that very thing when I was a child, before bringing me to the academy? You told me that once I grew strong, I should stand beside you to face the forces of darkness!"

Nora's eyes burned with conviction.

Advisor Alex stared at the young warrior, visibly moved. He is right! Alex realized he had forgotten the fundamental truth of a warrior: that unyielding spirit was the ultimate source of strength. Nora had rekindled the flame within him, lifting the despair that had weighed on his heart while his wife and daughter were held hostage as human shields.

A resolute fire returned to Alex's eyes. "You are right, Nora! I had lost sight of what matters most. We must fight until the very end to protect the innocent and restore peace to the realm!"

Alex nodded approvingly, a genuine smile breaking across his face as Nora returned the gesture. A shared surge of purpose swept through the room, uniting everyone in a silent pledge to shield the defenseless.

"Now, I must formally confess my actions," Alex stated, his tone turning somber. "I will seek forgiveness from the high council and Commander Dasatama, and accept whatever punishment is deemed fit."

Alex's family immediately protested. He had acted entirely under coercion, forced to comply only to save his loved ones—a path he would never have chosen willingly.

"Your family speaks the truth," Aji remarked, stepping away from the trunk of a large shade tree he had been leaning against. "An act is not a crime if it was never executed. Intention without action does not constitute treason."

Aji advised Alex to focus his efforts on strengthening the local martial academies in coordination with Mayor Basel, the leader of the Emerald Continent. Their immediate priority was uniting the regional martial sects and elevating their readiness for the coming war.

The Sky Squad members voiced their agreement with Aji's proposal. Their immediate duty was purging the Mondu sleeper cells embedded across the continents. Total cooperation across all regional factions was essential to repel the impending invasion, requiring every continent to mobilize its full martial strength.

Advisor Alex accepted the counsel, agreeing that any formal confession could wait until after the Demon Lord's invasion had been successfully thwarted. Everyone present nodded in agreement.

With their objective complete, the Sky Squad prepared to take their leave. They formally noted that their mission—investigating Advisor Alex based on the master ledger—was officially closed.

Alex's extended family and Mayor Basel expressed their profound gratitude to the Sky Squad, offering special praise to Nora for bringing immense honor to the Emerald Continent.

As the squad prepared to depart, Advisor Alex approached Aji privately.

"Thank you for everything, Warrior Aji," Alex said softly. "You have performed extraordinary deeds here. In truth, even if I had exerted my absolute full strength during our duel, I doubt I could have bested you."

Aji offered a faint smile. "You are far too humble, Lord Advisor... until we meet again on the battlefield against the Demon Lord."

As Aji turned to catch up with his comrades, Alex called out one last time. "Thank you as well for saving my family. I know it was..."

"That is enough, Lord Advisor," Aji interrupted smoothly. "All martial artists share the same fundamental responsibility: to aid those in need and bring hope to the world."

Aji offered a warm smile, which Alex returned. "Farewell, Advisor Alex. We will surely meet again."

Aji jogged forward to rejoin Barsha and Nora, accompanied by Mayor Basel, who personally escorted them to the capital's spatial teleportation array for their return trip to Prisma City. The trio was eager to rejoin their fellow squad members and assist with ongoing regional operations.

As Aji's figure faded into the distance, Alex turned back toward his estate.

"Our home is in ruins," Alex remarked with a warm chuckle, pulling his granddaughter into his arms, "but having you all back safe is worth more than any house."

His heart was whole once more. For a long year, he had lived under a cloud of silent despair, robbed of all joy. Now, seeing his wife's genuine smile, he felt reborn.

For months, the dark army operative posing as his wife had monitored his every move, issuing demands and preparing him to betray the Martial Arts Association. Her ultimate directive had been the covert assassination of Dasatama, aiming to shatter humanity's command structure from within—a truly despicable strategy.

The price demanded for his family's safety had been absolute obedience, held hostage against the promise of an antidote.

Yet that nightmare had been shattered by a mysterious savior—a masked warrior who had single-handedly breached the compound, neutralized the dark garrison, and purged the incurable poison from his wife and daughter.

Alex gazed straight ahead at the distant path where Aji walked alongside his squadmates.

"An extraordinary young man..." Alex murmured aloud.

"Are you referring to Aji, Father?" Named asked, stepping up beside him.

"Indeed," Alex replied thoughtfully. "Even in combat, I was no match for him. I am certain it was he who broke into your prison. No ordinary physician could purge Auro Blood poison from a human vessel. He possesses a power far beyond common comprehension—there is no doubt in my mind that he was your savior."

Named stared intently toward the departing group, realizing his father's words held true. The youth's calm demeanor matched the presence of the masked figure who had freed his family.

Moments later, the Sky Squad stepped onto the teleportation platform and vanished from sight. Alex smiled softly as the light faded, confident their paths would cross again.

In Aji's presence, Alex had felt an uncanny sensation—as though he were speaking with a living legend. Despite his decades of combat experience and high standing, the veteran advisor had felt almost like a junior standing before an elder master. Aji commanded an innate authority and profound maturity that belied his youthful frame.

If the future rests in the hands of youths like Aji, Alex thought to himself, the realm is in good hands. The martial world will protect the innocent and bring hope to all.

Turning back toward the main house, Alex joined his family as they stepped inside. It was time for lunch—their first genuine family meal together in over a year.