Ahhh…" Wei breathed heavily. "I've been fighting so much lately. I think I need a break."
He glanced at Ryo. "Do you know a good place in Birigan where we can relax for a bit?"
How do you want to relax?" Ryo asked.
"Food? Maybe a drink?"
"Food? Yes. Alcohol? No," Wei said quickly, shaking his head. "I still remember the last time I drank… I ended up sleeping outside the coliseum." His face twisted with regret.
Ryo smirked. "Was that the same day we fought the Red Knight at the coliseum?"
"Yeah… why?" Wei asked, confused.
Ryo's grin widened. "Because you fought better that day." He chuckled. "I think drinking suits you—it makes you stronger in battle!"
Wei stared at him, unimpressed. "Or maybe it just makes me stupid enough not to feel pain."
Ryo burst out laughing.
Ryo suddenly narrowed his eyes, staring up at the sky.
Wei noticed. "What is it?" he asked, following Ryo's gaze.
High above them, a figure cut through the clouds—a fast-moving silhouette gliding across the open sky.
Then—
"Quaaack!"
Wei's eyes lit up instantly. He recognized the call.
"Garbaru!! I'm here! Come down!" Wei shouted, waving his arm with excitement.
The flying creature shifted direction at once, diving toward them with increasing speed.
Garbaru swooped down from the sky, his wings beating against the air before he landed beside them with a soft thud.
"Quaaack!" he cried happily.
Wei rushed forward, his face lighting up with relief. "Garbaru!"
He scooped the creature into his arms, hugging him tightly before planting a quick kiss on his head.
"I missed you, buddy," Wei said with a grin.
Garbaru flapped his wings excitedly, nuzzling against Wei as if responding to the affection.
Ryo crossed his arms, watching with a faint smirk. "Didn't know you had a soft side."
Wei glanced at him. "Only for him."
"I know a place where we can eat and relax," Ryo said.
Wei's eyes lit up. "Then let's head back to Commonwealth!"
Ryo shook his head. "No need. The place I'm talking about… is in the sky. Just before we reach the Scarlet Goblins' territory."
Wei hesitated, scratching his head. "Uh… don't you think that's a bad idea? We'd be chilling right next to our enemies. That goblin I killed might already be revived. He could come back with his whole tribe and ambush us."
Ryo remained calm. "That place is sacred—for reasons no one fully understands. No one in Birigan dares to touch it."
"Not even the Scarlet Goblins?" Wei asked.
Ryo nodded. "Especially them. They respect it."
Wei looked up at the sky, curiosity replacing his doubt.
"…Alright," he said, a grin slowly forming. "Now I'm interested."
The two climbed onto Garbaru's back, and with a powerful flap of his wings, they soared into the sky.
Wind rushed past them as the ground quickly shrank below.
"Hey, Wei… can you ask your pet to go faster?" Ryo said, shifting uncomfortably behind him.
Wei glanced back, confused. "Why? What's the matter? Don't tell me you're afraid of heights."
"No," Ryo replied flatly. "I'm just not comfortable sitting this close behind you."
Wei smirked. "You're ridiculous, Ryo." He adjusted his position slightly. "Alright, just hold on tighter."
He patted Garbaru's neck. "Let's pick up the pace!"
"Quaaack!"
Garbaru responded instantly—his wings beat harder, slicing through the air as his speed surged.
In seconds, they shot forward like a jet, tearing across the sky with a trail of wind behind them.
The wind howled louder as Garbaru tore through the sky, clouds parting like waves before them.
At first, all Wei could see was an endless sea of white—
Then shapes began to emerge.
Floating islands.
Massive chunks of land drifted silently above the world, their roots hanging like veins into the open air. Some were covered in lush forests, others in ruins—ancient stone pillars and broken temples standing as if frozen in time.
But one island, right at the center, caught Wei's attention.
It wasn't wild or abandoned.
It was a town.
A small settlement sat atop the floating land—lined with buildings: hotels, restaurants, weapon and armor shops, and lively taverns. Warm lights glowed from the windows, and faint sounds of chatter and music drifted through the air, even from this distance.
Wei stared in awe at the floating islands.
"Man… this is just like the movies I used to watch," he said, eyes wide with excitement.
Then he pointed ahead.
"I wanna go to that island—the one in the center."
A grin spread across his face. "That place looks fun. And more importantly… I wanna see what kind of food they've got." He rubbed his stomach. "I'm starving." "By the way, how did you find this place, Ryo? Have you been here before?" Wei asked, still staring at the floating town.
Ryo nodded. "Yeah. I trained here before. This place is enchanted."
Wei glanced at him. "Enchanted? How?"
"Anything you destroy—stones, trees—they return to their original state," Ryo explained. "No matter how much damage you cause, the place restores itself."
