The silence that followed was different.
Not heavy, nor tense—just laden with expectation.
Sapphire took a few steps forward, positioning herself between Vergil and Wukong, her gaze steady, too aware for someone who was merely "talking." The wind at the top of Mount Hua gently ruffled her hair, and the clouds below continued to move, indifferent to the weight of the approaching decision.
"Wukong," she said bluntly. "I need you to help Vergil."
The reaction was immediate.
Wukong blinked.
Once.
Then again.
"…Help how?" he asked, pointing his thumb at his own chest. "Because if it's about breaking mountains, fighting gods, or stealing immortal peaches, I can fit that into the schedule."
Vergil glanced quickly at Sapphire, clearly surprised, but remained silent.
Sapphire didn't smile.
"That's not it," she replied. "I have a terrible feeling about this tournament."
Wukong's smile faded.
Not completely—but the playful glint in his eyes diminished.
