Gods and Mortals

#16: Glorious Return

Cosmic League Arc

"Sentient."

The word carried numerous definitions, but the one that Klaus found most fitting was the existence of consciousness.

The ability to be aware.

Lying on his bed as he often did, Klaus delved into his thoughts. He pondered over his experiences, beliefs, and even his relationships. Everything that held significance in his life held that meaning solely because of his awareness.

Such a seemingly small topic held profound meaning for him as he gazed at the ceiling, as though peering beyond it.

It had been roughly a month and a half since his high school graduation, and not much had occurred in the interim. A few outings with Shade and Rose, together or individually, were the extent of it.

Since their last meeting, Wallpaper hadn't made an appearance; the authorities were still keen on capturing either of them.

Klaus had previously agreed to undertake the responsibilities thrust upon him, but with the passing of time and no new information, he began to wonder whether he was excluded from returning to Higher World.

In truth, it wouldn't bother him too much, but having become somewhat invested in the plan, he found the idea of being abruptly disregarded rather irksome.

As Klaus continued to recline on his bed, almost succumbing to the edge of slumber, an unfamiliar beam of light spawned across the room. It resembled the shimmering path that had appeared before he first journeyed to Higher World.

Promptly, Klaus rose from his bed and donned a more relaxed ensemble of a hoodie and pants. He swung his door open and had already arrived at the terminus of the radiant path.

He was consistently grateful for the swiftness his speed provided.

The pathway concluded where he expected – the alley adorned with the poster depicting the palm painting.

With a practiced hand, he pressed his palm to the poster's surface, already knowing what to do. After a few seconds of pedestrians passing by, Klaus eventually vanished.

Upon opening his eyes, he realized that, unlike his previous experience, he now stood before the gateway that led out of the city, the same location Ace had guided him to during his last visit.

"I'll never get used to this," Klaus mumbled while holding on to his head, a slight ache forming from the transition between realms.

"I apologize for any disorientation you experienced during your transit, Klaus Walker."

Turning, Klaus found XVII positioned by the gate, seemingly awaiting the arrival of all the demigods.

"It's fine... I guess," Klaus replied softly.

He then inquired about the peculiar timing of his arrival, "By the way, why does it take some time before I start to transport to here?"

"Depending on your given state, the transition only occurs when you are out of sight for a duration significant enough that your absence wouldn't be perceived as unusual."

Klaus didn't feel compelled to delve further into the matter, as XVII's explanation held a certain logic. He accepted it as it was.

After a brief period, XVII furnished him with a key to his previous room and directed him to the location. With the other demigods yet to appear, XVII remained at the gate.

Fatigued, Klaus decided to retire to his designated room. He aimed to rest up before the others arrived.

After a few hours of sleep, Klaus woke up to the faint murmur of voices echoing in the hallways outside his room. He groggily got out of bed, realizing he had been asleep for approximately seven hours, signaling early morning in the real world.