The Veyris Empire rested beneath silver-blue skies.
Floating continents moved slowly above crystal oceans, and the distant towers of the capital reflected starlight even during the day.
For once.
there was no emergency.
No invading realms.
No strange beings claiming to stand beyond everything.
Only ordinary life.
Which somehow always felt unusual.
Inside the Imperial Garden, Kael Veyris stood near a lake of glowing water.
Leaves of light drifted around him.
Ashvattha approached quietly.
Her long emerald-gold hair moved gently like sacred vines dancing in wind.
She stood beside Kael and looked toward the water.
The Empire feels larger now.
Kael looked toward her.
It expanded after the war.
Ashvattha shook her head softly.
"Not land.
She smiled slightly.
The people.
The bonds.
The feeling.
Kael looked around.
Children trained in the distance.
Knights laughed nearby.
Citizens walked through the city streets.
...I see.
Suddenly.
soft footsteps approached.
A woman wearing moon-white robes stepped forward.
Her hair flowed like silver rivers beneath starlight.
This was Yue Lian.
Her calm eyes reflected distant stars.
Emperor Kael.
Kael looked toward her.
You needed something?
Yue Lian smiled softly.
No.
I simply wanted to walk.
Then she looked around the garden.
...Strange.
Kael raised an eyebrow.
What is?
Yue Lian looked toward the sky.
"I've traveled across countless worlds.
I've seen rulers.
I've seen kingdoms.
A small smile appeared.
But this place feels like home.
Nearby.
Noctyra Valis sat beneath a crystal tree beside Anemone and Ashenback.
Anemone stared at flowers drifting in the air.
...They're beautiful.
Ashenback crossed her arms.
"Peace still feels weird.
Noctyra looked toward the city.
I agree.
Further away, Zarythia Drakenveil and Kaelithra Veylscara observed the training grounds.
Zarythia narrowed her eyes.
"The Empire continues growing stronger.
Kaelithra looked toward distant knights.
And stronger things attract stronger shadows.
Across the gardens and palace grounds.
Seraphina spoke with Aetheria.
Cosmyra and Eternya discussed stars.
Yunara laughed with Kitsune Reina.
Shiori Amateru sat beside Ayakari beneath blooming trees.
Tsukiyora quietly listened to Elowen.
Abyssia, Genesisra, Oblivira and Infinitra argued over strange cosmic theories.
Nullara, Ignivar, Valthera and Elysia walked together.
Ignisia crossed her arms while Lycanthra laughed nearby.
Korynthia spoke with Umbryssia.
Even Sanguinara Dracoryx and the Eldritch Chaos Sovereign seemed strangely relaxed.
Then.
far away.
in another region entirely
a woman stood before rows of armored knights.
Black banners moved beneath dark winds.
Her sharp eyes looked toward distant horizons.
Hoshina Kurotsuki.
The knights stood silently.
My Lady.
Hoshina looked toward the sky.
The Veyris Empire continues expanding.
One knight lowered his head.
Do we attack?
Silence.
Hoshina smiled slightly.
No.
The knights looked confused.
She turned slowly.
I want to see him first.
Kael Veyris...
Far away.
a cold wind moved through the Empire.
Not dangerous.
Not hostile.
Just enough to make Kael pause for a moment.
He looked toward the horizon.
...Hm.
Somewhere.
someone had begun moving.