After two months of diligent work, the prototype for the world bubble's Anchor Point was declared complete.
The massive palace transformed into countless specks of black dust, indiscernible to the naked eye, gradually dispersing with the wind from its rooftop.
Swiftly, under the watchful gaze of many, Bright Light Hall—the symbol of enduring imperial power that had stood tall for millennia—vanished without a trace.
On the vast expanse of land where the hall once resided, a solitary figure faced the setting sun, his posture imposing and upright, features chiseled like sculpture, sharp and distinct.
In the palm of his hand floated a small sphere emitting soft white light, resembling an immaculate moon easily held within one grasp. Its pristine glow reflected off the cold youth's body, harmonizing with the crimson hues of the sunset beyond him.
"Whoosh!"
Fu Hua disappeared from the crowd, instantly appearing before Zeke. With a smile, she gazed at the sphere floating ahead.
"So this is the World Anchor?" A hint of awe flashed in Fu Hua's eyes as she whispered her admiration.
Zeke lifted his gaze and moved the sphere slightly towards Fu Hua, offering, "Would you like to hold it and take a closer look?"
"No, no! Such an important artifact should remain safely with you!" Fu Hua hastily waved her hands, somewhat torn between laughter and concern. She added, "Are you not taking any risks here? If something were to happen to it, I certainly couldn't compensate."
"The microscopic carving and wavefield loop have been completed; it's far more stable than you might think. As the core structure symbolizing an entire world, how could it be easily damaged? Even if something were to happen, I can always repair it. Take a closer look—it's truly a rare masterpiece, one of its kind," Zeke casually explained.
The glowing sphere dropped into his hand, and he nonchalantly tossed it to Fu Hua.
Startled, she hastily cupped her hands to catch it, careful not to cause even the slightest vibration. With a resentful expression, she glared at Zeke as if scolding him gently.
"What were you thinking? How can you handle such a precious artifact so carelessly? Honestly..."
After a few moments of complaint, Fu Hua let out a helpless chuckle. Holding the sphere, its soft radiance illuminated her delicate features, revealing a fleeting yet radiant smile.
"This is the world... It's breathtakingly beautiful..."
"Perhaps, the essence of the world itself is inherently beautiful?"
"You're right, the world has always been exquisite. Now, we should be able to save this world's future, correct, Zeke?"
"Yes, at least theoretically."
Zeke stretched his back, arching it backward with audible cracks from his joints. Feeling somewhat weary and lethargic, he responded casually.
He was indeed exhausted. After more than two months of intense focus and labor, the accumulated strain across various aspects demanded a genuine few days of rest.
Watching Zeke's relaxed movements, Fu Hua tilted her head, gazing at him tenderly.
As Zeke began walking, Fu Hua fell into step beside him and softly said:
"You've worked hard, Zeke."
"It's nothing; I gained a lot too. This experience contributes to our understanding of the world. Detaching the planet from the Imaginary Tree when all else fails was always part of our contingency plans. Although extending the lifespan of the world bubble and safely detaching Leaf Worlds are different tasks, this serves as valuable insight."
"Would you like something to eat? Or perhaps a bath first? Maybe a massage before getting some good sleep?"
"I recall there's an outdoor artificial hot spring near the West Hall, right? Let's go soak for a bit. Could you prepare some pastries or snacks while we're there?"
"Understood, no problem."
Engaging in casual conversation, they approached several women waiting nearby.
Zeke paused, pointing at the glowing sphere held by Fu Hua.
"Here's the basic prototype of the World Anchor. Feel free to examine it yourselves. Once you're done, find a safe place to store it. I'll discuss the next steps after taking a few days off. That's all; I'm leaving now."
With that brief explanation, Zeke walked past them, heading straight towards the West Hall spa without a glance sideways.
The group watched his tall figure receding into the distance.
Then, Senti leaned forward, approaching Fu Hua with her bright, curious eyes sparkling.
"So this is the Anchor Point? It looks stunning, like a night pearl. Speaking of, what a showoff he is—acting so smug just because he finished some work! And 'that's all, I'm leaving'... such a conceited attitude, someone's gonna beat him down one day! Humph!"
After venting her annoyance, Senti blinked and cautiously extended her slender, delicate index finger towards the glowing Anchor Point sphere.
"Lord Senti, please stop!" Durandal reached out, grasping Senti's wrist firmly, her face serious as beads of sweat trickled down her forehead.
Meanwhile, the other three peeked from behind Durandal.
Rita pleaded, "Lord Senti, this represents the hope for our world. Please understand our concerns."
Kiana chimed in, "Senti, seriously, even I know how important this is!"
Zhuge Kongming added, "Lord Senti, here, have my fan to play with. As for this... we humbly request your restraint."
Witnessing their pleading and anxious expressions, Senti pouted unhappily, shaking off Durandal's hand and placing her hands on her hips.
"What do you all mean by this? Do I look like some clueless idiot who can't discern importance?"
The trio fell silent, except for Kiana, who had grown quite familiar with Senti. She scratched her head innocently and asked,
"Are you saying...you're not aware of yourself?"
A collective stunned silence enveloped the room.
After a prolonged moment, just as Senti's face turned bright red from anger, Fu Hua let out a gentle chuckle.
"Heh!"
"Senti, please understand; this artifact is truly significant. Aside from Zeke, none of us should tamper with it. Durandal, kindly take it away and ensure its safekeeping until Zeke has rested. Then we'll decide our next steps."
