[: 3rd POV :]
As Daniel returned to Mika's World, the moment his figure appeared inside the Grand Hall, every single conversation came to an abrupt stop.
Silence filled the entire hall.
Every pair of eyes immediately landed on him.
Then, almost simultaneously, everyone reacted.
"My dear, what happened to you!?"
Melira was the first to move.
The Human Empress hurried toward him with obvious concern written across her face. Without caring about the eyes watching them, she immediately cupped his face with both hands, carefully examining every part of him.
She looked at his longer hair.
His glowing golden eyes.
Even the faint ancient aura surrounding him.
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Daniel..."
"What happened while you were gone?"
"You look completely different."
Her voice trembled slightly with worry.
She gently turned his face from one side to the other as though searching for injuries.
"Did you get hurt?"
"Are you hiding something from me?"
