Morning light covered the Veyris Empire.
Training grounds floated between crystal mountains while rivers of starlight moved beneath the skies.
For once
there were no warnings.
No invading gods.
No collapsing realities.
Only familyKaelignis Veyris suddenly walked over.
Without warning
she wrapped her arms around Kael Veyris.
…Morning, Dad.
A moment later
Lyra's Kaelry immediately joined too.
…Me too.
Now both daughters were hugging him.
Nearby, several imperial guards looked away respectfully.
Wukong glanced over.
…You know, seeing Kael Veyris doing family things still feels strange.
Kael looked down at them.
Then quietly placed a hand on each of their heads.
…Good morning.
Then he said:
…Time for swordsmanship training.
The smiles instantly disappeared.
…Wait WHAT?! Kaelignis yelled.Twenty minutes passed.
Only twenty.
Kael stood calmly in the center of the training grounds.
Not breathing harder.
Not moving much.
Not even a single mark on his clothes.
Meanwhile
Kaelignis had dragon wings partially unfolded while trying to recover.
Lyra sat on the ground dramatically staring into the sky.
Kaelignis pointed at him.
…Dad!
…Twenty minutes!
…TWENTY!
Lyra slowly raised a hand.
"…We didn't even hit you once…
Kael looked at them calmly.
..That is why swordsmanship matters.
…Power alone does not decide victory.
…If your energy disappears…
…If your abilities fail…
…If reality itself turns against you…
He raised the wooden training sword.
…Your sword remains.
The girls stared silently.
Then both nodded.
…We understand."Nearby, Ignisia watched with crossed arms and a grin.
…Not bad.
…You both lasted longer today.
Kaelignis immediately turned.
…Mom!
...Help us!
Ignisia laughed.
...Against him?
...No.
Lyra blinked.
..You're abandoning us?
Ignisia smirked.
…I'm being realistic.
A familiar calm presence approached.
Then another.
Lilith walked beside Kael.
And beside her came Nyx.
Lilith looked at Kael quietly.
...Teaching them again?
..Yes," Kael answered.
Nyx smiled slightly.
..Your daughters are improving quickly.
Kaelignis crossed her arms proudly.
…Obviously.
Lyra nodded confidently.
We almost touched him
Silence.
Kael looked at them.
…No.
Silence again.
Wukong, watching from a distance, immediately burst into laughter.
…HAHAHA!
That was cold!
Even Ignisia covered her mouth trying not to laugh.
Lilith smiled faintly.
Nyx looked away hiding a small smile.
And for a little while
the Veyris Empire simply enjoyed a peaceful day.