Sakin took Sparkle to a cozy little cafe nestled at the edge of a serene plaza. The place was softly lit, with ambient lights flickering like distant stars, and the aroma of roasted beans mingled with the faint scent of moonflowers from the nearby planters. Sakin ordered two cups of milky twilight tea, then sat down opposite Sparkle, ready to talk business.
Not long after, Jade and Topaz arrived, casually pretending to stumble upon them while clearly eavesdropping with interest. They sat at a nearby table, not even bothering to hide their curiosity.
At long last, Fireworks had inked a deal with Shajin—a powerful and influential figure in the economic development scene. Under this new cooperation, Shajin would oversee the growth of the area surrounding the Joyful Theater. This included the creation of a hospitality industry: luxurious hotels, sleek spacecraft parking zones, theme parks, and more—all meant to welcome the influx of tourists the theater would draw.
Fireworks secured 30% of the shares in these ventures—a significant stake that would not only bring in profit, but also grant them influence in the shaping of the entire region.
Sparkle glanced at the contract, eyes twinkling with both mischief and ambition. Without another word, she folded it neatly and stuffed it into Aha's arms.
"Hold this, would ya?"
Though no hiring occurred during this trip, the success of the agreement alone was worth celebrating. Sparkle gave a satisfied nod, her heels tapping happily against the foot of her chair.
"Let's go back."
Aha grinned, wiped off his gloves dramatically, and with a flick of his wrist, conjured a glowing portal shimmering with stardust. Together, they stepped through it, vanishing into the night.
As soon as they disappeared, Topaz nudged Sakin sharply in the ribs.
"You're seriously going through with this partnership? With Sparkle?"
Sakin chuckled softly, her lips curling in amusement as she leaned back in her seat.
"Why not? The galaxy's full of surprises. Come on—we've got a train to catch."
With that, the three of them boarded a spacecraft bound for Penacony, where the Star Rail had just arrived. The city was alive with lights, celebrations still echoing from the martial arts ceremony earlier that week.
Himeko had also received an invitation from Robin to visit Penacony, and her excitement was evident.
Meanwhile, back in Yuri's quaint and lively shop—
The day had been long, and Yuri had just returned with six little ones in tow. Outside, Aether and his desert mercenary army were making camp beneath the canopy of the rainforest.
Though the forest air was fresh and filled with the chirping of nocturnal birds, Yuri felt more at peace knowing the children were home safe. He decided to head out to join Aether's forces in the morning.
Klee came bounding over, eyes shining with excitement. She latched onto Yuri's leg.
"Brother Yuri~ Klee wants to watch cartoons tonight~ Pretty please?"
Yuri laughed softly and patted her head affectionately, then glanced at the clock.
"Alright. But just one hour, okay? Then it's straight to bed. Promise?"
Klee squealed with joy, bolting toward the sofa area and flipping on the holoscreen.
Bailu and Hook came scampering in from their room, arms full of colorful snacks. They laid everything out on a soft carpet, where the six of them snuggled together, utterly captivated by the animations flickering on screen.
Yuri watched them for a moment, heart warmed by the cozy sight. He turned to Rios and gave a quiet instruction to keep an eye on them, before retreating to his room for a well-deserved wash.
Half an hour later, Yuri emerged, towel drying his hair.
Just then, Kevin, March 7th, Liuying, and Furina returned through the front entrance, their boots still dusty from the road.
March 7th grinned.
"Hey~ Still awake, Yuri?"
Yuri stretched slightly.
"It's not that late. Are you staying over tonight?"
Kevin waved dismissively.
"You think I'd give up my big comfy bed just to camp in a jungle? Not a chance."
He turned to Furina and gestured.
"You'll like the room next to mine. Plenty of pillows."
Laughing and chatting, the four of them disappeared down the corridor.
Yuri glanced at the kids again, who were now midway through an animated magical battle, then made up his mind to go for a walk in the cave.
