One of the most stupid chapters I've have done so far.🤣
Renji dancing with the mannequins is literally this video i found on Tiktok
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPLm7NkDA/
Or just look the user @elijapi.ll (Locosporelarte16) and you'll understand the stupidity i added lol.
---
✦ PROJECT GENESIS: BORN FROM ASH ✦
SUPER-ACT I: 「THE RETURN」
SAGA I: 「THE RETURNED DRIFTER」
VOLUME I: 「HOME」
「THE BOY WHO LEFT IS NOT THE MAN WHO CAME BACK.」
---
╔════════════════════════════════════╗
ACT V
「THE HORIZON」
╚════════════════════════════════════╝
[CHAPTER LXIX] 「ONE DAY OFF」
LOCATION: NEXUS PRIME • MERIDIAN ARC • CIVIC COMMONS
PRIMARY EVENT: THE TEN'S FIRST UNOFFICIAL CIVILIAN OUTING
ATTENDEES: ASHBORN LIONHEART • EVELYN AEVORA • LUCIEN VESPER • LUNARA VELIS • JIN MUCHEON • LIAN SORYA • RIVEN KHAEL • CAEL RADIANT • RÚNA FENRISDÓTTIR • SUN RENJI • YUE LONGHUA
TOTAL: ELEVEN CURRENT-GENERATION ASCENDANTS
ASHBORN'S CONDITION: SOVEREIGN BURN • STABLE • RECOVERY ONGOING
COMBAT AUTHORIZATION: PROHIBITED
HIGH-OUTPUT ABILITIES: PROHIBITED
PUBLIC PROPERTY DAMAGE: ALSO PROHIBITED
OFFICIAL MISSION: NONE
OBJECTIVE: HAVE A NORMAL DAY
PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS: INCREASINGLY QUESTIONABLE
---
There were many things the Genesis Corps had learned to prepare for.
Planetary invasion.
Stellar collapse.
Dimensional instability.
Soulborne contamination.
Hostile first contact.
Axiomatic interference.
The emergence of unknown cosmic entities.
The failure of resurrection infrastructure.
The discovery of existential phenomena that did not recognize the fundamental assumptions upon which civilization had been constructed.
There were entire departments dedicated to such problems.
Trillions of resources allocated toward their prevention.
Specialized personnel trained to respond when ordinary reality became catastrophically uncooperative.
And on one particular morning?
A considerably smaller problem emerged.
Eleven young Ascendants had decided to spend a day together.
Without fighting.
Without training.
Without competing for military recognition.
Without conducting research.
Without performing high-order capability demonstrations.
And, ideally?
Without destroying anything.
This should have been simple.
There were only eleven of them.
They were intelligent.
Educated.
Exceptionally accomplished.
Several possessed the discipline necessary to maintain incredibly complicated supernatural abilities under extreme combat pressure.
One was the reincarnated Heavenly Demon.
Another was blessed by Buddha.
One commanded lunar gravity.
One possessed temporal sovereignty.
Another had inherited an imperial True Dragon bloodline.
There was a brilliant spatial physicist.
A living structural catastrophe.
A Great Sage Successor.
A Fenris-blooded wolf.
A young man whose body contained deeply unreasonable geometry.
And, of course?
Ashborn Lionheart.
A nineteen-year-old who had survived nine years inside Nihil Aeternum and somehow returned with the ability to engineer reality.
Surely?
SURELY?
They could visit a shopping district without causing trouble.
...
Caelum Voss would later reflect upon this assumption with profound embarrassment.
---
I. THE MOST DANGEROUS WORDS IN THE GENESIS NEXUS
The morning began peacefully.
Ashborn was sitting on the living-room sofa.
His recovery monitoring displayed stable readings.
A cup of something warm rested on the table beside him.
Lunavelle occupied a nearby chair, carefully arranging several small purchases from Lantern Reach.
Selena sat beside him.
Everything was calm.
Everything was comfortable.
Everything was ordinary.
Then Ashborn's communication device chimed.
He glanced down.
A group invitation appeared.
CURRENT-GENERATION SOCIAL CHANNEL
LIAN SORYA:
Good morning, everyone. We discussed spending a day together outside Genesis Academy. I thought we could meet at the Civic Commons around eleven. There are several restaurants, public gardens, shops, entertainment facilities, and...
Ashborn stood.
Immediately.
"LET'S FUCKING GO."
Selena blinked.
Lunavelle looked up.
The message continued appearing.
...I was hoping we might decide where to go before...
Too late.
Ashborn was already halfway toward the hallway.
Selena stared.
"...Ash?"
"YEAH?"
"Where are you going?"
"OUT."
"Where?"
"YES."
Silence.
Lunavelle slowly tilted her head.
"...That was not a location."
Ashborn reappeared in the doorway.
Already pulling on his jacket.
"THEY'RE GOING SOMEWHERE."
Selena blinked.
"And?"
"WE'RE GOING."
"You don't even know where they're going."
"THAT'S THE BEAUTY OF IT."
Lunavelle considered.
"...You usually dislike insufficient information."
Ashborn pointed toward her.
"THAT'S WORK ASHBORN."
A pause.
"THIS IS DAY-OFF ASHBORN."
Selena stared.
"...There are different Ashborns?"
"APPARENTLY."
His device chimed again.
LIAN SORYA:
Please wait until everyone confirms. There are still several practical considerations...
Ashborn typed:
ASHBORN:
IM COMING
LIAN:
We haven't decided where.
ASHBORN:
IM STILL COMING
LIAN:
Ashborn.
ASHBORN:
WHAT
LIAN:
You are medically restricted.
ASHBORN:
I HAVE TWO WORKING LEGS.
LIAN:
That is not the same thing.
Ashborn looked toward Selena.
"...She's discriminating against enthusiasm."
Selena sighed.
"You're not even wearing shoes."
Ashborn looked down.
A pause.
"...Minor complication."
Lunavelle lifted one finger.
"Perhaps Day-Off Ashborn should begin with footwear."
He nodded.
"...Excellent suggestion."
Then disappeared again.
Selena leaned back.
And stared toward the ceiling.
"...I'm going to regret this."
Lunavelle considered.
Then smiled.
"I think he is happy."
Selena looked toward the hallway.
Ashborn could be heard opening a drawer.
Then another.
Then saying:
"WHERE THE FUCK ARE MY OTHER SHOES?"
Selena closed her eyes.
"...Unfortunately."
A pause.
"...So do I."
---
II. CAELUM VOSS RECEIVES THE NEWS
Caelum learned about the outing through a medical authorization request.
Not because Ashborn had submitted one.
Of course not.
That would have been sensible.
Instead?
Lian Sorya had submitted a brief notice requesting clarification of Ashborn's civilian activity restrictions.
The request was professional.
Concise.
Reasonable.
Caelum approved it.
With conditions.
No combat.
No sparring.
No high-output movement.
No unnecessary physical strain.
No existential demonstrations.
No structural destruction.
No unauthorized testing.
No transformation-based competitive challenges.
No attempts to treat the outing as an unofficial reassessment.
He reviewed the list.
Then added one final line.
NO FIGHTING EACH OTHER IN THE STREET.
A moment later?
His communication device chimed.
SUN RENJI:
What about dancing?
Caelum stared.
He typed:
Dancing is permitted.
Another message.
SUN RENJI:
With friends?
Yes.
SUN RENJI:
With strangers?
With their permission.
SUN RENJI:
With inanimate objects?
Caelum stopped.
He stared at the message.
A long silence followed.
Then he typed:
Renji.
The response arrived immediately.
Commander.
What are you planning?
Community engagement.
Caelum closed his eyes.
A second message appeared.
Also fashion.
Caelum looked toward the ceiling.
"...I don't like that."
He approved the outing anyway.
Because those eleven young people had spent enough time proving they could survive extraordinary things.
They deserved the opportunity to enjoy ordinary ones.
He simply hoped the Civic Commons had comprehensive insurance.
---
III. THE HEAVEN-DEFYING ENTRANCE
At precisely eleven in the morning, Lian Sorya arrived at the designated meeting point.
She wore civilian clothing.
Comfortable.
Tasteful.
Appropriate for the weather.
She carried a small bag.
Her expression was pleasant.
Her posture relaxed.
She had even decided that today?
She would not attempt to organize everyone as though they were a combat formation.
This was an excellent decision.
Unfortunately, the first person she encountered was Sun Renji.
Or rather?
She encountered the music first.
A loud rhythm burst from the far side of the plaza.
People turned.
A crowd began forming.
And through the center of that crowd came a young man with pale ivory-blond hair, jade-gold eyes, a long gray-gold monkey tail, and an expression that suggested his brain had recently made an exceptionally terrible decision.
Sun Renji.
Wearing an oversized bright-yellow shirt.
Dark trousers.
