For thousands of years…
One thing had never changed.
Where Kael Veyris was…
Wukong was usually nearby.
Sometimes eating fruit.
Sometimes causing trouble.
Sometimes challenging Kael to another impossible game.
The Imperial Palace had grown used to his laughter.
The citizens smiled whenever they saw him.
Even the Imperial Knights had accepted that Wukong appeared wherever he pleased.
But on this day…
Something was different.
The palace gardens were unusually quiet.
Kael stood beneath one of the great Universe Trees.
Watching countless leaves drift through the air.
Footsteps approached.
Wukong.
For once…
He wasn't smiling.
Kael looked at his oldest friend.
"You're leaving."
It wasn't a question.
Wukong nodded.
"For a while."
Silence settled between them.
The Universe Tree gently rustled above.
Kael asked quietly,
"Why?"
Wukong looked toward the endless horizon beyond the Empire.
"I've explored your Empire."
"I've watched civilizations grow."
"I've laughed."
"I've fought."
"I've eaten enough fruit to feed galaxies."
Kael smiled faintly.
"That last part is true."
Wukong laughed.
Then his expression became thoughtful.
"But..."
"I want to see what's beyond."
"I want to find stories that aren't part of your Empire."
"I want to meet people who have never heard your name."
"I want to surprise even myself."
Kael remained silent.
He understood.
Better than anyone.
After all…
He had once created a universe he refused to rule…
Simply so he could watch a story unfold on its own.
Kael stepped closer.
"Then go."
"See every horizon."
"Find every story."
"And when you're tired..."
He smiled.
"...you'll always have a home here."
Wukong scratched the back of his head.
"You always know what to say."
"I've had a long time to practice."
The two friends laughed.
Soon…
Several of Kael's wives arrived.
Ignisia folded her arms.
"So it's true."
Lilith sighed.
"The palace will be much quieter."
Nyx simply walked forward.
"...Travel safely."
Wukong smiled.
"I will."
Veyloria ran across the gardens.
"Uncle Wukong!"
She hugged him tightly.
"Are you really leaving?"
He knelt beside her.
"Only for a while."
"You'll come back?"
Wukong gently patted her head.
"I promise."
She nodded.
"I'll be stronger when you return."
"I don't doubt it."
Even the Imperial Knights gathered near the palace gates.
The Knight Commander saluted.
"You will always be welcome in the Veyris Eternal Empire."
Wukong returned the salute.
"Take care of the old man."
The knights looked at Kael.
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"...Old man?"
Wukong grinned.
"You existed before everything."
"You're ancient."
Kael sighed.
"I suppose I am."
Everyone laughed.
A golden portal opened before Wukong.
Beyond it…
Unknown worlds waited.
Unknown adventures.
Unknown friends.
He took one step toward it.
Then stopped.
Without turning around…
He spoke.
"Kael."
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
Kael smiled.
"For what?"
"For giving me a place worth coming back to."
The words hung in the air.
Then…
Wukong stepped through the portal.
It closed behind him.
Silence returned.
The gardens felt strangely empty.
Kael looked toward the place where his friend had disappeared.
Ignisia stood beside him.
"You'll miss him."
Kael nodded.
"Very much."
He looked toward the endless sky beyond the Empire.
"But I know he'll find another great story."
The Universe Tree rustled softly.
Its ancient voice echoed through the garden.
"Every journey begins with a farewell."
Kael smiled faintly.
"And every true friend knows the way home."
Far beyond the Veyris Eternal Empire…
Wukong walked into the unknown.
A grin slowly returned to his face.
"Let's see what surprises existence still has for me."
And a new adventure began.