A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1576: Places Like This In The Movies

Archer stopped flying and hovered above the vast Orc army that was readying for an attack, but he would put a stop to it. The Mana Birds swarmed around him as he ordered them to attack the enemies. Seconds later, a whistling noise echoed out when they dived bombed, explosions echoed out, causing chaos across the battlefield.

Catching the Orcs unprepared, he unleashed his Mana Birds, scattering them into every cluster of soldiers he could see. By the time the enemies noticed him, half their army lay decimated by his explosive onslaught. He let out a triumphant laugh, then transformed into his dragon form.

Moments later, Archer crashed into the ground with such force that a small earthquake rippled through the battlefield, shaking everything in its wake. He took a deep breath and let a stream of violet fire out of his maw, washing over the enemy army, turning into ash before floating away on the breeze.

***

While Archer destroyed the invaders, Cece was following the orange-haired woman named Maeve sheʼd met when her boyfriend came back to Earth. She gazed at her harem sister and noticed she was well built, looked strong, and knew how to fight, thanks to the way the soldiers bowed to her when they passed by.

ʼʼAre you a general or something, Maeve?ʼʼ Her sister questioned.

Cece overheard as the young woman turned to them, her friendly smile warm as she nodded. ʼʼI am, but Iʼm not alone. Inara and Ashoka are with me. Theyʼre helping because I hail from another continent.ʼʼ

Curiosity sparked inside her, forcing her to ask. ʼʼAre they from here, then?ʼʼ

Maeveʼs eyes lit up as she answered. ʼʼAshoka is, but Inara comes from the same land as me.ʼʼ

Just then, Sashaʼs sudden question cut through the moment, catching them off guard. ʼʼIs Archer a romantic? We havenʼt spent much time with him lately, and we know heʼs changed since having children.ʼʼ

They leaned in, awaiting the orange-haired womanʼs reply. Ceceʼs eyes widened in surprise as she noticed Maeveʼs hand instinctively cradle her stomach protectively. Maeve smiled softly and said. ʼʼYes, he is, when he finds the time to be with us.ʼʼ

Before any of them could reply, she continued. ʼʼAnd their your children too, girls. You two are a part of Archer as much as we are. And donʼt worry too much, Iʼm sure youʼre going to see the romantic side of him when on Earth.ʼʼ

After that, the three walked around the fortress as she showed them all kinds of things. Cece was amazed when coming upon the Main Street of the fortress, where all kinds of stores were busy selling things to soldiers and their families. She turned toward the tall woman and questioned. ʼʼIsnʼt this the frontline? Arch is dealing with Orcs as we speak?ʼʼ

ʼʼYes, but he likes the legions to have a taste of home while away from it,ʼʼ Maeve replied, smiling. ʼʼPlus, these fortresses will be here once weʼve conquered Orientia; towns and cities should pop up around it in the years to come.ʼʼ

Ceceʼs gaze shifted to the distant explosions, their growing power tightening her chest with worry. Sensing her unease, their harem sister offered a reassuring smile. ʼʼHeʼll be fine. Archerʼs one of the strongest beings on Thrylos; few could ever stand against him.ʼʼ

Following that, they continued exploring just as the sounds of fighting suddenly stopped, causing her to sigh in relief.

***

Archer killed the leader of the Orc horde and swallowed his body whole, thanks to being in his dragon form. Once the fight was over, the surviving enemies fled in all directions allowing him to return to the fortress where he found the twins in a cafe alongside Maeve as they drank some tea.

When then the three ladies saw him their faces lit up as Cece spoke first. ʼʼThis place is amazing, itʼs like a small city inside the walls.ʼʼ

ʼʼYes thatʼs the point,ʼʼ he answered, sitting down with them. ʼʼI want the soldiers to be happy until they transfer back to the island.ʼʼ

ʼʼIsland?ʼʼ Sasha was the one to ask this time.