The cave was massive and lush, its ceiling mimicking the sky above. Tonight, the moon was radiant, silvering everything beneath it. Stars shimmered like pinpricks in a blanket of velvet darkness.
Yuri strolled slowly through the cave, taking in the serenity. He soon spotted Dan Heng seated beside one of the cultivated fields, absorbed in his work.
In one hand, Dan Heng held a sleek tablet. With the other, he gently examined a sprouting plant, brushing soil from its leaves.
"Dan Heng!" Yuri called, waving as he approached.
Dan Heng looked up from his work, nodding in recognition.
"Yuri. Still awake?"
Yuri approached, picking a ripe sunset fruit from a nearby Mond-grown tree and taking a bite.
"You're still working at this hour?"
Dan Heng nodded.
"New species arrived today. I want to categorize and tag them before the samples deteriorate. By the way—how's that sunset fruit? Describe its flavor and texture. I'll record it."
Yuri chewed thoughtfully.
"Mmm... it's sweet and slightly tart. The flesh is firm, not too juicy. Almost like a peach mixed with a mango."
Dan Heng took notes carefully.
The two fell into a pleasant rhythm, chatting about botany, data, and upcoming missions.
Soon, Kevin, March 7th, Liuying, and Furina arrived, each carrying small baskets filled with fresh produce and scraps.
Yuri blinked.
"Kevin, what's in those?"
Kevin laughed.
"Piggy dinner! We're feeding the trio in the pigpen tonight. Make way, farmer business!"
Yuri followed their gaze and noticed a stone-walled enclosure not far away. Inside were three well-fed pigs, now quite used to their home.
As the others tossed in vegetables—carrots, turnips, and leafy greens—the pigs squealed in delight, happily munching away.
Kevin stood proudly, hands on hips.
"Eat up, my little tanks. Bulk season is here."
After a while, Yuri wandered back toward the train and helped the children get ready for bed. Laughter echoed through the corridor as pajamas were found and toothbrushes fought over.
Far away, in the dense rainforest beyond Xumi City—
Seno stood atop a massive tree, silent as the wind rustled through the leaves. Below, the desert army rested, their campfires glowing softly in the dark.
Xumi City glimmered in the distance, fortified walls sealed. Inside, Azar had already caught wind of the failed advance by the thirty-man squad, and in a panic, pressed his researchers to finish the god-making experiment before dawn.
A low voice rose from the ground.
"What are your intentions?"
Seno looked down and saw El Haisen emerging from the shadows.
"I'll bring Azar to justice. The Little Lucky Grass King will decide his fate."
El Haisen raised a brow, then nodded slowly.
"Then follow through."
He vanished back into the foliage, leaving Seno alone once more.
By morning, the camp was alive with movement. Yuri, the six children, Kevin, Furina, and the others had rejoined the main force. After a quick breakfast under the forest canopy, the army surged toward Xumi City.
Battle erupted.
The desert mercenaries clashed with the city's defenders. Blades met shields. Dust filled the air. The Doctor's modified Fatui soldiers joined the fray, giving the defenders a brief upper hand.
But it wasn't enough.
The arrival of Aether, Kevin, Furina, and March 7th tipped the balance like a falling star.
Aether was a force of nature—his blade tearing through defenses like paper. Kevin's precision strikes took down elite soldiers in seconds. Furina's voice summoned a deluge of power, overwhelming formations. March 7th's shield glowed, protecting the advancing mercenaries.
Rahman rode behind Aether, shouting commands.
"Press forward! Don't give them space!"
The thirty-man squad began to crumble. Fatui soldiers fell one after another.
Then, Aether cleaved a path through a squad of mercenaries and turned to Rahman.
"I'm heading inside to deal with Azar. Keep advancing and don't let up!"
Rahman nodded, sword raised.
"Go! We'll handle it out here!"
And with that, Aether disappeared into the heart of the city, flames and fate trailing behind him.