Expensive-looking sneakers.
Sunglasses.
And a grin.
Behind him?
Two mannequins.
Actual mannequins.
One dressed in an elaborate blue jacket.
The other in a bright red suit.
Both wearing sunglasses.
Both positioned on cleverly concealed rolling frames.
And both?
DANCING.
Not moving vaguely.
Not swaying in place.
DANCING.
Their arms swung.
Their shoulders rolled.
Their feet slid across the polished plaza.
The first mannequin leaned backward.
The second pointed toward the sky.
Renji stepped between them.
Adjusted his sunglasses.
And performed an outrageously enthusiastic sequence of shoulder movements that somehow matched both mannequins perfectly.
The crowd erupted.
Children laughed.
Several people began recording.
A nearby musician looked genuinely impressed.
Lian stopped walking.
Her smile disappeared.
"...No."
Renji spun.
The mannequins spun with him.
He pointed toward Lian.
"GOOD MORNING, ENLIGHTENED ONE!"
She closed her eyes.
"...Renji."
He snapped his fingers.
The mannequins struck a pose.
"WELCOME TO CIVILIZATION!"
Lian stared.
"...Where did you get those?"
Renji looked offended.
"Where does anyone acquire mannequins?"
"I am afraid to ask."
"A CLOTHING STORE."
"Did you buy them?"
"BETTER."
He gestured toward a nearby storefront.
"I BORROWED THEM."
Lian looked toward the store.
A merchant stood outside.
Watching.
Laughing.
Holding a display-controller remote.
The merchant waved.
"He's helping advertise!"
Lian stared.
Renji grinned.
"Community engagement."
The merchant added:
"Our foot traffic has tripled!"
Renji bowed.
The mannequins bowed too.
The crowd applauded.
Lian looked toward the sky.
"...Buddha."
Renji leaned closer.
"Yes?"
"Give me patience."
Renji nodded solemnly.
"He's probably busy."
The first mannequin pointed at Lian.
The second performed a tiny shuffle.
Lian slowly looked down.
"...I have been here for forty-three seconds."
Renji smiled.
"AND THE DAY'S ALREADY AMAZING."
---
IV. THE PLAGUE DOCTOR
Then another figure emerged from the crowd.
Tall.
Dark.
Wrapped in black.
A long coat swept behind him.
A pointed beaked mask concealed his face.
A broad-brimmed hat shadowed his head.
A polished cane struck the stone pavement.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
He walked with the exaggerated solemnity of someone arriving to diagnose a medieval city with seventeen different diseases.
The music continued.
The mannequins continued dancing.
The black-clad stranger passed them without acknowledging their existence.
Stopped before Lian.
Slowly turned his masked face toward her.
And spoke.
"THE PATIENT'S CONDITION IS TERMINAL."
Lian stared.
"...Riven."
The figure leaned closer.
"THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF SOCIETY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED."
"Riven."
"THE PROGNOSIS IS..."
He raised one gloved finger.
"...UNFORTUNATE."
Lian closed her eyes.
"Please remove the mask."
The figure stood perfectly still.
Then lifted it.
Silver-white hair spilled forward.
A pair of bright, delighted eyes appeared.
Riven Khael grinned.
"HI."
Lian stared.
"...Why?"
Riven looked genuinely confused.
"Why what?"
"Why are you dressed like a plague doctor?"
He glanced down at himself.
"Fashion."
"That is not an answer."
"Historical fashion."
"That is worse."
Renji noticed him.
Stopped dancing.
Stared.
Then slowly smiled.
"OH, THAT'S SICK."
Riven turned.
"THANK YOU."
Renji approached.
Walked around him.
Inspected the mask.
The hat.
The coat.
The cane.
Then nodded with deep professional seriousness.
"You look like you're about to prescribe someone a funeral."
Riven beamed.
"EXACTLY."
Lian covered her face.
"...Why are you both like this?"
Renji draped an arm around Riven's shoulders.
"Natural talent."
Riven adjusted his hat.
"Extensive practice."
The two mannequins rolled into position behind them.
One pointed at Renji.
The other pointed at Riven.
The four stood together.
Lian stared.
Then looked toward her communication device.
She typed one message.
LIAN SORYA:
We have encountered complications.
---
V. THE RETURNED DRIFTER ARRIVES
Ashborn arrived approximately three minutes later.
He stepped off the public transport.
Looked toward the plaza.
Saw the crowd.
Heard the music.
Noticed the two dancing mannequins.
Then saw a plague doctor standing beside a monkey-tailed idiot.
He stopped.
Stared.
A long silence.
Then?
His entire face brightened.
"...HOLY SHIT."
Renji spotted him.
"ASHBORN!"
Ashborn raised both arms.
"RENJI!"
Riven turned.
"ASH!"
Ashborn pointed.
"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU WEARING?"
Riven opened his arms.
"MEDICINE."
Ashborn began laughing.
Immediately.
Not politely.
Not quietly.
He bent slightly forward, caught himself before aggravating his recovering body, and laughed until his eyes watered.
"YOU LOOK LIKE YOU'RE ABOUT TO DIAGNOSE A PLANET WITH THE PLAGUE!"
Riven bowed.
"THE PLANET IS BEYOND SAVING."
Renji gestured toward the mannequins.
"LIKE THE ENTRANCE?"
Ashborn stared.
Then nodded.
"...BROTHER."
A pause.
"...THAT'S ART."
Renji placed one hand over his heart.
"FINALLY."
Lian watched the exchange.
"...Ashborn."
He turned.
"YEAH?"
"You were supposed to wait for the final meeting instructions."
He blinked.
"...Why?"
"Because we hadn't decided where to go."
Ashborn looked around.
The shops.
The restaurants.
The plaza.
The people.
Then back at her.
"...We're here."
Lian stared.
"...Yes."
"SO LET'S GO."
"Where?"
Ashborn gestured broadly.
"THERE."
She followed his hand.
It pointed toward approximately eighteen different establishments.
"...Which one?"
Ashborn looked toward Renji.
Renji looked toward Riven.
Riven looked toward Ashborn.
Three identical grins appeared.
"YES."
Lian's smile became very thin.
"...I see."
---
VI. THE REST OF THE GENERATION
The remaining arrivals were considerably more dignified.
Mostly.
Jin Mucheon appeared first.
Dark clothing.
Calm expression.
Hands in his pockets.
His bearing suggested a man who could dismantle a legendary martial sect with nothing but footwork and a bad mood.
He looked toward the mannequins.
Then toward Riven.
Then toward Ashborn.
"...I see civilization remains disappointing."
Renji grinned.
"GRANDPA!"
Jin's expression did not change.
"I'm twenty-two."
"HOW WAS YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH THE AGES?"
Jin stared.
"Peaceful."
A pause.
"Until now."
Cael Radiant arrived next.
Neatly dressed.
Composed.
Carrying a small device for reasons nobody had been brave enough to question.
He inspected the mannequin movement.
"...Interesting."
Renji grinned.
"RIGHT?"
Cael narrowed his eyes.
"Those are synchronized mechanical frames."
Renji nodded.
"Yep."
"With independently stabilized turning joints."
"Yep."
"And you're controlling the rhythm through manual inputs rather than Sage Qi."
Renji grinned.
"YEP."
Cael considered.
Then nodded.
"...That's actually quite clever."
Renji looked delighted.
"THANK YOU."
Lian stared at Cael.
"...Do not encourage him."
Cael looked offended.
"I am appreciating engineering."
"That is how this begins."
Lunara Velis arrived quietly.
Her soft expression remained dreamy.
She looked toward the mannequins.
Then toward Riven.
Then smiled.
"...I like the hat."
Riven pointed at her.
"SEE?"
Lian stared.
"...Lunara."
"What?"
"Please."
Lunara tilted her head.
"...It's a good hat."
Yue Longhua arrived several moments later.
Elegant.
Immaculately dressed.
Long pale hair carefully arranged.
Her demeanor carried the effortless authority of someone raised among ancient imperial traditions.
She surveyed the group.
The dancing mannequins.
The plague doctor.
Renji's yellow shirt.
Ashborn laughing.
Jin looking mildly homicidal.
Lian attempting spiritual endurance.
Then Yue spoke.
"...What an extraordinary disgrace."
Renji bowed deeply.
"GOOD MORNING, PRINCESS."
Yue's eyes narrowed.
"Do not start."
He smiled.
"Of course, Your Radiant Crustacean Majesty."
"...What?"
Riven wheezed.
Ashborn covered his mouth.
Yue looked toward Renji.
Very calmly.
"Would you prefer to spend the afternoon inside a tidal pressure chamber?"
Renji's grin vanished.
"...Lovely weather today."
Finally?
Evelyn Aevora appeared.
Quietly.
Her clothing was elegant but understated.
