After arriving home, Seraphina helped Makhoa change into his comfortable home clothes and left to fetch lunch. Alone in his room, Makhoa reflected on the aspects of his new life, finding solace in the absence of vigilantism, the presence of a caring family, and the luxury of having a maid like Seraphina.
As he lounged on his bed, watching cartoons, Makhoa's thoughts drifted to the contrast between his current life and the one he had led as Ghostmaker, a businessman by day and a vigilante by night. Unlike Bruce Wayne, whose vigilantism aimed at saving lives and instilling fear in criminals, Makhoa considered it a form of art, a way to express himself.
Accidentally switching the TV to the news, Makhoa's attention was drawn to a report about the Dominion of the Ascendant striking in Cerulea Isles. The female reporter detailed the events, emphasizing the United Guardians Society's timely intervention, thanks to the insights of the Celestial Oracle, Astraea.
Observing the familiar dynamic of evil organizations and heroic societies, Makhoa mused on the inevitability of such conflicts in a world filled with superhumans.
Seraphina knocked on the door, seeking permission to enter, and Makhoa, recognizing her voice, welcomed her in. She arrived with a delectable launch from Aurora country – Luminous Blossom Delight, Stoic Sablefish Symphony, and Aetherian Ambrosia Soufflé. The aroma alone triggered Makhoa's appetite, and he eagerly indulged in the meal.
Concerned about the news, Seraphina advised against watching it due to its inappropriate content for a ten-year-old. Despite Makhoa's protests, Seraphina emphasized his age, asserting that exposure to such news wasn't suitable.
Later, after finishing the meal, Makhoa's mother, Lysandra Darkheart, entered the room, embracing him with maternal affection. She inquired about his well-being and expressed how much she missed him.
Once alone, Lysandra cut to the chase, asking if Makhoa was buying AI books. Makhoa admitted to it, explaining his desire to use AI as a study aid to avoid disappointing others. In a candid conversation, Makhoa confronted his mother about the real reason for attending a different school – societal expectations rather than his personal choice.
Though Lysandra felt saddened by Makhoa's revelations, he remained resolute in his decision, emphasizing his need for an AI companion rather than a tutor. In an unexpected turn, Lysandra revealed her intention to introduce a maid, Quinn Harlow, proficient in AI programming, to assist Makhoa.
Quinn was summoned, and Lysandra instructed her to help Makhoa build an AI. As Quinn left to attend to her duties until the arrival of the AI books, Lysandra suggested Makhoa take a nap for the afternoon.
Makhoa complied, lying on the bed, and Lysandra joined him, covering them both with a sheet. As Makhoa drifted into a light slumber, Lysandra apologized for making him go through such thoughts and emotions.
Later, Makhoa, while still half-asleep, wondered why Seraphina seemed so familiar, reminiscent of someone from his previous world.
As Makhoa dozed off, the echoes of his past intertwined with the unfolding chapters of his new life, shaping the narrative of Aetherius Darkheart in this world of superhumans and unexpected connections.