Virelia – Later That Same Day
Somewhere in the outer courtyard of the Celestial Monarch Palace, golden trees swayed gently under a twilight sky that looked like it had been painted by a sugar-high deity. Peaceful. Calm. Serene.
Until someone crashed through a bush.
"ALFRED!!!"
Adams came flying in like a meteor made of rage and throw pillows, leaping over the railing with that dramatic anime sprint—the kind where his legs blurred and sparkles trailed behind because of course they did.
Alfred screamed like a gremlin and bolted, still wearing a T-shirt that read:
"I Survived Chew Man… But My Cultivation Didn't."
"You printed that!?" Adams shouted mid-chase.
"Limited edition!" Alfred yelled, dodging a pillow that nearly took his head off. "You're famous now, bro! Embrace the merch!"
Aria watched from above on a floating balcony, legs crossed like she was the final boss of sarcasm. "You two gonna destroy the garden again? Or should I just call the landscaper now?"
