( Earth, months after the monster tide )
After graduating from the university, Rocky returned to Earth alongside Erin and Buhara, just as the True Elites Guild was secretly preparing for a massive war.
From the moment that Rocky stepped out of the tower and was greeted by the Ground Zero staff on Earth, Erin and Buhara immediately got a nce into just how big of a deal Rocky was on Earth, as the way that the officials of Earth looked and interacted with him was like he was practically a God.
"The Lord! Lord Rocky has returned…. This is a celebration! Inform those working at the Ground Zero Teleportation Center… the Lord is here with guests!"
"Clear the way! I said clear the way! Get the best armored car here as soon as possible! OUR CHAMPION IS HOME!"
It was pure pandemonium amongst the transportation corps that were responsible to move any arriving guests from the tower site to the teleportation site on ground zero when Rocky arrived, as all staff members left their work posts and gathered around Rocky to catch a glimpse of the Champion and hispanions.
"Lord Rocky! My Lord! Please look here. This is the photo of my new born baby, please bless her…. I named her Roxxane after you.
Isn''t she pretty!"
"Lord Rocky! Lord…, please help my brother, he''s suffering from Leukemia and doctors say that he doesn''t have much time left. Please save his life. I beg you–"
"Is that your Champion''s party members? Who are your guests, Lord? How strong are they?"
"Move away! Please move away! Let me touch the lord''s feet for goodluck"
"Nobody will get close to the Lord! His security is my responsibility! Fuck off… I won''t let anyone touch his feet"
The entire well established climber receiving unit set near the exit of the tower by the climber association came undone upon Rocky''s arrival, as the arrival line got stuck and the officials left their posts in favor of gazing on the returning Champion.
"Good God, Sir Rocky, I had no idea you were this popr on Earth–" Erin said, feeling bewildered at Rocky''s reception.
"Puny human, puny human, look to your left, that human is especially pretty, I think she likes you too. Go to the back and copte with her…" Said Buhara as Erin gave him a tight p on his thigh and signaled for him to shut-up.
"Fellow Earthlings, please make way… I need to reach the True Elites Guild headquarters urgently… please let me leave" Rocky requested politely as he gently pushed his way through the crowd and towards the nearest transportation car waiting for him.
Usually, when returning from the tower one needed to pay a custom duty on whatever valuables they were carrying into Earth, however, with all the checkposts rendered useless, neither Rocky, nor Erin or Buhara paid a single cent in taxes as they made their way to the nearest car.
*m*
"Hit the gas–" Rocky instructed as soon as the trio was seated in the car, as the driver obliged themand from the Champion Of Gemini and drove at full speed towards the teleportation center.
Although the car drove at a high speed of over 70 miles an hour, there were still staff members that chased Rocky''s car on foot on the outside, as they gave him a good chase for a mile before finally giving up out of fear for the climber association''s punishment.
"What is this madness? Sir Rocky?" asked Erin as he nced at the bunch of high-level climbers chasing the car in confusion.
The car driver, an older man with a grizzled beard and sharp eyes, nced at Erin through the rearview mirror. "It''s your first time here, isn''t it?" he said, his voice steady despite the chaos outside.
Erin nodded. "Yes, it is, which is why their reaction seems... fanatical?" He said as the driver chuckled.
"You have no idea, good sir.
Lord Rocky isn''t just a climber here; he''s a living legend.
After the miracle he performed during thest monster tide a few months ago, saving Earth from certain destruction, people started seeing him as more than just a man. To them, he''s a savior, a beacon of hope."
Erin looked at Rocky, who remained calm andposed despite the frantic scene outside. "So, he''s the biggest star on Earth?"
"Biggest star? That''s an understatement," the driver replied.
"He''s revered, almost worshiped here. People believe in his divine favor, and they treat him ordingly." The driver said, as he bowed politely to Rocky.
Getting this reply, Erin turned silent. He did think that Rocky''s fame was cool, however, he would not want such fame for anyone, let alone his friend.
Erin could see how such fanaticism was dangerous and how anything Rocky did could easily cause a massive social impact.
As they approached the Teleportation Center, the car slowed down, navigating through the throngs of people gathered to catch a glimpse of Rocky.
Security personnel, dressed in sharp uniforms, were already on high alert after being informed of Rocky''s arrival, as they formed a barrier around him to keep the crowd at bay.
As the car came to a halt, and Rocky stepped out, he was immediately greeted by a surge of camera shes and excited chatter.
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The escort team,posed of elite guards, quickly surrounded him, guiding him towards the nearest teleportation gate with Erin and Buhara following closely behind.
"Champion of Gemini returns home!" shouted a reporter, her voice carrying over the crowd. "Rocky, what are your ns now that you''re back?" She asked enthusiastically, however, Rocky ignored her and kept walking.
Questions were hurled from all directions towards him, but Rocky remained silent, his focus unwavering as he moved towards the gate.
Themon citizens, press members, and staffers tried to capture every moment, their cameras clicking incessantly as they captured Rocky, Erin and Buhara continuously.
A young girl, no more than ten, managed to squeeze through the crowd and approach Rocky. "Sir Rocky, can I get your autograph?" she asked, her voice trembling with excitement.
For this little one, Rocky paused, bending down to her level as he took the paper she held out and signed it with a quick flourish. "Stay strong," he said softly, handing it back to her.
The girl beamed, clutching the autograph to her chest as Rocky continued towards the gate. The escort team efficiently cleared the path, ensuring a smooth journey despite the chaotic atmosphere.
As they reached the teleportation gate, the head of the escort team turned to Rocky and asked "Where to sir?"
"Country X, The Upside" Rocky replied, as the escort team head saluted Rocky and prepared the gate.
"Please step through–" he said a momentter as Rocky nodded, stepping onto the tform with Erin and Buhara joining him.
With a final nce at the crowd, Rocky gave a nod to the operator, who activated the gate as in a sh of light, he was gone, leaving behind the throngs of admirers and the echoing cheers of those who hade to see their hero.
''The Champion Of Gemini Returns Home'' was probably going to be the headlines of all news outlets today, however, Rocky couldn''t care less about that.
His goal on returning to Earth was simple.
Firstly, he wanted to buy good gear before the floor 21 raid began.
Secondly, he wanted to discuss the final strategy with the True Elites leadership before the attack wasunched.
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/// A/N - Bonus chapter for hitting the GT Target, Good Job everyone! ///