The Imperial Palace was quiet.
Morning light spread across the endless capital.
One hundred and two races began another peaceful day.
The Universe Trees swayed gently.
The Imperial Knights continued their training.
Kael Veyris stood alone upon the highest balcony.
His golden eyes overlooked countless realities.
Wukong appeared beside him.
Holding fruit.
As usual.
"So."
Wukong grinned.
"I've always wondered something."
Kael looked at him.
"What is it?"
Wukong pointed toward the endless horizon.
"How fast can you actually move?"
Kael thought for a moment.
"I've never measured it."
Wukong laughed.
"Come on."
"Show me."
Kael smiled faintly.
"As you wish."
He took one step.
Silence.
Nothing happened.
Or at least…
That was how it appeared.
The next instant.
Kael was standing behind Wukong.
Before Wukong could react.
Kael was already back where he started.
Then beside the Universe Tree.
Then at the edge of the Empire.
Then beyond the Empire.
Then outside the surrounding cosmologies.
Then back on the balcony.
All before a single leaf had finished falling from the tree.
Wukong blinked.
"...What?"
The leaf finally touched the ground.
Kael folded his arms.
"I returned."
Wukong stared.
"...Returned from where?"
Kael answered calmly.
"I walked across every realm under the Empire."
"I visited the outer borders."
"I greeted several civilizations."
"I watched three stars be born."
"I read two hundred books from the Infinite Library."
"I returned a lost child to her parents."
"And I was back before the leaf landed."
Silence.
Wukong looked at the leaf.
Then at Kael.
Then back at the leaf.
"...That's unfair."
Kael smiled.
"I suppose."
Just then.
Veyloria ran onto the balcony.
"Father!"
Kael smiled warmly.
"Good morning."
She looked around.
"Uncle Wukong said you disappeared."
"I did."
"For how long?"
Kael looked at the sky.
"Several hours."
Veyloria frowned.
"But..."
She pointed at the leaf.
"It only just landed."
Kael gently patted her head.
"Time does not always describe every journey."
Veyloria thought very hard.
Then nodded confidently.
"I don't understand."
Wukong laughed.
"Neither do I."
At that moment.
Ashvattha and Eldara walked onto the balcony.
Ashvattha smiled.
"Were you demonstrating your speed again?"
Kael nodded.
"A little."
Eldara laughed softly.
"You crossed existence before breakfast again, didn't you?"
"I did."
Wukong sighed dramatically.
"I trained for millions of years..."
"...and this guy goes for a walk outside reality."
Kael looked toward the endless horizon.
"Sometimes..."
"The shortest path..."
"...is simply wherever I decide to arrive."
The four stood together.
Watching the peaceful Empire below.
Children from all 102 races played together.
Knights trained across the capital.
The World Trees glowed with ancient light.
Universes revolved peacefully around the Eternal Empire.
For Kael Veyris.
Distance had long ago lost its meaning.
Yet despite being able to reach anywhere in an instant...
His favorite place to return to...
Was always home.