Her expression remained controlled.
She stood a little apart from the others.
Observed the crowd.
Then looked toward Lian.
"...Is this the correct meeting point?"
Lian slowly turned.
Looked toward the dancing mannequins.
The plague doctor.
The laughing boys.
The princess threatening hydraulic violence.
And Jin contemplating homicide.
Then answered:
"...Regrettably."
Evelyn considered.
A small smile touched her lips.
"...I see."
Then Rúna Fenrisdóttir arrived.
And the situation deteriorated further.
---
VII. THE THIRD WOLF
Rúna did not announce herself.
She simply appeared behind Ashborn.
A tall, powerful Fenris-blooded wolfkin with unruly hair, unmistakable wolf ears, and a heavy tail that swayed with barely contained excitement.
She approached quietly.
Too quietly.
Ashborn was still laughing at something Riven had said.
Then?
A large hand settled on his shoulder.
He turned.
Rúna grinned.
"FOUND YOU."
Ashborn blinked.
"...RÚNA!"
She looked delighted.
Then lowered her head slightly.
And waited.
Ashborn stared.
"...What?"
Rúna's ears angled forward.
"...Well?"
He frowned.
"...Well what?"
She pointed toward the top of her head.
"Payment."
Silence.
Ashborn slowly looked toward Lian.
Lian looked away.
He looked toward Jin.
Jin's expression remained utterly neutral.
He looked toward Renji.
Renji was already laughing.
"...Oh, you cannot be serious."
Rúna crossed her arms.
"YOU OWE ME."
"For WHAT?"
"Existing."
Ashborn stared.
"...THAT'S NOT HOW DEBT WORKS."
Rúna grinned.
"IT IS NOW."
She leaned forward again.
Ashborn sighed.
Then carefully reached up.
And patted her head.
Once.
Twice.
Rúna's ears relaxed.
Her tail swung.
She smiled with unmistakable satisfaction.
"...Good."
Ashborn stared.
"...That's it?"
"For now."
"...FOR NOW?"
She nodded.
"Interest accumulates."
Renji collapsed into laughter.
Riven nearly dropped his cane.
Lucien Vesper, arriving at that exact moment, watched the exchange and smiled.
"...I see the collection department is open."
Rúna turned toward him.
"YOU WANT TO BE NEXT?"
Lucien considered.
"...I'll pass."
Ashborn rubbed his face.
"...I'm surrounded by criminals."
Lunara smiled.
"Some of us have licenses."
Cael looked toward her.
"...For what?"
She tilted her head.
"Gravity."
He closed his eyes.
"...That's not what I meant."
---
VIII. ELEVEN PEOPLE, ZERO PLAN
They gathered beneath the plaza's enormous central canopy.
Lian unfolded a small digital map.
"All right."
Eleven faces turned toward her.
Mostly.
Renji was still adjusting a mannequin's sunglasses.
Riven was examining a nearby sign.
Lucien was watching a bakery through the window.
Rúna stood beside Ashborn.
Far too close.
Yue looked unimpressed.
Jin was checking his phone.
Evelyn remained quiet.
Lunara was watching a decorative fountain.
Cael was examining the canopy's support structure.
Ashborn was already looking toward the nearest street.
Lian smiled.
"We can begin with lunch."
"YES," Lucien said immediately.
"Then perhaps browse the shops."
"YES," Riven replied.
"Then visit the recreational arcade."
"YES," Renji answered.
"And possibly finish at the gardens."
"YES," Lunara said softly.
Lian blinked.
"...That was surprisingly easy."
Ashborn nodded.
"EXCELLENT."
He turned.
"LET'S GO."
Lian reached out.
"Ashborn, wait."
He stopped.
"...What?"
"We need to decide which restaurant."
Ashborn looked toward the street.
Then back at her.
"...THE ONE WITH FOOD."
Lucien nodded solemnly.
"His leadership is inspiring."
Jin sighed.
"That description includes every restaurant."
Ashborn pointed at him.
"EXACTLY."
Riven grinned.
"Democratic cuisine."
Renji raised one hand.
"I vote chaos."
Yue narrowed her eyes.
"That is not a cuisine."
Renji smiled.
"Not with that attitude."
Lian stared at all of them.
Then slowly folded her map.
"...Fine."
Ashborn blinked.
"...Really?"
"Yes."
A pause.
"Lead the way."
Ashborn grinned.
"LET'S FUCKING GO."
And the entire group followed.
For approximately forty meters.
Before discovering that Ashborn had led them toward a public restroom.
Silence.
Jin looked toward the sign.
Then toward Ashborn.
"...Excellent leadership."
Ashborn stared.
"...THE STREET CURVED."
Cael adjusted his glasses.
"No, it didn't."
Renji began laughing.
---
IX. LUCIEN VESPER AND THE CONCEPT OF LUNCH
Their first restaurant possessed an unfortunate promotional sign.
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT LUNCH SERVICE.
For ordinary customers?
A generous offer.
For Lucien Vesper?
An invitation.
A challenge.
A spiritual calling.
The restaurant was spacious.
Warm.
Beautifully decorated.
Its menu offered dishes from dozens of worlds.
Its kitchen was prepared for unusual metabolisms.
Its staff had experience serving Ascended citizens.
But experience?
Was not prophecy.
Lucien approached the counter.
Looked at the menu.
Then smiled.
"One buffet, please."
The attendant smiled.
"Of course."
Lucien glanced toward the preparation stations.
"...Just to clarify."
"Yes?"
"Does all-you-can-eat mean..."
He gestured.
"...All I can eat?"
The attendant blinked.
"Within our standard dining period, yes."
Lucien nodded.
"Wonderful."
Lian, standing behind him, suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of dread.
"...Lucien."
He turned.
"Yes?"
"Please be reasonable."
He smiled.
"Of course."
That was the last reasonable thing he said for nearly an hour.
The first plates were normal.
Soup.
Rice.
Noodles.
Vegetables.
Roasted meat.
A few pastries.
Then came another plate.
And another.
Then three.
Then four.
The restaurant's serving system displayed a gentle reminder.
ADDITIONAL PORTIONS AVAILABLE.
Lucien smiled.
"Thank you."
The system generated more.
Ashborn watched.
"...Brother."
Lucien looked up.
"Mhm?"
"...How many plates is that?"
Lucien considered.
"...Which category?"
Ashborn stared.
"...WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHICH CATEGORY?"
"Main courses or snacks?"
Renji slammed both hands on the table.
"HE'S KEEPING STATISTICS."
Cael looked toward the serving counter.
"...Actually, the food distribution network has begun adjusting to his consumption rate."
Riven grinned.
"Adaptation."
Jin sipped his drink.
"Predation."
Lunara smiled.
"Orbiting hunger."
Yue closed her eyes.
"...This is beneath us."
A server approached.
Politely.
"Sir?"
Lucien looked up.
"Yes?"
"Are you enjoying everything?"
He smiled brightly.
"Very much."
The server hesitated.
"...Would you like to try our specialty cheese dish?"
Lucien's expression changed.
His eyes brightened.
"...Cheese?"
The server nodded.
And somewhere?
Fate made a terrible mistake.
---
X. THE GREAT CHEESE INCIDENT
The specialty was prepared at an open service station.
A large heated wheel of aged cheese.
Warm pasta.
Fresh herbs.
A carefully controlled serving surface.
It was delicious.
Beautifully presented.
And apparently?
Lucien Vesper's favorite discovery of the afternoon.
The first serving vanished.
Then the second.
Then the third.
The chef stared.
Lucien smiled.
"...Another?"
The chef blinked.
"...Sir?"
"Please?"
The chef glanced toward the growing queue.
Then toward Lucien.
"...We need to serve the other customers."
Lucien nodded immediately.
"Oh, of course."
He stepped aside.
Waited.
Politely.
Then watched the chef prepare another batch.
His eyes followed every movement.
The pasta.
The cheese.
The sauce.
The stretching strands.
The glorious, deeply unreasonable amount of melted dairy.
Ashborn noticed.
"...Lucien."
"Hm?"
"...You're staring."
Lucien whispered:
"...It's beautiful."
Riven nodded solemnly.
"Love at first bite."
Renji clasped his hands.
"THEIR WEDDING SHALL BE LEGENDARY."
The chef finished the next serving.
A customer collected it.
Lucien watched it leave.
His smile remained.
But his eyes betrayed him.
The chef looked toward the remaining cheese.
Then toward Lucien.
Something changed in the man's expression.
He reached for a long-handled food-safe scraper.
And began moving the remaining melted cheese away from the exposed serving edge.
Lucien leaned forward.
The chef scraped.
Lucien leaned farther.
The chef scraped again.
Lucien followed the movement.
The chef moved the cheese toward the protected preparation area.
Lucien moved with it.