"Yes, Lady Fu Hua!" Durandal responded gravely, almost reverently, as she solemnly accepted the glowing orb from Fu Hua, cradling it carefully against her chest.
"Deep breath..."
Durandal took a deep inhalation. As twilight gave way to the dim night, the soft glow of the orb illuminated her chest, accentuating captivating undulations and revealing an entrancing valley with each breath.
Then, Durandal turned and began walking away, step by deliberate step.
The others flanked her protectively, presumably heading towards a heavily fortified treasure vault.
After they left, Senti finally reached out with both hands to tug at Fu Hua's smiling cheeks, disgruntled.
"You're still smiling?! Even you think I'm unreliable, Old Antique?!"
Letting Senti pull her cheeks, Fu Hua gazed fondly at her. Then she mirrored the gesture, gently cupping and rubbing Senti's face.
"Ah, you're always so impulsive and restless, making it hard for anyone to trust you."
"Old Antique!"
"See, getting agitated again? Quite the temper you have there, little missy. But don't worry, Senti, I've always known you're a good kid."
"You... not this again! What's up with you?! One moment you say I'm fine, the next you imply I'm not!"
Senti tugged at Fu Hua's cheeks a few more times, unable to apply much force before reluctantly letting go. She allowed Fu Hua to continue caressing her face while still glaring unhappily.
Smiling warmly, Fu Hua released Senti's face and lightly tapped her forehead.
"All right now, look at those sulky eyes—anyone would think someone's bullying you! Remember, Senti is just being Senti, always adorable no matter what, ohh~"
"...Hmph! Do you think flattering me will make me happy?"
"Your pout could hang a soy sauce bottle from it!"
"I am not! You're so mean!"
"Sure you aren't! Now, I'm going to help Zeke prepare some food. Can you give me a hand? While we're at it, let's also make something for your dinner - what would you like?"
"I want meat! And those super delicious steamed buns from last time!!!" The mention of food instantly lifted Senti's spirits, making her forget all her previous unhappiness. Her eyes widened with excitement, sparkling brightly.
Smiling warmly, Fu Hua nodded as she allowed herself to be half-led, half-pulled towards the imperial kitchen by Senti's eager hands.
"Quack—"
Bathed in moonlight as gentle as water, it shimmered across the clear, warm pool. Zeke raised his cup and took a sip of the refreshing plum wine.
Truth be told, he wasn't much of a drinker. However, alcohol is commonly perceived as a good way to unwind, so Fu Hua had prepared some, leading Zeke to casually indulge just a bit.
"Splash—"
After finishing his cup, Zeke placed it on the floating tray. A pair of delicate hands then reached for the small wine jug and refilled his glass once more.
Zeke turned his head towards Fu Hua, who was kneeling beside him in her sheer, gauzy attire. His gaze briefly swept over her dainty, graceful figure with its porcelain-like skin, before deadpanning: "So, why are you here?"
"I've brought food since I prepared it. Is there any issue, Zeke?" Fu Hua tilted her head innocently, holding the wine jug.
Zeke pondered for a moment but couldn't find any real problem. He had already put on shorts after noticing her arrival, ensuring neither of them were bathing nude. Treating this like swimming at the beach seemed reasonable enough.
"Woohoo~!"
"Swishhh—"
As Zeke pondered, a captivating mermaid-like figure gracefully swam past the surface.
It was undoubtedly Senti, clad in attire similar to Fu Hua's—thin white veils barely covering her vital areas. Her snow-white body shimmered enticingly as she glided through the water.
After circling several times, Senti approached Zeke with cheeks puffed like a little hamster.
"Spit!"
A jet of water erupted from her cherry-red lips, directly aimed at Zeke's face.
Zeke glanced sideways, causing the water stream to abruptly change course mid-flight and splatter onto Senti's own face instead.
"Ackkk!" Startled, Senti closed her eyes, hastily wiping the water away. The moment she reopened them, shadows loomed menacingly before her.
"Whack! Whack!"
With two loud smacks, moments later, Senti lay motionless, floating face-down on the water's surface, sporting twin bumps on her head—a scene reminiscent of a late-night pool murder mystery.
"Pfft! Zeke, go easy on her; Senti is just naturally mischievous, not malicious," Fu Hua chuckled.
Zeke glanced sideways at Fu Hua, picked up his wine cup, and resumed drinking, unwilling to say more.
Fu Hua shrugged helplessly, allowing Senti to continue drifting aimlessly. Compared to dealing with her mischievous antics, attending to Zeke's relaxation with drinks and hot springs seemed more important, she thought.
After consuming some wine, Zeke felt no particular effects. He merely leaned against the pool edge, gazing at the moon above, gradually letting both body and mind unwind.
Suddenly, footsteps approached again.
"Hm?"
Zeke's expression shifted, eyebrows twitching slightly.
Under the moonlight, four captivating girls, playfully pulling and pushing each other towards the bath, came into view.
Clad only in towels barely reaching their thighs, this suggestive attire was even more enticing than being entirely unclothed. The situation, though unexpected, made sense within context—likely driven by desires for companionship or gratitude.
"Sigh..."
Zeke sighed, deciding that in the next experimental world bubble, he'd avoid becoming either an emperor or a savior—it just stirred too much chaos!