Advent: Explorers of Boundaries

◆Chapter 62: Life Goes On!

The morning sun rose over the Altaria guild, casting a warm glow on the gathered teams. Guildmaster Altaria and Farfetch'd stood at the front, preparing to welcome the new rescue team, Team Starfall. The team consisted of a metrosexual Quaxly, a sports fan Raboot, and their leader, a Servine who was a model.

Farfetch'd stepped forward, announcing to everyone, "Let's welcome our new recruits, Team Starfall!" The room erupted in applause as Guildmaster Altaria, with an intimidating tone, added, "Now, to your seats."

Just then, a Grovyle entered the hall, greeting everyone with a broad smile. He turned his attention to the new members. "Welcome, my dudes! Just between us, avoid Team Fuse in your first months and you're good to go! And don't upset Farfetch'd and the Guildmaster. Apparently, those two can't take a joke. Anyways, later."

Guildmaster Altaria and Farfetch'd were not amused by Grovyle's antics. They shouted for him to return, as the morning speech wasn't over yet. However, Grovyle ignored them, his smile unwavering as he exited the hall.

As he walked through the guild, everyone greeted him warmly, and he returned their greetings, his mood unfaltering. He made his way to Lust Beach, marveling at its morning beauty and the sight of Krabbys blowing bubbles.

"Such a breathtaking view, even if it's just the morning," Grovyle commented, his eyes scanning the serene landscape.

His gaze fell upon a statue of a Riolu, positioned in the shallow waters of the beach. Approaching the statue, he smiled softly before closing his eyes and letting out a deep sigh. He sat down near the statue, ignoring the inscribed letters, and began to speak.

"It's been a year since you left... Alex. Things are more or less the same. I evolved. Farfetch'd and Guildmaster Altaria are still grumpy and strict, and everyone in the guild is the same... sorta." Elton looked up at the sky, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

Closing his eyes again, memories of him and Alex flooded his mind, hitting him like a ton of bricks. He let out another sad sigh.

"Team Awesome got a new member, Muffy the Bayleef, and well... let's just say we are in a relationship now. The Altaria Guild just got a new rescue team. Poor them, honestly. Heh. The President and General of Siril built you a statue where I found you... Siril views you as a hero." Elton continued, lost in his thoughts and memories of the past year since Alex's departure.

The waves gently lapped at the shore as Elton sat in quiet reflection, his heart heavy yet filled with fond memories of his best friend.

"As for problems... well, not much," Elton continued, "although there was this one time involving a dream and some crazy witch who made that dream worldwide... but eh. She's gone now. If not, I'll hunt her down. Oh! And there was this time when Team Fuse solved a mystery at the guild, which ended up being an embarrassing secret the Guildmaster tried to hide. You would have laughed your butt off if you were there to witness that!" Elton chuckled, resting his head and leaf on the statue of Alex.

With another sad sigh, Elton fell silent for a while.

"What about you? How is the human world treating you? Hopefully good, and that you are surrounded by friends and family... I would give all of my money just to see, hang out, and catch up with you for a day... I miss you..." Elton softly said, trying to fight his emotions.

As Elton stood up, he looked at the statue of Alex, trying to leave, but something held him back. What were once sad sighs quickly turned into pain, both physically and emotionally, as his eyes began to haze.

Before he could say something, someone interrupted his moment. He turned around to see a Meowscarada clutching a letter as if her life depended on it, her expression one of profound loss.