The chef stopped.
Lucien stopped.
They looked at each other.
A silence.
Then the chef slowly moved the scraper to the left.
Lucien's eyes followed.
To the right.
Lucien followed.
Left.
Right.
Left.
Right.
Ashborn watched.
Renji watched.
Riven watched.
A collective realization spread across the table.
Renji whispered:
"...Is he herding Lucien with cheese?"
Riven covered his mouth.
Ashborn made a strangled noise.
The chef moved the scraper again.
Lucien followed.
Still smiling.
Still deeply interested.
Then the chef said:
"Sir, please."
Lucien blinked.
"...Yes?"
"I am trying to put the cheese away."
Lucien looked genuinely devastated.
"...All of it?"
"Yes."
"...Why?"
"Because lunch service is ending."
A pause.
Lucien considered.
Then nodded.
"...Ah."
He looked toward the cheese.
Then toward the chef.
"...Could I have one final serving?"
The chef stared.
The entire group held its breath.
Then the chef sighed.
"...A small one."
Lucien smiled.
"Thank you."
Renji fell sideways against the table.
Riven began wheezing.
Ashborn laughed so hard his medical monitor issued a polite reminder to avoid excessive abdominal strain.
Lian placed her forehead against her folded hands.
"...I am going to attain enlightenment a second time."
Jin sipped his drink.
"Too late."
The chef served Lucien one final portion.
Lucien accepted it.
Bowed politely.
And returned to the table.
Ashborn stared at him.
"...YOU WERE CHASING CHEESE."
Lucien sat down.
Took a bite.
Then smiled.
"Correct."
Renji slammed the table.
"HE DOESN'T EVEN DENY IT."
---
XI. THE HEAVENLY DEMON DISCOVERS A NEW EVIL
Jin Mucheon had long since accepted several modern culinary innovations.
Fried food.
Modern restaurants.
Convenience stores.
Seasoned snacks.
The ability to order food without negotiating with a sect elder.
All excellent developments.
But the Civic Commons offered something he had never personally encountered.
A small food stall advertised:
VOLCANO CHEESE CORN DOGS.
Extra-crispy coating.
Spicy seasoning.
A molten cheese center.
Optional sauces.
Jin stopped.
His eyes narrowed.
He examined the advertisement.
Then the cooking station.
Then the enormous golden-brown object being lifted from the fryer.
"...What is that?"
The vendor smiled.
"A corn dog."
Jin considered.
"...Why is it shaped like a weapon?"
The vendor blinked.
"...A weapon?"
"It has a handle."
"That's a stick."
"...Yes."
The vendor laughed.
"Would you like one?"
Jin looked at the golden crust.
The seasoning.
The sauce.
The cheese visible beneath a split in the coating.
A strange light entered his eyes.
"...One."
The vendor prepared it.
Handed it over.
Jin examined it.
Carefully.
Turned it once.
Smelled it.
Then took a bite.
Silence.
Absolute.
Perfect.
Silence.
Renji noticed.
"...Grandpa?"
Jin did not answer.
The cheese stretched.
A long, ridiculous strand connected the snack to his mouth.
He slowly lowered the corn dog.
The strand grew longer.
Longer.
Longer.
His eyes widened.
Ashborn leaned over.
"...Jin?"
Jin stared at the cheese.
Then whispered:
"...What the fuck?"
Renji grinned.
"IT'S CHEESE."
Jin looked toward the vendor.
"...YOU PUT CHEESE INSIDE FRIED FOOD?"
The vendor smiled.
"Yes."
Jin stared.
Then looked at the corn dog.
Then back at the vendor.
"...AND SPICES?"
"Yes."
"...AND SAUCE?"
"Yes."
A long silence.
Then Jin Mucheon smiled.
Not his usual restrained expression.
Not the small, dry smirk he used when insulting someone's technique.
A wide grin.
Almost feral.
His eyes shone.
"...Interesting."
Ashborn stared.
"...OH, NO."
Jin took another bite.
The cheese stretched again.
His grin widened.
"...VERY interesting."
Renji grabbed Ashborn's shoulder.
"WE'VE LOST HIM."
Jin looked toward the vendor.
"How many variations?"
The vendor blinked.
"...Six."
Jin nodded.
"I'll take all six."
Lian stared.
"...Jin."
He looked toward her.
"Yes?"
"You have already eaten lunch."
Jin considered.
Then replied:
"That was before I knew."
"...Knew what?"
He lifted the corn dog.
"...That civilization had achieved this."
Cael adjusted his glasses.
"...It's fried cheese."
Jin's expression turned cold.
"DO NOT DIMINISH THIS."
Riven whispered:
"...The Heavenly Demon has found his new Dao."
Ashborn covered his face.
"...THE DAO OF MOLTEN CHEESE."
Renji collapsed against Riven.
And Jin?
Jin simply continued eating.
With the quiet determination of a man who had discovered a reason to remain alive for another thousand years.
---
XII. PRINCESS DOES NOT MEAN FIRST IN LINE
Yue Longhua encountered her first serious social inconvenience outside the palace approximately seventeen minutes later.
A queue.
Not a ceremonial reception line.
Not an imperial greeting.
Not a military formation.
A queue.
Outside a popular dessert shop.
She approached.
Observed the people waiting.
Then looked toward the sign.
PLEASE TAKE A NUMBER.
Yue blinked.
A small child stood nearby.
The child looked up.
Saw her.
And gasped.
"PRINCESS!"
Yue's expression softened.
"Good afternoon."
The child smiled.
"YOU'RE A REAL PRINCESS!"
Yue inclined her head.
"Indeed."
The child looked delighted.
Then pointed toward the end of the queue.
"THEN YOU NEED A NUMBER!"
Silence.
Yue slowly looked toward the child.
"...Pardon?"
The child pointed again.
"EVERYONE NEEDS ONE."
Yue stared.
A woman standing nearby smiled apologetically.
"I'm afraid she's right, Your Highness."
Yue blinked.
"...Of course."
She took a number.
FORTY-SEVEN.
The current display read:
TWELVE.
Yue stared.
A long silence.
Then?
"...Thirty-five?"
The child nodded.
"LOTS OF PEOPLE WANT THE CAKES."
Yue looked toward the shop.
The pastries.
The drinks.
The long queue.
Then toward the child.
"...I see."
The child smiled.
"YOU CAN STAND WITH US!"
Yue considered.
Then nodded.
"Very well."
She moved toward the back of the line.
Renji watched from across the street.
His grin became dangerous.
"...Oh, this is beautiful."
Riven leaned beside him.
"What's happening?"
"THE PRINCESS HAS DISCOVERED CIVILIAN GOVERNANCE."
Ashborn turned.
Saw Yue standing in line.
Saw the numbered ticket.
Then began grinning.
"...OH, NO."
They approached.
Renji clasped his hands behind his back.
"Your Highness."
Yue did not turn.
"Renji."
"How fares the imperial throne?"
"Fine."
"Does the throne possess..."
He glanced toward her ticket.
"...a waiting number?"
Yue slowly looked toward him.
Her expression remained perfectly controlled.
"...Yes."
Renji nodded.
"Magnificent."
Ashborn examined the ticket.
"...Forty-seven."
Yue looked at him.
"...Ashborn."
He nodded solemnly.
"...Long reign the number forty-seven."
Riven lost control of his laughter.
Yue's eyes narrowed.
"Would you all kindly leave?"
The little child looked toward Renji.
Then toward Yue.
Then spoke with the confidence of someone who had never considered the political consequences of addressing royalty.
"YOU CAN'T CUT IN LINE EITHER."
Renji froze.
Ashborn froze.
Riven froze.
The child pointed at them.
"GET A NUMBER."
A long silence.
Then Jin, passing with two corn dogs, spoke:
"Correct."
And continued walking.
Yue smiled.
Very slowly.
"...You heard her."
Renji stared.
"...We've been defeated."
Ashborn nodded.
"...By civilization."
---
XIII. THE TRUE DRAGON'S SECRET WEAKNESS
Twenty minutes later, Yue remained in the queue.
Her patience was impressive.
Her dignity immaculate.
Her posture flawless.
Then the shop's display changed.
FORTY-SEVEN.
Yue stepped forward.
The attendant smiled.
"Welcome!"
Yue nodded.
"Good afternoon."
"What would you like?"
Yue examined the menu.
Soft sweet breads.
Fruit pastries.
Iced milk tea.
Delicately flavored cakes.
Her eyes lingered upon several selections.
The attendant waited.
Yue considered.
Then said:
"...One strawberry cream pastry."
A pause.
"...And the iced milk tea."
The attendant nodded.
"Of course."
Yue hesitated.
Then added:
"...And three honey breads."
The attendant smiled.
"Certainly."
A pause.
"...And the peach tart."
The attendant nodded.