ʼʼDraconia is on an island in the southwest while the empire stretches across Avidia, Pluoria and a part of Orientia. We havenʼt gone north yet, that will be in a few years once we control the east.ʼʼ

Archer nodded in agreement. ʼʼThatʼs correct, I donʼt want to stretch the legions thin until I can recruit more.ʼʼ

When the twins heard this they were amazed as Cece glanced at him. ʼʼSo youʼre an emperor now?ʼʼ

ʼʼYes,ʼʼ he gave the brown-haired beauty a charming smile. ʼʼBut Aisha is the one who runs the empire for me, administration isnʼt my strong suit.ʼʼ

The women laughed as Maeve teased. ʼʼAt least you can be honest, most men now days wouldnʼt dare do such a thing.ʼʼ

Archer shrugged. ʼʼThereʼs no point in hiding my weaknesses from you girls,ʼʼ he revealed.

Following that, the four drank some tea before Maeve had to get back to helping Inara who sent a message through the tattoo. She stood up and said her goodbyes to them before vanishing through a portal. this left the twins confused as Sasha turned to him. ʼʼHow comes you use those things to travel?ʼʼ

ʼʼSafer,ʼʼ he answered. ʼʼYou two will be able to use it once you get used to magic.ʼʼ

When Cece heard this her blue eyes lit up with excitement as they returned to Earth once he grabbed their hands. Once back, he realized it was nighttime but Sasha asked. ʼʼWould you like to go on a drive?ʼʼ

Archerʼs lips curved into a grin as he nodded. ʼʼYeah, a drive sounds perfect.ʼʼ

The trio piled into Sashaʼs car, the engine humming to life as she slid behind the wheel. Cece settled in the passenger seat, her excitement still buzzing, while he sprawled in the back, relaxing thanks to the cozy interior. With a quick glance at them, she floored the gas, and the car shot forward, tires squealing softly as they sped off into the night.

They left the cabin behind, its silhouette fading in the rearview mirror as Sasha steered the car onto the highway. The engine roared as the brown-eyed twin accelerated, the city lights giving way to the endless stretch of road, swallowed by the night. The car hummed steadily, the soft glow of the dashboard casting a faint blue hue over her as she drove.

Cece, in the passenger seat, tapped her fingers lightly against the window. In the back, Archer leaned forward, his sharp eyes scanning the road ahead, the thrill of spending time together sparking something new in the twins. The drive to the cosest town felt long, the thrum of the engine blending with the low hum of music from the radio.

A classic rock tune Sasha had picked. Every now and then, Cece would glance back at him, her blue eyes catching his in the dim light. ʼʼThank you for staying here with us Arch, itʼs good to see you again,ʼʼ she confessed.

Archer couldnʼt help but smile as he replied. ʼʼIʼve been meaning to come here but something always comes up and I get distracted.ʼʼ

The night air streaming through the cracked windows carried a cool, earthy scent. After about twenty minutes, the faint glow of neon signs pierced the darkness ahead, signaling their approach to a roadside diner just off the highway exit. Sasha slowed the car, flicking on the turn signal as she guided them into the gravel lot.

The dinerʼs sign buzzed, its red and blue letters spelling out Sherryʼs Diner, framed by a blinking arrow pointing to the entrance. A handful of cars and a lone truck were scattered across the lot, glinting under the neon lights. Sasha parked smoothly and cut the engine, turning to him with a grin.

ʼʼThis place is a classic. Thought weʼd grab a bite after all that otherworld business,ʼʼ she revealed.

Cece chuckled, already unbuckling her seatbelt. ”Iʼm starving. Letʼs see if the food lives up to the hype on Insta.ʼʼ

Archer stepped out, stretching his arms as he took in the scene. The windows glowed warmly, revealing a glimpse of checkered floors, red vinyl booths, and a long counter lined with stools. A faint clatter of dishes and the murmur of voices drifted out as a waitress pushed through the door, balancing a tray of coffee mugs.

He tilted his head, his eyes softening with curiosity. ʼʼIʼve seen places like this in the movies,ʼʼ he said, his voice low. ʼʼThe ones with greasy food and people talking late into the night. Is it really like that?ʼʼ

Sasha laughed, locking the car as they headed toward the entrance. ʼʼOh, youʼre in for a treat. Itʼs exactly like that, greasy burgers, bottomless coffee, and probably some guy in a corner muttering about his life story.ʼʼ

Cece nudged him playfully as they walked. ʼʼYouʼre about to experience a real Earth ritual. Hope youʼre ready for it.ʼʼ

When the three nside, the diner was a time capsule of nostalgia. The air smelled of frying bacon, fresh coffee, and a hint of syrupy sweetness from a stack of pancakes being served nearby.