Night settled over the Veyris Empire.
The stars above the floating kingdoms shimmered softly while rivers of light flowed between distant celestial islands.
For once.
there were no alarms.
No wars.
No reality tears.
No enemies trying to challenge the Empire.
Only quiet.
The Imperial Garden had become unusually crowded.
Kael Veyris had gone elsewhere to deal with reports from distant territories, leaving many of the Empire's most powerful figures gathered beneath the World Trees.
The Universe Tree sat in her humanoid form beside Ashvattha.
Her mint-green hair moved like drifting leaves while glowing petals slowly floated around her.
Ashvattha looked toward the sky.
...It's peaceful tonight.
Lilith sat nearby with crossed legs.
Whenever someone says that, trouble appears.
Aurelia Pyrestar laughed.
You really expect disaster every day?
Darius Noctveil looked toward the sky.
Considering where we live? Yes.
Luxryth Solaris sat beside a crystal fountain.
Golden light reflected in her glowing eyes.
I still cannot get used to this place.
Universe Tree tilted her head.
What part?
Luxryth looked around.
There are dragons flying beside gods.
There are beings older than universes having normal conversations.
And somehow Wukong stole food three times today.
From a tree branch above.
Wukong immediately yelled:
THAT'S AN UNPROVEN ALLEGATION.
Silence.
Then everyone looked upward.
.
Wukong slowly hid behind leaves.
Nearby, the others had gathered.
Seraphina spoke with Aetheria.
Cosmyra and Eternya discussed ancient stars.
Yunara and Kitsune Reina laughed together.
Shiori Amateru and Ayakari watched moonlight reflect on nearby lakes.
Tsukiyora sat quietly beside Elowen.
Abyssia and Genesisra debated cosmic theories.
Oblivira and Infinitra argued over which dimensions had stranger creatures.
Nullara and Ignivar watched while smiling.
Valthera and Elysia talked with Lycanthra.
Korynthia sat beside Umbryssia Void Black Dragon Empress.
Sanguinara Dracoryx quietly observed everyone.
Even the Eldritch Chaos Sovereign seemed unusually relaxed.
Ignisia sat nearby with crossed arms.
...He's still not back?
Lilith smirked.
You miss him.
Ignisia immediately looked away.
I said nothing.
Universe Tree smiled.
Ashvattha smiled.
Luxryth smiled.
Aurelia smiled.
Even Darius raised an eyebrow.
Ignisia looked around.
...Why is everyone looking at me?
Suddenly.
the entire garden trembled slightly.
Not violently.
Just enough for flowers to shake.
Everyone became quiet.
Far beyond the Empire.
outside the borders of mapped existence.
something opened its eyes.
Ancient.
Watching.
Waiting.
Luxryth slowly stood.
Her expression changed.
"...That energy."
Lilith narrowed her eyes.
"What is it?"
Luxryth stared toward distant stars.
"...The Solar Throne isn't just watching anymore."
Far away.
countless golden eyes opened in darkness.
And all of them looked toward the Veyris Empire.