Yue glanced toward another photograph.
"...And..."
Renji appeared behind her.
"THE ROYAL TREASURY IS IN DANGER."
Yue closed her eyes.
"...Renji."
He stared at the growing order.
"YOUR HIGHNESS."
A dramatic pause.
"THE SWEETS ARE WINNING."
Ashborn began laughing.
Yue slowly turned toward him.
"YOU."
He straightened.
"...Me?"
"Stop encouraging him."
Ashborn raised both hands.
"...I haven't said anything."
"You are smiling."
"...It's my face."
"Then control it."
Riven wheezed.
The attendant smiled professionally.
"Would you like anything else, Your Highness?"
Yue turned back.
Her expression became serene.
"...Yes."
A pause.
"One more strawberry pastry."
Renji placed both hands on his head.
"THE EMPIRE HAS FALLEN."
---
XIV. LUNARA VELIS DISCOVERS SMALL GRAVITY
Lunara preferred the quieter shopping streets.
Not because she disliked people.
But because she enjoyed observing things without competing with everyone else's noise.
She found a small tea garden beside a public courtyard.
Several tables stood beneath a transparent canopy.
Decorative water channels flowed between the stone paths.
A vendor served delicate drinks topped with tiny edible pearls.
Lunara purchased one.
Sat.
Looked at the drink.
And smiled.
"...Cute."
Cael approached.
Stopped.
"...What are you doing?"
"Thinking."
"About?"
She looked toward the tiny pearls.
"...Orbits."
Cael stared.
"...Lunara."
She smiled.
"Just a little."
He narrowed his eyes.
"...Define little."
Lunara raised one finger.
A tiny amount of controlled lunar gravity stirred above the cup.
LUNAR MICRO-ORBIT [ : A deliberately low-output application of Lunara's lunar gravitational control, creating a miniature stable orbital path around a chosen point. Here it affects only a few harmless edible pearls, without altering the surrounding area's gravity or applying force to nearby people. ]
Three little pearls rose above the drink.
Slowly.
Carefully.
They began circling one another.
A tiny miniature solar system.
Cael stared.
Then leaned closer.
"...That's actually remarkably stable."
Lunara smiled.
"Thank you."
He adjusted his glasses.
"The outer pearl should drift."
"It doesn't."
"...I can see that."
She tilted her head.
"Would you like to try?"
Cael considered.
Then shook his head.
"I'm not introducing spatial manipulation into a beverage."
Lunara smiled.
"...How responsible."
A pause.
"...For you."
Cael stared.
"...Excuse me?"
She continued sipping her tea.
The pearls orbited quietly.
A child at the next table noticed.
His eyes widened.
"MOM! LOOK!"
The mother turned.
Saw the little floating pearls.
Smiled.
"That's lovely."
Lunara looked toward them.
"Would you like to see?"
The child nodded.
She gently lowered the pearls back into her cup.
Then demonstrated the orbit again.
Slowly enough for him to follow.
The child watched with delight.
"...They're dancing!"
Lunara smiled.
"Yes."
Cael considered the phenomenon.
Then muttered:
"...Technically, they're undergoing controlled revolution."
The child looked at him.
"...What?"
Lunara turned toward Cael.
Smiled.
And said:
"They're dancing."
Cael closed his eyes.
"...Fine."
---
XV. THE BOY WHO SHOULD NOT TOUCH THINGS
Riven Khael found the technology exhibition by accident.
Which was unfortunate.
Because the exhibition featured a display.
And the display featured a sign.
And the sign contained the single most dangerous word one could place within his line of sight.
UNBREAKABLE.
Riven stopped walking.
His entire expression changed.
"...Oh?"
The display showcased an advanced transparent structural panel.
A promotional advertisement explained its extraordinary durability.
It had survived impact testing.
Pressure testing.
Thermal stress.
Industrial accidents.
Controlled demonstrations of several forms of high-energy exposure.
It was an impressive piece of engineering.
And Riven?
Was personally offended.
"...Unbreakable?"
He leaned closer.
The panel gleamed.
He tilted his head.
"...Interesting claim."
A security attendant approached.
"Sir?"
Riven smiled.
"Hello!"
"Please don't touch the display."
Riven blinked.
"...I'm not touching it."
His finger hovered approximately one centimeter from the panel.
The attendant looked toward the finger.
Then toward Riven.
"...Please move your hand away."
Riven slowly withdrew it.
"...Of course."
He stepped back.
Considered.
Then raised his cane.
The attendant's eyes widened.
"Sir."
Riven stopped.
"...What?"
"No."
A pause.
Riven looked toward the cane.
Then toward the panel.
Then toward the attendant.
"...I was going to point."
The attendant stared.
"...With the cane?"
Riven nodded.
"Yes."
"No."
"...Okay."
A moment later, Ashborn approached.
Saw the display.
Saw Riven.
Saw the sign.
His eyes widened.
"...OH, YOU FOUND SOMETHING."
Riven grinned.
"ASH."
Ashborn looked toward the panel.
Then toward Riven.
"...DON'T."
Riven looked offended.
"I HAVEN'T."
"...YET."
The security attendant stared between them.
Ashborn approached.
Examined the sign.
Then leaned toward Riven.
Whispered:
"...Do you think it's actually unbreakable?"
Riven's grin became catastrophic.
"...Brother."
The attendant stepped forward.
"Sir."
Ashborn straightened.
"...Yes?"
"Please don't encourage him."
Ashborn blinked.
"...I wasn't."
The attendant looked toward Riven.
Then Ashborn.
Then the sign.
"...You were."
A long silence.
Finally, Jin approached.
Looked at the panel.
Looked at Riven.
Then said:
"Walk away."
Riven frowned.
"...But..."
Jin stared.
"Now."
Riven considered.
Then sighed.
"...Fine."
They walked away.
The attendant visibly relaxed.
Then Riven turned back.
Raised one hand.
And called:
"YOU SHOULD CHANGE THE SIGN."
The attendant blinked.
"...Why?"
Riven grinned.
"UNBREAKABLE IS A MARKETING CLAIM."
Ashborn burst into laughter.
The attendant slowly pressed a hand against his forehead.
---
XVI. THE RECREATIONAL ARCADE
The group eventually reached a large entertainment center.
Its entrance displayed bright advertisements.
Games.
Food.
Music.
Skill challenges.
Simulated racing.
Puzzle competitions.
Mechanical attractions.
Interactive sports.
And an enormous sign promising:
FUN FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITY LEVELS.
Ashborn stared.
Then smiled.
"...Oh, we're going in."
Lian looked toward him.
"...Ashborn."
He turned.
"...Yeah?"
"Your medical restrictions."
He nodded.
"NO COMBAT."
"Correct."
"NO HIGH-OUTPUT ABILITIES."
"Correct."
"NO PHYSICAL STRAIN."
"Correct."
He gestured toward the arcade.
"...VIDEO GAMES."
Lian paused.
Then sighed.
"...Fine."
Renji grinned.
"LET'S GOOOO!"
Riven adjusted his plague-doctor hat.
"THE PATIENT REQUIRES ENTERTAINMENT."
Jin looked toward a shooting game.
His eyes narrowed.
"...Interesting."
Cael inspected the simulation systems.
Lunara smiled.
Yue looked toward the prize counter.
Rúna looked toward a strength-testing machine.
And Evelyn?
Evelyn remained near the entrance.
Quietly observing.
For a moment, she seemed unsure whether she should follow.
Then Lian glanced back.
"...Evelyn?"
Evelyn looked toward her.
Lian smiled.
"Coming?"
A pause.
Then Evelyn nodded.
"...Yes."
And entered with the others.
---
XVII. THE UNOFFICIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Renji discovered a reflex game.
Ashborn discovered a racing simulator.
Riven discovered a mechanical strength tester.
Jin discovered a shooting range simulator.
Rúna discovered an enormous hammer game.
Yue discovered a prize machine filled with plush dragons.
Cael discovered a physics puzzle.
Lunara discovered a miniature orbital puzzle.
Lian discovered that all of them had abandoned any pretense of coordinated movement.
She stood in the center of the arcade.
Looked around.
Then slowly smiled.
"...Of course."
Renji shouted from across the room.
"ASHBORN!"
Ashborn turned.
"WHAT?"
"RACE ME."
Ashborn grinned.
"YOU'RE ON."
Lian raised one finger.
"Only standard simulator controls."
Renji nodded.
"OBVIOUSLY."
"No Sage Qi."
"FINE."
"No transformations."
"FINE."
"No cloning yourself to operate multiple controls."
Renji stared.
"...THAT'S VERY SPECIFIC."
Lian smiled.
"Experience."
Ashborn sat beside him.
The simulation began.
A countdown appeared.
Three.
Two.
One.
GO.
Renji accelerated.
