In the great Yu Dynasty, on the outskirts of the main city, there was a well-known ice cream stand in that area. At that time of day, a quiet line formed in front of the small shop, accompanied by soft murmurs and the distant sound of everyday life moving along unhurriedly.
Waiting his turn was a young man.
His black hair fell freely, slightly wavy, framing his face and contrasting with his fair, well-cared-for skin, untouched by the passage of time. His face was attractively sober: a defined jawline, soft cheekbones, and balanced features that conveyed serenity rather than aggression. There was no harshness in him, but neither was there fragility.
That was Daverion.
As the line moved slowly forward, several people around him couldn't help but stare at him. It wasn't just his appearance; it was the way he stood still, as if the world moved around him and not the other way around.
A beautiful young woman worked at the ice cream stand. When she looked up and met Daverion's gaze, her cheeks flushed red. She had never seen anyone like him before; for a moment, the idea that he looked like a deity crossed her mind without her being able to help it.
"Your ice cream, sir," she said, almost in a whisper.
Daverion, who had been daydreaming, snapped out of it.
"Thank you," he said, taking the ice cream and the money she handed him.
He remembered the first time he had been in those ruins. He had acquired the benefits of that being without becoming bound to it, even though it believed otherwise. Since then, he had only heard that voice three times. The last time was recently, at the lake.
It didn't matter.
Now there was something more important.
His ice cream.
He took the ice cream naturally. The young woman remained staring at him, motionless.
"What are you looking at?" asked Daverion. "Is my hair messy?"
As he spoke, he adjusted his hair with a carefree gesture.
The young woman, filled with embarrassment, immediately lowered her head.
"N-no... I'm not looking at anything."
"How strange..." Daverion commented, walking away as he began to eat his ice cream with a genuine expression of happiness.
The sunset began to paint the sky with warm tones as Daverion wandered around different places in the dynasty, sampling food and drinks. He walked slowly, observing the lively street: merchants closing their stalls, workers returning home tired, scattered laughter, mild arguments, faces marked by small worries and simple desires.
He watched people going about their business, their routines, their fleeting emotions. He contemplated existence, flowing without knowing anything about the approaching end.
"Time to try the best wine here," he said, licking his lips. "If I don't like it, I'll destroy this dynasty... ha ha ha. Just kidding."
A playful smile
spread across his face.
He then walked down a wider, well-kept street, where the buildings became more refined. At the end of the road stood an elegant, imposing three-story building with an impeccable facade and details that spoke of wealth and exclusivity.
The entrance was guarded by two tall, burly guards, standing firm as statues.
The one on the left was Yu Kang, younger, with a perpetually furrowed brow and a rigid expression, typical of someone who still needed to prove himself.
The one on the right was Yu Ren, older, his face marked by years of service. He observed with a distinct calm, that of someone who has learned to recognize danger before it manifests itself.
Just before arriving, Daverion stopped.
He turned his face slightly and looked up at the sky. He remained like that for a few seconds, in silence. There was nothing visible, no obvious sign, and yet something had reached him.
A subtle disturbance.
A distant pulse.
The sky remained calm.
Too calm.
Daverion lowered his gaze and continued on his way.
"Your invitation, sir," Yu Kang said firmly.
"I don't have one," Daverion replied calmly.
Yu Kang frowned, annoyed. He took a step forward, ready to grab him and throw him out.
"Stop," Yu Ren ordered, raising his hand.
Yu Kang stood still, surprised.
"Don't worry, sir," said Yu Ren. "For guests as noble as you, there is no need for an invitation."
As he spoke, he felt his back drenched in sweat, though he couldn't explain why.
Daverion said nothing.
He simply walked toward the interior of the building.