Li Mu pushed open the wooden door of the manor and stepped onto the street he had known best for forty years.
Morning light filtered through the giant branches of the World Tree, casting onto the eternally lush trees preserved by magic. The sky above Chosen City remained as clear and blue as ever.
Shop signs on either side of the street swayed gently in the breeze, and the aroma of honey and malt drifted from the bakery. Everything felt just like yesterday, as if time had never passed.
"Brother Mu! This way!"
A cheeky voice called out.
Li Mu turned his head and saw his old troublemaking friend Demacia sitting at the corner of the outdoor tavern, vigorously waving at him.
Sitting beside Demacia was Sofia, the beautiful half-elf girl who had lost all traces of her youthful innocence, now leaning happily against the red-haired elf's chest.
A twitch appeared at the corner of Li Mu's mouth.