Ashborn accelerated.
The first corner approached.
Renji leaned.
Ashborn leaned.
Their vehicles collided.
Both spun.
The game displayed:
COLLISION PENALTY.
Silence.
Renji looked toward Ashborn.
Ashborn looked toward Renji.
Then?
Both started laughing.
"YOU HIT ME!"
"YOU CROSSED MY LINE!"
"THAT WAS MY LINE!"
"THERE ARE FOUR LANES!"
"THEN USE ANOTHER ONE!"
A second collision.
Another penalty.
Riven appeared behind them.
Watched.
Then grinned.
"...You two are terrible at driving."
Ashborn looked up.
"GET IN."
Riven's grin widened.
"...Oh, absolutely."
The next race featured three cars.
And somehow?
Even more accidents.
---
XVIII. THE HEAVENLY DEMON AND THE DIGITAL GUN
Jin Mucheon stood before a shooting simulator.
Its equipment resembled a modern firearm.
The system tracked accuracy.
Timing.
Movement.
Target identification.
And reflex control.
All safely simulated.
Jin examined the device.
Then the instructions.
Then smiled faintly.
"...Finally."
The attendant approached.
"Would you like to try?"
Jin nodded.
"Yes."
The simulator began.
Targets appeared.
Jin fired.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
The display updated.
PERFECT.
More targets appeared.
Jin fired.
Again.
And again.
The attendant stared.
A new round began.
Faster.
More complicated.
Multiple moving targets.
Jin adjusted his stance.
His expression became calm.
Almost bored.
He fired.
The final display appeared.
NEW LOCAL RECORD.
A small crowd applauded.
Jin lowered the simulator weapon.
Then looked toward the attendant.
"...Can it go faster?"
The attendant blinked.
"...That's the highest difficulty."
Jin stared.
A pause.
"...Oh."
He considered.
Then nodded.
"...Disappointing."
Renji appeared behind him.
"GRANDPA."
Jin closed his eyes.
"...What?"
"YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO EXECUTE THE ARCADE."
Jin looked toward him.
"...I haven't."
Renji nodded.
"YET."
Ashborn heard that.
Started laughing.
Jin looked toward both of them.
Then spoke with extraordinary calm.
"...You are very loud."
Ashborn grinned.
"THANK YOU."
---
XIX. THE TRUE DRAGON VERSUS THE CLAW MACHINE
Yue Longhua had approached the prize machine with perfectly reasonable expectations.
A machine.
A visible prize.
A mechanical arm.
A simple objective.
Surely?
A person capable of commanding celestial tides could operate such an elementary apparatus.
She inserted a token.
Moved the claw.
Pressed the button.
The claw descended.
Gripped a small pearl-white dragon plush.
Lifted it.
For a moment?
Victory seemed inevitable.
Then the claw loosened.
The plush fell.
Yue stared.
Silence.
She inserted another token.
Tried again.
The claw descended.
Caught the plush.
Lifted it.
Dropped it.
Yue's expression became very still.
Renji appeared beside her.
"...Trouble, Princess?"
She did not turn.
"No."
He looked toward the machine.
Then the plush.
Then Yue.
"...Would you like me to retrieve it?"
"No."
"Because I can."
"No."
"With my tail."
"NO."
Renji grinned.
"...Fair."
He walked away.
Yue inserted another token.
The claw descended.
Lifted the plush.
Dropped it.
Her eyes narrowed.
A small child beside the machine looked up.
"...You're doing it wrong."
Yue slowly turned.
"...Pardon?"
The child pointed toward the claw.
"You gotta move it a little more left."
Yue considered.
"...Left?"
The child nodded.
"Then wait."
Yue looked toward the machine.
Then the child.
Then back again.
"...I see."
She inserted another token.
Adjusted the claw.
Waited.
Pressed the button.
The claw descended.
Gripped the dragon.
Lifted it.
Moved.
Moved.
Moved.
And dropped it.
Into the prize chute.
SUCCESS.
Yue froze.
The child cheered.
"YAY!"
Yue looked down.
The small dragon plush rested inside the collection compartment.
She retrieved it.
Slowly.
Held it.
A tiny smile appeared.
"...I did it."
The child nodded.
"SEE?"
Yue looked toward the little dragon.
Then toward the child.
"...Thank you."
The child grinned.
"You're welcome, Princess!"
Yue smiled.
Genuinely.
Then Renji appeared again.
Stared at the plush.
And whispered:
"...The Imperial Beast has been captured."
Yue's smile vanished.
"...Renji."
He ran.
---
XX. THE FETTER-EATER DEMANDS PAYMENT
Rúna found Ashborn beside a bench.
He had been instructed to rest.
He was resting.
Technically.
He was sitting.
Holding a drink.
Watching Renji run away from Yue.
Laughing.
This qualified as recovery.
Probably.
Rúna approached.
Stopped.
Looked at him.
Ashborn looked up.
"...What?"
She lowered her head.
Ashborn stared.
"...Again?"
She nodded.
"Again."
"...I ALREADY PAID."
"That was earlier."
"...IT'S BEEN TWO HOURS."
She nodded.
"Two hours."
Ashborn stared.
Rúna grinned.
"Payment due."
He sighed.
Then smiled.
"...Come here."
She stepped closer.
He reached up.
Gently scratched behind one wolf ear.
Her eyes narrowed contentedly.
Her shoulders relaxed.
Her tail swung once.
Then again.
Ashborn grinned.
"...You're impossible."
Rúna smiled.
"Correct."
A pause.
Then she looked toward him.
"...You okay?"
Ashborn blinked.
"...Huh?"
She glanced toward his recovery monitor.
Then toward his face.
"You laughed a lot."
He stared.
"...That's bad?"
"No."
She considered.
"Just checking."
His expression softened.
"...Yeah."
A pause.
"...I'm okay."
Rúna nodded.
"Good."
She settled beside him.
Not demanding anything.
Just sitting.
A moment passed.
Then she leaned against his shoulder.
Ashborn smiled faintly.
"...You're very heavy."
Rúna looked offended.
"I'm a wolf."
"...That's not an answer."
"IT IS TO ME."
He laughed.
She grinned.
Then looked toward the arcade.
"...Wanna watch Renji embarrass himself?"
Ashborn nodded.
"...Absolutely."
---
XXI. LIAN SORYA LOSES CONTROL
By the time the group gathered again?
Lian had developed a remarkable appreciation for the difficulties faced by civilian event coordinators.
Renji had been warned for trying to use his tail during a skill challenge.
Riven had attempted to inspect the internal locking mechanism of a prize machine.
Lucien had located the arcade's snack counter.
Jin had discovered that the snack counter also sold cheese-stuffed fried food.
Yue was carrying a dragon plush.
Rúna had appointed herself Ashborn's unpaid personal comfort inspector.
Cael was explaining an unnecessary amount of physics to a game technician.
Lunara was watching him with visible amusement.
And Evelyn?
Evelyn stood beside Lian.
Quietly.
Watching the entire situation.
Lian closed her eyes.
"...I have made a mistake."
Evelyn glanced toward her.
"...Which one?"
"Believing I could organize this."
Evelyn considered.
Then looked toward Renji.
He was trying to convince Riven to participate in a synchronized dance competition.
"...I understand."
Lian exhaled.
"I thought a simple day out would be good for everyone."
Evelyn looked toward the others.
Renji laughing.
Riven waving his cane.
Ashborn grinning.
Rúna leaning beside him.
Lucien eating.
Jin watching a fried-food advertisement.
Yue inspecting her plush.
Cael arguing with a machine.
Lunara smiling quietly.
Then Evelyn spoke.
"...It appears to be."
Lian opened her eyes.
Looked toward her.
Evelyn continued.
"They seem happy."
A pause.
"Even if they are..."
She considered.
"...Difficult."
Lian stared.
Then laughed softly.
"...That's one word."
Evelyn's expression softened.
And for the first time that day?
She smiled without immediately hiding it.
---
XXII. THE SHINING HEAD OF DESTINY
The incident began outside.
In the afternoon.
Under an exceptionally clear sky.
The group had left the arcade.
They were passing through a sunlit shopping promenade.
The sunlight struck the glass architecture at a particular angle.
Reflections moved across the polished stone.
Everything appeared ordinary.
Then Renji stopped.
"...Guys."
Ashborn looked toward him.
"...What?"
Renji slowly raised one hand.
Pointed.
"...LOOK."
Riven turned.
Lucien turned.
Rúna turned.
Ashborn turned.
Ahead of them stood a perfectly ordinary civilian gentleman.
Bald.
Well dressed.
Carrying a shopping bag.
Enjoying his afternoon.
His scalp had been carefully polished with a sunscreen product that gave it an impressive sheen.
And at that precise moment?
The sun struck his head.
At exactly the wrong angle.
