The Veyris Empire had finally returned to its quieter days.
Well… quieter by Imperial standards.
No wars.
No collapsing realms.
No ancient rulers declaring cosmic judgment.
Only drifting clouds, floating islands, and people enjoying ordinary life.
Far beyond the Empire's borders.
near an unstable region between dimensions.
two figures ran across shattered crystal terrain.
Behind them, reality itself cracked with every step of a pursuing creature.
The first woman was Ashenback.
Long flowing black hair with deep red streaks moved behind her like shadows mixed with flame.
Bright glowing red eyes stared ahead.
Elegant red horns rose from her head while her dark dress moved with the wind.
Beside her was Anemone.
Long silver-white hair with soft lavender-blue tones flowed beyond her waist.
Her blue eyes carried an elf-like elegance.
Her blue dress shimmered with light as she looked back nervously.
Behind them.
something chased them.
Not walking.
Not flying.
It simply appeared closer each moment.
Its form shifted constantly.
Hands became wings.
Wings became darkness.
Darkness became eyes.
Anemone looked back.
It's catching up!
Ashenback narrowed her eyes.
We keep moving!
The creature suddenly appeared directly in front of them.
Space twisted.
Its voice echoed:
End.
Both immediately stopped.
For a moment.
everything became silent.
Then.
another voice spoke calmly.
Not happening.
The creature froze.
Slowly turned.
Standing there was Kael Veyris.
Hands in pockets.
Completely relaxed.
The creature's expression changed.
Impossible.
Before it finished.
its body suddenly shattered into light particles.
No attack.
No visible movement.
Only disappearance.
The creature vanished.
Silence.
Ashenback blinked.
Anemone blinked.
...What just happened?
Kael shrugged.
It stopped existing.
Later.
inside the Imperial Garden.
many members of the Empire gathered.
Zarythia Drakenveil stood nearby.
Ashvattha smiled softly.
Kaelithra Veylscara observed quietly.
Seraphina, Aetheria, Cosmyra, Eternya, Yunara, Kitsune Reina, Shiori Amateru, Ayakari, Tsukiyora, Elowen, Abyssia, Genesisra, Oblivira, Infinitra, Nullara, Ignivar, Valthera, Elysia, Ignisia, Lycanthra, Korynthia, Umbryssia Void Black Dragon Empress, Sanguinara Dracoryx and the others listened as Ashenback and Anemone explained everything.
Anemone bowed slightly.
Thank you for saving us.
Ashenback nodded.
We thought we were finished.
Kael gave a small nod.
"You made it here safely. That's enough.
Anemone smiled softly.
I expected someone terrifying after hearing stories about the Emperor.
She laughed quietly.
You're surprisingly kind.
Nearby.
Ignisia crossed her arms dramatically.
...I saw that smile.
Umbryssia smirked.
Oh no.
Wukong suddenly appeared upside down from a tree.
ALERT. I REPEAT. SOCIAL INTERACTION DETECTED.
Everyone stared.
Wukong slowly lowered himself back into the tree.
Then.
without warning.
space behind Kael tore open.
A dark being emerged.
I HAVE COME TO DESTRO.
Before it even finished.
Ashvattha raised one hand.
Golden roots of light instantly wrapped around the creature.
Ancient symbols bloomed across the sky.
The being blinked once.
...Eh?
Then.
gone.
Erased.
Silence.
Kael looked toward Ashvattha.
...Fast.
Ashvattha smiled innocently.
I was helping.
Wukong stared.
...That thing existed for like three seconds.
The entire garden burst into laughter.
Above the Empire.
the stars continued shining peacefully.
At least until the next strange thing arrived.