Things May Change, People Remain

Although Eugene and Bernard had appeared fairly calm when they first confirmed Adam's identity, they had merely suppressed the turmoil in their hearts.

Now, stirred by the scene before them, the emotional waves that reason had once held down suddenly broke through their restraints and only grew more intense.

Sensing the complicated emotions within the four of them, Adam closed his eyes as well and savored the moment.

Thank goodness. You're all still here.

I missed you all so much.

"Adam."

After a long while, Eugene was the first to recover and take the initiative to speak.

"I'm listening."

Seeing that Eugene still had not let go, his exaggerated wingspan still wrapping all four of them in his arms, Adam struggled to reach out and pat Eugene's arm in reassurance.

"Are you planning to turn back time to when you first left?"

"That depends on what you want. To me, there isn't much difference between when I left and now."

Adam spoke calmly. Madam Li and Mr. Reed had both lived out their natural lifespans according to their wishes before his last departure. He did not have many ties left in this world now.

"If you feel this run didn't go well enough, I can send you back for a second playthrough."

"That won't be necessary."

Bernard sighed, let go, and tried to step back...

Only to be stopped by Eugene's arm. He failed to retreat.

That did not stop Bernard from speaking.

"It's not something impossible to accept. After all, our previous expectations were all based on you being here. Without you, the Human Alliance had no way to maintain control over the entire world."

"But didn't I leave enough preparations behind? Whether it was oversight measures or weapons..."

Adam thought back.

"I saw that the Clay Tablets