The three—Lu, Eugene, and Kai—stepped out from the towering building that served as the Overseer's stronghold. They strolled through the bustling city, weaving their way amidst the crowd. While admiring the sights and atmosphere around them, their eyes caught upon a small cake shop tucked away along the street.
Lu, upon seeing it, spoke up excitedly.
"Big brother, big sister, Lu really wants to eat cake. If I get to eat some, maybe I'll even gain power!"
Kai pulled a comical face, grinning broadly as he bent down to meet Lu's eyes.
"Nope. We don't have money, so we can't buy any cake."
Hearing that, Lu's expression fell, her ears drooping as she muttered softly.
"Is that so… then I won't have any power, since I can't eat cake."
Eugene let out a laugh.
"Ha ha ha! Power from eating cake? If that's true, then I should've been strong ages ago. Hah, you're too funny, you little kitten."
Kai burst into laughter as well, straightening back up.
"Ha ha ha! Eugene, did you hear that? Power from cake!"
Just then, a passing couple whispered as they walked by.
"Look at that. They're teasing a child. Isn't that terrible?"
"Yeah, laughing at such a little kid… how cruel can they be?"
Both Kai and Eugene's faces darkened as they turned their gaze toward the couple. The pair, realizing they'd been noticed, quickened their steps, whispering in panic.
"Hey, look—they're staring at us!"
"Let's go! Don't look back!"
Afterward, Kai turned back to Lu with a sigh.
"Alright, let's go eat some cake. I was only joking just now."
Lu's eyes lit up with joy, her earlier gloom vanishing. The three of them entered the little cake shop, its interior decorated with an array of pastries neatly displayed behind glass cases, each one beautifully arranged. The warm atmosphere inside was filled with people happily savoring their desserts at cozy tables.
Cling, cling, cling! The bell at the door chimed as they entered. A staff member greeted them with a smile.
"What would you like to order, customers?"
Lu piped up immediately.
"Lu wants chocolate cake with sugar, please! And what about big brother and big sister?"
Eugene, arms crossed and wearing her usual stern look, replied curtly.
"Anything edible will do. Just bring it."
Kai chuckled and pointed at Lu.
"I'll take the same as her."
The clerk raised an eyebrow with a faint smile.
"So, the same for all three of you? Will you be dining here or taking it to go?"
Lu answered brightly.
"Here, please, mister!"
The man chuckled softly, his expression warm as he looked at her.
"Of course, little miss."
The three chose a table by the window, neatly arranged with a clear view of the street. Lu leaned against the glass, watching passersby with curiosity. Eugene lounged back, arms folded and legs stretched out, while Kai sat with calm, polite composure. Soon, the staff approached carrying three slices of cake.
"Here you are. Enjoy your order."
The trio began eating together, their faces lighting up with happiness.
Meanwhile, across the vast reaches of the universe, a lone young woman sat amidst the endless void of stars. Upon a moon-like world cloaked in darkness, she sat quietly, her long, silky pink hair tied into twin tails, strands flowing like the aurora. Her sparkling pink eyes gleamed like jewels, reflecting the brilliance of galaxies afar. She wore a pure white dress adorned with soft frills, resembling a lost little goddess who had strayed from the heavens.
In her small embrace rested a glowing pink crystal, its radiance shimmering gently in her hands. She gazed forward, eyes fixed upon a distant planet not unlike Earth, her attention drawn to a great crystalline sphere amidst the scattered stars.
{Sephira, Ruler of the Southwestern Continent}
"This feeling… it's just like my brother's. Even though we're separated by entire continents, why does it reach me so clearly? Could it be… that my brother has returned at last?"