Morning sunlight spread across the Veyris Empire.
The crystal lakes reflected stars even during the day, and gentle winds moved through the Imperial Gardens.
Today was peaceful.
No invading pantheons.
No strange beings trying to challenge reality.
No mysterious messages in the sky.
Just peace.
Beneath the giant silver trees, many of Kael Veyris's wives had gathered together.
Among them were Seraphina, Aetheria, Ignisia, Genesisra, Umbryssia, Abyssia and 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.
Crystal tea cups floated gently around the table.
Ignisia crossed her arms.
I still say Kael uses unfair levels of strength.
Umbryssia smirked.
You're still thinking about the sword match.
Ignisia immediately pointed.
I improved!
Aetheria laughed softly.
You did improve.
Genesisra lifted her cup.
Though fighting Kael is like challenging a mountain to move.
Nearby, Sanguinara looked thoughtful.
Not only that.
Lately his daughters are changing too.
Abyssia looked toward the distant training grounds.
They're finding their own paths.
That's more important than simply becoming stronger.
For a moment everyone became quiet.
Then Shiori smiled.
Do you think Kael realizes how much everyone around him has changed?
Silence.
Ignisia blinked.
...No.
Umbryssia laughed.
Absolutely not.
Suddenly.
everyone started laughing.
Far away.
Kael stopped walking.
He looked around.
I feel like people are talking about me.
Meanwhile.
beyond the Empire...
Beyond stars...
Beyond distant dimensions...
Inside a crimson throne room wrapped in shadows.
a woman sat with one leg crossed over the other.
Vaelithra Umbrys slowly opened her glowing red eyes.
Long crimson hair flowed around her throne like living fire.
Shadows curled around the room.
A faint smile appeared across her face.
Soon...
our paths will cross again.
Her crimson eyes reflected distant stars.
And far away within the Veyris Empire.
a small chill suddenly passed through the wind.