His mother’s smile deepened, her eyes softening. "No," she said quietly. "You’ve changed. You carry yourself differently now. There’s weight in your voice—even when you’re calm. People listen."
Asher glanced toward the distant street where his family had gone, the noise of the market rising like a living current. "Maybe that’s what happens when you spend too long in battlefields," he murmured. "You learn how to keep people together... even when everything’s falling apart."
She studied him for a long mont, then reached up and brushed his hair back gently—an almost nostalgic gesture. "You’re doing well," she said simply. "Your father would’ve been proud."
He paused at that, the faintest flicker passing through his eyes—sothing between mory and silence. "I hope so," he said at last, his voice low but steady.
They stood together for a mont, surrounded by the hum of life—street vendors calling out deals, rchants showing off relics, the soft thrum of aura lanterns drifting above.
Soon after, the rest of the family began to return one by one. Maxwell carried a new talisman harness that shimred faintly with black-gold runes. Sylens had an enchanted wristband ant to stabilize energy flow during duels. Lia wore a simple necklace that pulsed in ti with her aura—sothing subtle, but elegant. Sophia held a box of crystalline ink cores, while Amanda had a faint smile, clutching a scroll that looked far too ancient to have been bought cheaply.
Arnold and Liam returned last, both looking surprisingly satisfied. "You were right," Arnold said, his tone half-gruff, half-proud. "The formation manuals here are leagues ahead of anything from Volarisa. We bought two basic copies for study—enough to adapt our cultivation base before the next ascension trial."
Asher nodded approvingly. "That’s good. The sooner we strengthen your cores, the better. We don’t want the shift between realms to strain your ridians."
Selene followed behind them, a small, rune-etched box in her hands. "Spirit ink and inscription tools," she said. "The shopkeeper said they’re compatible with mixed-law formations. He also ntioned that scholars here sotis sell fragnts of ancient star maps. I thought they might interest you."
Asher’s brow rose slightly. "Star maps?"
"Yes," she replied. "He claid so are derived from the charts of the Celestial Archives. I didn’t buy one yet—he said the auction starts tomorrow night."
Asher’s eyes narrowed slightly, thoughtful. "An auction... that’s worth checking."
Valeris crossed her arms lightly. "If it’s in the upper district, we’ll need passes."
He smiled faintly. "Then we’ll get them. It’s been a while since we’ve gone to one of those. Who knows what kind of relics might surface?"
Veyra’s soft voice joined in from behind him. "Sothing tells it won’t be peaceful."
Asher glanced back at her and chuckled. "Probably not. But peace never lasts long around us, does it?"
Catherine leaned closer, her tone light but knowing. "All the more reason to enjoy what little we have."
After their long and lively shopping spree, the group decided to end the day with sothing simple—a family dinner, like the old days.
They found a restaurant tucked between two floating crystal towers, its sign written in looping, glowing script that pulsed with soft spiritual energy. Inside, it wasn’t lavish like the grand halls of the upper district, but it had warmth—a kind of honest charm that spoke more of comfort than prestige. The tables were carved from smooth jade wood, lanterns hung low, and a faint scent of spirit herbs drifted through the air.
"This feels... nice," Selene said softly as they entered, her gaze sweeping the cozy interior. "Not too formal. Just right."
Asher smiled faintly and gestured toward a large circular table near the window. "Let’s take that one. Everyone sit."
They all settled in—Maxwell and Sylens still teasing each other about who had gotten the better deal, Lia and Sophia exchanging quiet laughter, Amanda thumbing through the old scroll she’d bought, curiosity glowing in her eyes. Veyra sat beside Valeris and Catherine, all three speaking softly, their tones relaxed in a way that rarely happened outside of combat or travel.
A server approached—a young woman with a kind smile and shimring silver eyes. "Welco, travelers. Would you like to order from the spirit nu or the traditional one?"
Asher tilted his head. "What’s the difference?"
She chuckled. "Spirit nu dishes are infused with cultivation energy—made from ingredients gathered across realms. Traditional dishes are... simpler, though still aura-balanced. It depends whether you want to eat for pleasure or power."
Marina imdiately raised her hand. "Pleasure. Definitely pleasure."
Freya laughed. "Agreed. No cultivation talk tonight. I just want real food."
Arnold smirked from across the table. "Speak for yourselves. I’ll take sothing that keeps my ridians warm for training tomorrow."
Soon, the table was filled with animated discussion as they browsed the glowing nu tablets. The nas were as exotic as they were confusing—Phoenix Root Broth, Crystal Vine Dumplings, Solar Carp with Celestial Rice, Moonpetal Spirit Tea. Even the simpler ones, like Jade Noodles or Golden Ember Roast, sounded far removed from anything they’d eaten before.
"I have no idea what half of these an," Maxwell admitted, squinting at the shimring script.
Sylens leaned over his shoulder. "Pick anything with the word ’fire’ in it. At least you’ll know it’s cooked."
Lia laughed. "And if it’s not, we can always trade plates."
"Trade?" Marina said playfully. "Not a chance. If it’s good, I’m keeping mine."
Their laughter echoed lightly through the restaurant. Even the nearby patrons glanced over with faint smiles—drawn by the rare sight of a group so full of life in a realm where power often ca at the expense of warmth.
When the food arrived, it ca in waves—steaming bowls and glowing platters that shimred faintly with aura threads. The aroma alone was intoxicating. Catherine took a cautious bite of her Crystal Vine Dumplings and blinked. "This... tastes like it’s breathing."
Valeris lifted a brow. "That’s probably because it is."
Freya, halfway through her Solar Carp, laughed. "Don’t tell that now."
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