Night had settled across the Veyris Empire.
The stars above the palace drifted slowly like rivers of light.
For once.
no alarms rang.
No sealed realm opened.
No reality-threatening beings appeared.
Kael Veyris rested beneath the celestial trees in the Imperial Garden, looking up at the sky.
Soft wind moved through the branches.
Then the great Universe Tree began glowing.
Golden-green light flowed through the leaves.
The enormous tree slowly transformed into her humanoid form.
Universe Tree stepped forward.
Her long mint-green hair drifted around her like leaves in spring winds.
Bright golden-green eyes carried a warm magical glow.
Long pointed ears and leaf ornaments framed her graceful appearance, while her black, ivory, and emerald attire shimmered with glowing gemstones and vine-like patterns.
She looked down at Kael.
You're resting.
Interesting.
Kael looked at her.
Even emperors rest.
Sometimes.
Nearby, Ashvattha smiled softly.
Lilith crossed her arms.
Nyx quietly watched.
Ashvattha tilted her head.
We should go somewhere.
Lilith raised an eyebrow.
A date?
Nyx simply nodded once.
Approved.
Moments later.
the four wives and Kael arrived at the Molten World.
Unlike its dangerous name, the upper regions were beautiful.
Red mountains stretched endlessly.
Rivers of glowing lava moved below crystal bridges.
The skies looked like painted fire.
After exploring for a while, they opened a portal to another world.
a modern city.
Tower lights reflected through glass buildings.
Cars moved below.
New York City
Ashvattha blinked.
So many stone trees.
Lilith looked around.
These humans build upward.
Suddenly.
commotion echoed from a nearby street.
A frightened vampire ran through an alley while three awakened humans followed behind.
The woman leading them was:
Aurelia Pyrestar
Long crimson hair, sharp amber eyes, and flames dancing around her hands.
Beside her was:
Darius Noctveil
Black hair, golden eyes, and dark energy surrounding his coat.
The third moved silently behind them.
Aurelia raised her hand.
Stop running!
Darius extended dark energy.
It's over.
Kael watched quietly.
Then he frowned slightly.
Something feels wrong.
Nyx looked toward the vampire.
Fear.
Confusion.
Lilith narrowed her eyes.
They're hunting without understanding.
Kael stepped forward.
Instantly everyone froze.
The awakened humans looked toward him.
Their confidence immediately disappeared.
Kael spoke calmly.
Enough.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Aurelia lowered her flames.
Darius stepped back.
Even they felt something impossible to explain.
The frightened vampire looked around in confusion.
Y-you saved me?
Kael simply nodded once.
The tension disappeared.
The night became quiet again.
Later.
everyone returned to their evening together.
They found a beautiful place overlooking the city lights.
Floating lanterns drifted through the air.
Music played quietly nearby.
Kael casually created payment using his creation ability.
Golden coins appeared from light itself.
Ashvattha stared.
You just created money from air.
Kael nodded.
Convenient.
Lilith sighed.
Of course.
The Universe Tree moved closer and smiled softly.
The leaves in her hair glowed gently.
Thank you...
for making even strange places feel peaceful.
Kael looked at her and smiled.
The city lights reflected in their eyes while everyone enjoyed the night beneath the red sky.
Far away.
Wukong suddenly appeared through a portal holding food.
Sun Wukong shouted:
WAIT, YOU ALL WENT OUT WITHOUT ME?!
The entire table burst into laughter.