Orion's face went blank.He stared at the massive plate laid before Wukong.
"No way," he whispered to himself, "this is the legendary feast everyone's been hyping up?"
On the golden plate sat a colossal slab of meat, charred to perfection. Its surface glistened with streaks of honeyed glaze that shimmered in the torchlight, while smoky wisps rose from the bone that jutted through its centre like the spine of a slain beast. The aroma—sweet, spicy, and dangerously rich—filled the entire hall, making even Orion's stomach growl.
Wukong, however, said nothing. He stared at the plate, silent. The tension in the room thickened; even the rowdy monkeys stopped their laughter.
Then, the Monkey King began clapping."Well, well, well…" he said with a sly grin, "you've done extremely well here."
A small tear rolled down the chef's cheek as he bowed deeply and hurried out of the room.
Wukong leaned forward, examining the meat. He sniffed the air, his eyes glinting with primal hunger. Heracles, watching him drool, placed a hand on Wukong's shoulder."You know," Heracles said, smirking, "if you don't wanna eat it, I'd be happy to take it off your hands."
Wukong's head snapped toward him, eyes burning with irritation.Heracles raised his palms. "Fine, fine! Don't kill me over some meat, jeez."
The party roared back to life—monkeys cheering, cups clinking, songs echoing through the stone hall. Roasted fruit and glazed nuts were passed around, the air thick with laughter and the rhythmic beat of drums. Yet Orion's focus wasn't on the fun—Chun Hua was still nowhere to be seen.
He crouched near the kitchen wall, watching.According to what he overheard earlier, Wukong usually ate his meal last—right when the festivities reached their peak. That meant Chun Hua's plan could start any moment now.
"Speak of the devil…" Orion whispered as he spotted movement above.
High in the rafters, Chun Hua was slowly descending on a rope tied to a hanging lantern. Her tail flicked nervously as her body drifted lower and lower—except, oddly, no one was pulling the rope. She was… getting lighter? The rope seemed to move on its own, guided by her uncanny agility.
Halfway down, she locked eyes with Orion.And instantly, he knew what she was planning.
She let go of the rope, dropping straight down.
BOOM!
Chun Hua slammed onto Wukong's table, landing with catlike grace amid the flying cups and shocked gasps."I am here!" she declared proudly, staring right into Wukong's eyes with a mischievous grin.
Silver and Heracles didn't even flinch—they continued eating, both acting as though this were the most normal thing in the world. Susanoo, however, raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Wukong sighed, rubbing his temple. "What is it this time, Chun Hua?"
"I challenge you!" she said, pointing a finger dramatically.
"Challenge me to what?"
"A staring contest!" Chun Hua shouted, her tail flicking triumphantly. "I will defeat the Great Sage Equal to Heaven in a staring contest!"
The entire hall gasped.Wukong facepalmed. "Why are you always like this?"
"Is that fear I hear, Great Sage?" Chun Hua taunted, leaning forward. "Just admit you can't do it."
In an instant, Wukong vanished and reappeared inches from her face, his golden eyes glowing."Fine. Let's begin."
Orion saw his chance.Heart pounding, he sprinted from his hiding spot, diving under the table. For a moment, he locked eyes with Silver—who gave him a silent, amused look. Then, using all the power in his legs, Orion kicked upward.
The entire table exploded into the air—food, plates, drinks, and even Wukong's staff flying skyward. Orion leapt after the floating meat, twisting midair to grab it. His fingers closed around the bone, and he landed perfectly on his feet.
For a split second, he grinned—he'd done it.
But then…Everything froze.
Every floating item shimmered in midair, surrounded by a faint electric-blue aura. Susanoo had raised his hand, holding everything—including Orion's victory—suspended.
"Ah, hell…" Orion muttered.
He dashed toward the exit, jumping across tables as the monkeys screamed in confusion. Just as he neared the door, a massive red staff slammed into the ground before him, blocking his escape.
He turned slowly—and there stood Wukong on the other side of the room, eyes glowing like burning suns.
"What are you doing, Orion?" Wukong's voice boomed across the hall. "Did Chun Hua put you up to this?"
Chun Hua puffed out her cheeks. "What's that supposed to mean—and by the way, you lost the staring contest!"
"Don't start with that!" Wukong barked. "I felt both your presences the moment I walked in. I expected this from you, Chun Hua… but Orion?"
He extended his hand."Just hand it over."
Orion looked down at the glistening slab of meat in his hands. He knew he was caught. He knew he was in the wrong. Slowly, he walked forward, the weight of the hall's silence pressing down on him.
"C'mon, Orion," Chun Hua said softly, "have some heart!"
Wukong waited patiently, hand outstretched.
Orion sighed, lifting the plate… then stopped.He stared at Wukong. At Chun Hua. Everyone was watching.
And then, without a word, he took a massive bite.
The hall went completely still.
Orion chewed slowly, swallowed, and licked his lips."It's… kinda mid," he said, shrugging.
Wukong's expression went blank—completely unreadable.