Wei raised a brow, impressed. "So… it's like a perfect training ground."
Ryo gave a small nod. "Exactly."
'"How about that island in the center? Is the food any good there?" Wei asked curiously.
Ryo smirked. "You bet. And the liquor's even better."
Wei chuckled. "Didn't know you were an alcoholic, Ryo."
Ryo shrugged. "I just know how to enjoy a good drink."
Garbaru descended through the clouds and landed at the heart of the floating town.
Wei and Ryo stepped down from his back, taking in the scene before them.
The place was alive.
Elves moved gracefully along the streets, while goblins, beastfolk, and other races—animals with human forms—walked freely among them. Some browsed the shops, examining weapons and trinkets. Others laughed and strolled casually, as if they were simply enjoying a peaceful day in the park.
There was no tension. No hostility.
Just life.
Wei blinked in surprise. "Huh… everyone's just… getting along?"
"Yeah, because again, I said earlier, the place is sacred, fighting is prohibited."
"But you were allowed to practice your sword here?" Wei asked confused.
A short rabbit looking man who's wearing a waiter's uniform approached them. "It's part of the meditation, it is not necessarily fighting." The short rabbit looking man said. Let me take your per to our valet sir. He added.
Another rabbit-like man—slightly taller, dressed in the same neat uniform—stepped forward and gently took hold of Garbaru's reins.
"Don't worry, sir. Your companion will be well taken care of," he said politely, bowing his head.
Garbaru let out a soft "Quaaack," glancing back at Wei.
Wei gave him a reassuring pat. "Go on, Garbaru. Behave, alright?"
The taller rabbit-man nodded and carefully led Garbaru away, guiding him toward a well-kept stable area hidden behind the buildings.
Wei watched for a moment, then turned back to Ryo. "Wow… this place even has valet service."
Ryo smirked. "Told you. This isn't just any place."
"Ahem, ahem." The short rabbit-like man cleared his throat politely. "May I escort you inside the restaurant, gentlemen?"
The two nodded and followed the rabbit-like attendant.
He led them down a polished stone path, weaving through the lively streets toward a grand building glowing with warm light.
As they approached, intricate wooden carvings, red lanterns, and golden ornaments came into view.
Wei's eyes widened in surprise.
"Woah… this looks like a Chinese restaurant."
The short rabbit-like attendant guided them inside the restaurant and led them to their seats.
"Can we have the menu?" Wei asked politely.
"Please swipe the air in front of you, sir," the short rabbit-like waiter replied with a courteous bow.
Wei raised a brow, then waved his hand through the air.
A glowing screen instantly appeared before him, displaying rows of food and beverages
—each dish vividly illustrated, almost lifelike.
"Whoa…"
His eyes locked onto one selection: fried duck paired with special fried rice, the image shimmering with steam and rich color.
"That looks amazing," Wei muttered, his mouth already watering as he stared at the screen.
Wei tapped the image, placing his order.
"What did you get, Ryo?" he asked, glancing over.
"Fried duck with fried rice," Ryo replied calmly.
Wei blinked, then smirked. "Seriously? Same as me?"
Ryo shrugged. "If it's good, it's good."
"I'll be back once your food is ready," the short rabbit-like waiter said with a polite bow before stepping away.
A few minutes later, he returned—carrying a tray and placing a plate in front of Ryo.
Wei blinked, looking at the table.
Only one dish.
He frowned slightly. "Hey, mister… where's my fried duck?"
Before the waiter could respond, a gentle voice spoke from behind him.
"Here is your fried duck and fried rice, sir."
Wei turned.
A beautiful elf in a red Chinese dress stood beside him, smiling softly as she set the steaming dish onto the table. The aroma rose instantly—rich, savory, and irresistible.
Wei's eyes widened. "Oh… now that looks worth the wait."
Wei was momentarily stunned when he saw the woman who served his food.
Their eyes met for a brief second.
The elf noticed it—the flicker of surprise, the admiration in his gaze. A faint, knowing smile touched her lips as she straightened, her red dress swaying slightly.
But just as quickly—
Wei looked away.
The aroma of the food pulled him back. Without hesitation, he grabbed his utensils and started eating.
The elf blinked.
"…Oh?" she murmured softly, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Most men would have kept staring.
But this one chose food.
She glanced at him once more before turning away, her smile lingering as she walked off.
Ryo smirked from across the table. "You just ignored her."
Wei didn't even look up. "I can admire beauty later. Right now…" he took another bite, eyes lighting up, "…this is way more important."
The two devoured their fried duck and rice like it was their first proper meal in a month.
"Hey, Ryo," Wei said, mouth still half full, "I didn't know you could look this greedy when you eat."
Ryo didn't even look up. "You should see yourself first."
Wei paused, then smirked. "Fair point."