A brilliant reflection flashed toward the five idiots.
Ashborn squinted.
"...WHAT THE FUCK?"
Renji recoiled.
"MY EYES!"
Riven raised one arm.
"THE LIGHT!"
Lucien blinked rapidly.
"...Oh, that's BRIGHT."
Rúna's ears snapped backward.
"WHY IS HE SHINING?"
The gentleman turned slightly.
The reflection moved.
Straight across their faces.
All five recoiled together.
Ashborn threw a hand over his eyes.
"OH, COME ON!"
Renji staggered backward.
"HE'S GOT A SOLAR DEFENSE SYSTEM!"
Riven raised his plague-doctor cane.
"WE REQUIRE PROTECTION!"
Lucien leaned sideways.
Still squinting.
"...Does he know?"
Rúna turned her head.
"IT MOVED!"
Ashborn pointed dramatically.
"THE ANGLE CHANGED!"
Renji shouted:
"HE'S TRACKING US!"
Riven stumbled toward the nearest awning.
"FALL BACK!"
The five retreated.
In perfect chaotic coordination.
Like a squad of elite warriors encountering an unexpected battlefield phenomenon.
Except?
It was a bald man.
Standing in sunlight.
Holding groceries.
---
XXIII. FIVE IDIOTS VERSUS ONE NORMAL CIVILIAN
The gentleman noticed the commotion.
He turned.
Looked toward the five young people shielding their eyes.
Then toward the sun.
Then smiled.
"...Oh."
Ashborn peeked between his fingers.
The reflection flashed again.
"FUCK!"
Renji ducked.
Riven crouched behind a decorative planter.
Lucien leaned behind Ashborn.
Rúna raised her arm.
"STOP MOVING!"
The gentleman blinked.
"...Me?"
"YES!" five voices answered.
He looked genuinely surprised.
Then laughed.
"Sorry!"
He reached into his bag.
Produced a cap.
Placed it on his head.
The reflection disappeared.
Silence.
The five slowly lowered their arms.
Ashborn blinked.
Renji stared.
Riven rose from behind the planter.
Lucien looked relieved.
Rúna frowned.
"...It stopped."
The gentleman smiled.
"Better?"
Ashborn swallowed.
"...Yeah."
Renji slowly nodded.
"...Much."
The man laughed.
"New sunscreen. Apparently it reflects more light than the old one."
Riven looked toward the cap.
"...That explains it."
Lucien nodded solemnly.
"A powerful innovation."
Ashborn stared at the gentleman.
Then at his friends.
Then toward the sky.
A long silence.
Finally?
"...We just got defeated by sunscreen."
Renji's expression crumpled.
Riven began laughing.
Lucien covered his mouth.
Rúna stared.
Then burst out laughing too.
The gentleman grinned.
"Well, I hope your day improves."
He waved.
And continued walking.
The five watched him depart.
Silence.
Then Renji whispered:
"...Legend."
Riven nodded.
"...Unmatched."
Lucien sighed.
"...The strongest civilian we've encountered today."
Ashborn slowly sat on the nearest bench.
And began laughing.
Again.
---
XXIV. THE DIGNIFIED HALF OF THE GROUP
From across the promenade?
The others had witnessed everything.
Every second.
Lian stared.
Jin stared.
Yue stared.
Cael stared.
Lunara watched with a faint smile.
Evelyn stood quietly.
Her expression unreadable.
For approximately three seconds.
Then Jin spoke.
"...I'm leaving."
Lian caught his sleeve.
"No."
Yue closed her eyes.
"...I cannot believe I know them."
Cael adjusted his glasses.
"Technically, the reflection resulted from an unusually favorable incidence angle and a high-gloss surface."
Lian turned.
"...Cael."
He looked toward her.
"What?"
"Please don't."
He continued anyway.
"The intensity would have been uncomfortable, certainly, but not dangerous under ordinary exposure conditions."
Yue slowly looked toward him.
"...Why are you explaining this?"
Cael frowned.
"Because Renji called it a solar defense system."
Lunara smiled.
"...It was very effective."
Cael turned.
"...Lunara."
She tilted her head.
"Five targets. One reflection."
A pause.
"Excellent coverage."
Yue stared at her.
Lian closed her eyes.
"...Not you too."
Evelyn looked toward the five.
Ashborn was still laughing.
Renji was pointing toward his own head while trying to reenact the incident.
Riven was pretending his cane had been a defensive shield.
Lucien was offering a solemn account of the glare.
Rúna was laughing so hard her tail swung against the bench.
Evelyn watched.
A faint smile appeared.
Then she laughed.
Quietly.
Just once.
Lian looked toward her.
Evelyn noticed.
Her expression changed.
"...What?"
Lian smiled.
"Nothing."
Evelyn glanced away.
But her smile remained.
---
XXV. THE GREAT SUNGLASSES PURCHASE
The five immediately decided to purchase sunglasses.
Not ordinary ones.
No.
That would have been sensible.
They wanted dramatic ones.
Renji chose oversized golden frames.
Riven selected dark angular glasses that looked particularly absurd beneath his plague-doctor hat.
Lucien chose a pair with violet lenses.
Rúna picked broad black frames.
Ashborn selected something simple.
Then Renji saw him.
"...No."
Ashborn blinked.
"...What?"
Renji pointed toward the glasses.
"TOO NORMAL."
Ashborn stared.
"...They're sunglasses."
"THEY REQUIRE PERSONALITY."
Riven nodded.
"Agreed."
Lucien considered.
"Maybe something with stars?"
Rúna grinned.
"Or teeth."
Ashborn stared.
"...WHY TEETH?"
Lucien smiled.
"Branding."
Renji approached a display.
Retrieved an enormous pair of novelty sunglasses shaped like flaming suns.
Held them up.
"...These."
Ashborn stared.
A silence.
"...Absolutely not."
Renji grinned.
"PLEASE."
"No."
Riven clasped his hands.
"For the team."
"No."
Lucien smiled.
"For science."
"No."
Rúna leaned closer.
"For head pats."
Ashborn stopped.
Stared at her.
"...THAT IS BLACKMAIL."
She grinned.
"Correct."
A moment later?
Ashborn purchased the ridiculous sunglasses.
Put them on.
And looked toward the others.
Renji stared.
Riven stared.
Lucien stared.
Rúna stared.
Then all four began cheering.
Ashborn raised both hands.
"...I HATE ALL OF YOU."
Renji threw an arm around his shoulder.
"WE LOVE YOU TOO."
---
XXVI. THE UNSCHEDULED TRAINING CHALLENGE
The next disaster was comparatively mild.
A public recreation booth offered a harmless coordination challenge.
Small wooden rings.
Stationary pegs.
A modest prize.
No supernatural abilities permitted.
No Ascension output.
No special equipment.
Just accuracy.
Renji saw the sign.
Stopped.
Grinned.
"...Oh?"
Jin looked toward it.
"...No."
Renji turned.
"YES."
Lian raised one hand.
"Standard rules."
Renji nodded.
"FINE."
"No tail assistance."
Renji stared.
"...That's discriminatory."
"Standard rules."
He sighed.
"...Fine."
Ashborn stepped forward.
"WE'RE DOING THIS."
Yue crossed her arms.
"...This seems childish."
Rúna grinned.
"PERFECT."
Cael examined the arrangement.
"...The optimal release angle should be..."
Lian turned.
"Cael."
He stopped.
"...What?"
"Just throw the ring."
Cael considered.
Then nodded.
"...Fine."
The first round began.
Renji missed.
Ashborn hit one peg.
Riven deliberately attempted a ridiculous curve.
Missed completely.
Rúna threw too hard.
Her ring bounced.
Lucien scored two.
Jin scored three.
Lian scored three.
Lunara scored two.
Cael scored three.
Yue scored one.
Then Evelyn stepped forward.
She examined the pegs.
The rings.
The distances.
The rules.
And threw.
Three rings.
Three clean successes.
Without using time manipulation.
Without slowing the world.
Without creating a second opportunity.
Just a calm hand.
And careful observation.
The attendant smiled.
"Congratulations!"
Evelyn blinked.
"...Thank you."
She received a small prize.
A simple stuffed rabbit.
Renji stared.
"...SHE WON?"
Jin nodded.
"Yes."
Renji looked offended.
"...WITHOUT CHEATING?"
Evelyn slowly turned.
"...Renji."
He raised both hands.
"COMPLIMENT."
A pause.
"...A BADLY PHRASED COMPLIMENT."
Evelyn considered.
Then held up the rabbit.
"...I like it."
Lian smiled.
And nobody asked her to explain further.
---
XXVII. A SMALL VICTORY FOR EVELYN
Evelyn carried the rabbit for the next several streets.
Not because it was valuable.
It wasn't.
Not because it represented anything extraordinary.
