Several days after the Grand Imperial Festival, life within the Veyris Empire returned to normal.
Well.
as normal as an empire filled with dragons, world trees, cosmic rulers, and Wukong could ever be.
The morning sun shone through the branches of Ashvattha and the Universe Tree.
Their enormous canopies stretched across the heavens, casting gentle emerald light over the Imperial Gardens.
Kael Veyris sat beneath the trees with Ashvattha, the Universe Tree, Ignisia, Marigold, Umbryssia, Xihe Drakonara, Kaelithra Veylscara, Zarythia Drakenveil, Noctyra Valis, Luxryth Solaris, Zeraphiel, and many others.
Nearby, Kael's daughters were gathered together.
For once.
they weren't training.
They weren't fighting.
They were simply talking.
Kael watched quietly.
Then smiled.
You've all grown a lot.
The daughters looked toward him.
What do you want to do in the future?
The question surprised them.
For a moment, nobody answered.
Then Kaelignis stood first.
Kaelignis Veyris' Dream
Kaelignis clenched her fist.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
I want to become a legendary Dragon Knight.
Several people smiled.
Not just a knight.
The greatest Dragon Knight.
I want stories written about my adventures.
I want to protect worlds.
I want people to feel safe when they see my banner.
Ignisia immediately looked proud.
That's my girl.
Kael laughed.
A worthy goal.
Lyra's Kaelry's Dream
Next came Lyra.
I want to explore.
Everyone blinked.
Explore?
Lyra nodded enthusiastically.
There are still countless unknown worlds.
Unknown civilizations.
Unknown stars.
Unknown mysteries.
She pointed toward the sky.
I want to see all of them.
Marigold laughed softly.
That sounds dangerous.
Exactly.
Lyra answered.
Wukong suddenly appeared.
I approve.
Nobody was surprised.
Elyrion Veythera's Dream
Elyrion adjusted several books she had been carrying.
I want to study history.
Silence.
Then Wukong looked shocked.
You're voluntarily reading?
Elyrion threw a book at him.
History is important.
She looked toward Ashvattha.
There are billions of years of forgotten knowledge.
Ancient civilizations.
Lost kingdoms.
Hidden truths.
Ashvattha smiled.
You remind me of myself long ago.
Elyrion looked very pleased by that.
Veyloria Kaelthera's Dream
Next came Veyloria.
I want to help govern the Empire.
Several Imperial Knights immediately nodded approvingly.
The Empire keeps growing.
More worlds join every year.
More people depend on us.
She looked toward Kael.
Someone has to help manage all of it.
Kael smiled.
A ruler who cares about people is invaluable.
Veyloria looked proud.
Seralyth Veyris' Dream
Finally.
everyone looked toward Seralyth.
She was quiet for a moment.
Then she looked toward Ashvattha and the Universe Tree.
I want to understand the World Trees.
Ashvattha blinked.
The World Trees?
Seralyth nodded.
You're ancient.
Wise.
Connected to countless worlds.
She looked upward toward their massive branches.
There are still things nobody understands about you.
I want to learn everything.
The Universe Tree smiled warmly.
Then I suppose we'll have much to teach you.
Seralyth immediately became excited.
Really?
Ashvattha laughed.
Of course.
The daughters continued talking about their dreams.
Plans.
Goals.
Ideas.
Kael watched quietly.
Ignisia moved beside him.
They're growing up.
Kael nodded.
They are.
For the first time, their dreams weren't connected to his power.
Or his reputation.
Or his legacy.
They had their own goals.
Their own futures.
Their own identities.
Kaelignis would become a Dragon Knight.
Lyra would explore unknown worlds.
Elyrion would uncover forgotten history.
Veyloria would help guide the Empire.
Seralyth would study the mysteries of the World Trees.
They were no longer simply Kael's daughters.
They were becoming heroes of their own stories.
The World Trees Speak
As evening arrived.
Ashvattha and the Universe Tree watched the daughters from above.
They remind me of young civilizations.
Ashvattha said softly.
Full of possibilities.
The Universe Tree nodded.
Every branch grows differently.
Yet all reach toward the sky.
Below them.
the daughters laughed together.
Planning future adventures.
Future discoveries.
Future dreams.
And somewhere deep within the roots of the World Trees.
ancient powers stirred.
Not hostile.
Not dangerous.
But waiting.
Watching.
As if the trees themselves recognized that the next generation of heroes had begun to bloom.