Morning light spread across the Veyris Empire.
Inside the center of the Imperial Gardens stood the ancient Universe Tree.
For ages it had remained there.
its roots stretching across realities, timelines, stars, and countless dimensions.
Today.
something changed.
The air around it began glowing emerald and gold.
Leaves of light drifted into the sky.
The earth beneath the roots pulsed once.
Then again.
Then.
the tree itself began transforming.
The massive trunk dissolved into streams of green starlight.
Branches folded inward.
Ancient symbols floated around the garden.
From the center of the light.
a figure slowly stepped forward.
Universe Tree had taken a humanoid form.
Long mint-green hair drifted around her like leaves carried by a gentle wind.
Bright golden-green eyes glowed with magical intensity.
Long pointed ears and delicate leaf ornaments emphasized her connection to nature itself.
Her elegant black, ivory and emerald outfit carried intricate vine patterns with glowing gemstones and golden details.
Her very presence felt calm.
Like standing beneath an endless sky.
Nearby.
Kael Veyris looked toward her.
Silence.
Then Kael spoke.
...You finally decided to appear.
The Universe Tree smiled softly.
I watched for a very long time.
I watched your Empire grow.
I watched your family grow.
I watched you.
Kael looked at her calmly.
And?
She stepped closer.
Leaves of light drifted around them.
And I wanted to stand beside everyone instead of only watching.
Nearby.
small heads slowly rose from behind crystal bushes.
Again.
Kaelignis Veyris blinked.
Why are we always behind bushes?
Elyrion Veythera immediately answered:
Tradition.
Veyloria Kaelthera sighed.
...We got caught last time.
Later.
inside the Imperial Hall.
many of Kael's wives had gathered.
Seraphina
Aetheria
Ignisia
Genesisra
Umbryssia
Abyssia
Sanguinara Dracoryx
along with Cosmyra, Eternya, Yunara, Kitsune Reina, Shiori Amateru, Ayakari, Tsukiyora, Elowen, Oblivira, Infinitra, Nullara, Ignivar, Valthera, Elysia, Lycanthra, Korynthia and the Eldritch Chaos Sovereign.
The Universe Tree looked around at everyone.
Thank you for protecting this place.
For protecting him.
For protecting each other.
Ignisia crossed her arms.
You're surprisingly calm.
Universe Tree smiled.
Trees grow slowly.
Umbryssia smirked.
I expected something mysterious.
Universe Tree tilted her head.
I am mysterious.
Silence.
Aetheria looked at Seraphina.
Seraphina looked at Aetheria.
Then both started laughing.
Nearby Kael looked around.
From outside.
Wukong's voice suddenly echoed:
WHY DOES EVERY IMPORTANT CONVERSATION HAPPEN WHEN I'M EATING?!
Instantly.
Kaelignis started laughing.
The Universe Tree blinked.
Then smiled.
For the first time.
she wasn't watching the family from afar.
She was part of it.