Morning light spread across the Veyris Empire.
Floating rivers crossed the sky while countless crystal birds moved through clouds of silver light.
Inside the Imperial Gardens.
Kael Veyris stood beneath the great Universe Tree.
The ancient tree had watched over worlds, stars, and countless ages.
Suddenly.
the leaves above him began glowing.
Golden-green particles drifted downward like starlit petals.
The entire tree gently shook.
Then a figure stepped from the light.
Elaris Verdwyn appeared.
Her long mint-green hair flowed around her like leaves dancing in wind.
Her golden-green eyes glowed warmly.
Her elegant black, ivory, and emerald outfit carried vine patterns and small glowing gemstones.
She looked at Kael.
Kael looked at her.
Silence.
Then.
without warning.
she walked forward and kissed him on the cheek.
Absolute silence.
Nearby.
Ignisia blinked.
Umbryssia slowly raised an eyebrow.
Sun Wukong dropped his fruit.
THE TREE DID WHAT?!
Elaris tilted her head innocently.
Trees appreciate what protects them.
Kael stared for a moment.
...I was not expecting that.
Before the chaos could continue.
heavy footsteps approached.
Multiple armored knights suddenly knelt.
My King.
My Emperor.
At the front stood Kael's royal knights.
One spoke immediately.
A clan has arrived at the Empire gates.
They seek alliance with the Veyris Empire.
Kael looked toward them calmly.
Their name?
The knight lowered his head.
The Crimson Void Dragon Clan.
A large portal opened nearby.
From within stepped two figures.
The first was a woman.
Velryssa Dravaryn
Long black hair flowed down her back.
White dragon horns curved elegantly from her head.
Her red eyes shined brightly.
She wore a beautiful crimson-red dress with dark gold details flowing along the edges.
She carried herself like royalty.
Beside her stood a man.
Raizen Solvak
Black hair rested around his shoulders while sharp yellow eyes scanned the palace.
He wore dark dragon-scale armor with silver patterns running across it.
Velryssa stepped forward respectfully.
Great Emperor.
the Crimson Void Dragon Clan wishes.
Kael raised a hand.
Already accepted.
Silence.
Raizen blinked.
Velryssa blinked.
The knights blinked.
Even Wukong blinked.
Raizen looked confused.
...You accepted before hearing us?
Kael nodded.
You crossed worlds seeking a home and alliance.
That is enough.
Velryssa stared at Kael for several moments.
Then smiled.
Interesting.
Behind nearby pillars.
four familiar heads appeared.
Again.
Kaelignis Veyris whispered:
New people.
Lyra's Kaelry whispered back:
Place your bets.
Friends or future family members?
Veyloria Kaelthera sighed.
...We're spying again.
Wukong suddenly appeared beside them.
Move over.
I can't see.