It didn't.
It was soft.
Ordinary.
A little crooked.
Its ears were uneven.
Someone had sewn a tiny golden ribbon around its neck.
Evelyn looked at it occasionally.
Then looked away whenever she noticed someone watching.
Ashborn approached.
Not suddenly.
Not too close.
"...Hey."
She glanced toward him.
"...Ashborn."
He nodded toward the rabbit.
"...Nice."
She considered.
"...Thank you."
A pause.
"...The game was simple."
He smiled.
"...Doesn't mean winning can't feel good."
Evelyn looked toward the prize.
For a moment, she remained quiet.
Then said:
"...I know."
Ashborn nodded.
They walked.
No argument.
No combat discussion.
No reference to the Ascendant Crucible.
No question about her Time Authority.
Finally, Evelyn glanced toward the ridiculous flaming-sun sunglasses resting on Ashborn's head.
"...May I ask something?"
He turned.
"...Sure."
She looked toward the glasses.
"...Why?"
Ashborn stared.
Then sighed.
"...Peer pressure."
A pause.
Evelyn looked toward Renji.
Then Riven.
Then Lucien.
Then Rúna.
All four waved.
She considered.
Then smiled.
"...I see."
Ashborn rubbed his face.
"...Please don't tell anyone."
Evelyn's smile grew slightly.
"...I make no promises."
He stared.
"...EVEN YOU?"
She looked toward her rabbit.
"...Apparently."
And Ashborn laughed.
---
XXVIII. A DAY WITHOUT RANKINGS
By late afternoon, the group had returned to the open plaza.
Some carried shopping bags.
Some carried food.
Yue carried her dragon plush.
Evelyn carried her rabbit.
Riven still wore the plague-doctor hat.
Renji had somehow convinced the merchant to bring the dancing mannequins back for one more promotional performance.
Jin had purchased several more corn dogs.
Cael carried a small technical model from a science shop.
Lunara had bought a delicate miniature mobile depicting moons.
Lian had acquired a collection of tea leaves.
Lucien carried enough packaged food to concern a logistics officer.
Rúna walked beside Ashborn.
And Ashborn?
Was smiling.
Not constantly.
Not artificially.
Just often.
The group moved through the crowd.
Sometimes arguing.
Sometimes laughing.
Sometimes splitting into smaller conversations.
Then coming back together.
No formal positions.
No match assignments.
No tactical formations.
No commander issuing orders.
Nobody stood at the center because their combat record demanded it.
Nobody needed to prove superiority.
Jin walked beside Cael, quietly discussing the shooting simulator's mechanics.
Lunara listened to Yue describe an imperial garden she had visited as a child.
Lian and Evelyn compared the handmade goods sold in the market.
Lucien and Riven argued about which snack stall offered the better value.
Renji tried to recruit Ashborn into another dance.
Rúna objected because she had already claimed his next available free moment.
Ashborn looked between them.
"...WHAT AM I, A SCHEDULE?"
Rúna grinned.
"YES."
Renji nodded.
"YES."
Lucien called from behind them:
"ONLY UNTIL DINNER."
Ashborn threw both hands into the air.
"UNBELIEVABLE."
And the group continued walking.
Together.
---
XXIX. DINNER, ROUND TWO
Their final meal took place at an outdoor restaurant overlooking the Civic Commons gardens.
The tables were large enough for all eleven.
Which was fortunate.
Because by then?
Several smaller restaurants had developed understandable reservations about accommodating the group.
Not because they were dangerous.
Not exactly.
But because Lucien ate like a logistical challenge.
Renji treated every available surface as a potential stage.
Riven had developed an alarming interest in the construction materials.
And Rúna had loudly informed one establishment that she could smell six different meals being prepared from three streets away.
The final restaurant possessed private dining alcoves.
Good seating.
An excellent menu.
And staff who were willing to accommodate unusual appetites.
Lian sat down.
Exhaled.
And smiled.
"...Finally."
Renji dropped into the seat opposite her.
"WE DID IT."
Lian looked toward him.
"...Did what?"
"SUCCESSFUL DAY OFF."
She stared.
"...The day isn't over."
"DETAILS."
Riven removed his plague-doctor mask.
Placed it beside his plate.
A server approached.
Looked at it.
Then smiled professionally.
"...Interesting accessory."
Riven beamed.
"THANK YOU."
Lucien opened the menu.
His eyes widened.
"...Oh."
Everyone turned.
Lian slowly lowered her drink.
"...Lucien."
He looked up.
"...Yes?"
"Please."
He blinked.
"...What?"
"Whatever you're thinking."
He glanced toward the menu.
Then smiled.
"...They have cheese."
Ashborn started laughing.
Jin looked up immediately.
"...What kind?"
Lucien examined the description.
"...Several."
Jin leaned forward.
"...Show me."
Renji slapped the table.
"THE CHEESE ALLIANCE HAS FORMED."
---
XXX. THE MOST DIGNIFIED ARGUMENT IN HISTORY
Yue insisted upon ordering properly.
Naturally.
She studied the menu.
Made her choices.
Spoke politely to the server.
Then looked toward Renji.
"...Please stop stacking bread."
Renji froze.
He had constructed a small tower from several complimentary rolls.
"...Why?"
"Because it is inappropriate."
He looked toward the tower.
Then toward Yue.
"...It's architecture."
Cael glanced over.
"...Poor architecture."
Renji stared.
"...EXCUSE ME?"
Cael continued.
"The center of mass is too high."
Riven leaned closer.
"...The lower structure is also unstable."
Renji looked between them.
"...WHY ARE YOU BOTH CRITICIZING MY BREAD?"
Ashborn examined the tower.
Then grinned.
"...They're right."
Renji stared.
"...TRAITOR."
Lunara smiled.
"You could use a wider base."
Renji threw both hands into the air.
"THE ENTIRE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY HAS TURNED AGAINST ME."
Lian sipped her tea.
"...This is very sad."
Renji pointed toward her.
"THANK YOU."
She smiled.
"...For the bread."
A moment later?
The tower collapsed.
A roll bounced off the table.
Landed in Renji's lap.
Silence.
Then Jin spoke.
"...Structural failure."
Riven began laughing.
Cael nodded.
"...As predicted."
Ashborn nearly choked on his drink.
Yue covered her eyes.
Lunara smiled.
Evelyn looked toward the fallen bread.
Then quietly said:
"...A regrettable timeline."
Everyone stopped.
Turned.
Looked toward her.
Evelyn blinked.
"...What?"
Then Renji screamed.
"EVEN EVELYN!"
The table erupted.
And Evelyn?
Evelyn laughed.
A little louder this time.
---
XXXI. ELEVEN PEOPLE, ONE PHOTOGRAPH
The photograph happened almost accidentally.
A server offered to take one.
The group hesitated.
Not because they disliked photographs.
But because assembling eleven people into a single frame was proving surprisingly difficult.
Renji wanted to stand on something.
Riven wanted to wear his mask.
Jin wanted Renji to stop standing on things.
Yue insisted that everyone maintain proper posture.
Rúna wanted to stand beside Ashborn.
Lucien wanted to hold his food.
Cael wanted the camera aligned correctly.
Lunara thought the lighting was lovely.
Lian wanted everyone to stop arguing.
And Evelyn?
Evelyn stood slightly apart.
Quietly.
Ashborn noticed.
He looked toward her.
Then nodded toward the group.
"...Hey."
She glanced up.
"...Yes?"
"...You coming?"
She hesitated.
Just a moment.
Then looked toward the others.
Lian smiled.
Lunara shifted slightly to make room.
Yue stepped aside.
Renji waved both arms.
"COME ON!"
Riven grinned.
"GROUP HISTORY."
Jin sighed.
"...That is not a phrase."
Ashborn smiled.
"...There's room."
Evelyn looked toward the space.
Then walked over.
Quietly.
She stood beside Lunara.
Still holding her little stuffed rabbit.
The server raised the camera.
"All right!"
The group assembled.
Poorly.
Renji threw an arm around Riven.
Riven nearly hit Cael with his cane.
Cael objected.
Rúna leaned against Ashborn.
Ashborn protested.
Lucien held up a plate of dessert.
Jin looked tired.
Yue looked regal.
Lian smiled.
Lunara tilted her head.
Evelyn stood a little stiffly.
The server smiled.
"Ready?"
Renji shouted:
"WAIT."
Lian closed her eyes.
"...What now?"
Renji grinned.
"EVERYONE SAY CHEESE."
Lucien's eyes brightened.
Jin looked up.
"...Where?"
Silence.
Then?
The entire group burst into laughter.
The camera flashed.
And that was the photograph.
Not perfect.
Not arranged according to status.
Not a formal Genesis Academy portrait.
Just eleven young people laughing at the same ridiculous joke.