The sun over Shinzai shimmered gently through the crystal glass of Nova Tower as the city buzzed with excitement. Word had spread fast—Kael Kurai, the Ryūun of Shinzai, was getting married to Hana Yume. The once silent, distant leader had found someone who pulled him from the shadow of war and into the light of love.
Preparations were already underway.
Inside the bustling markets of the Heartward District, Kael's closest friends had split up into small teams to search for the perfect wedding gifts.
Tetsu and Eri wandered into a weapon artisan's forge.
"You're getting him a weapon?" Eri asked, raising an eyebrow.
Tetsu grinned. "You don't get the strongest Wielder in the world a toaster."
The blacksmith presented a masterwork: a ceremonial dagger forged from voidsteel and engraved with both Kael's and Hana's names in old rune script. It wasn't meant for war—but for legacy.
Eri, not one to be outdone, slipped into a jewelry shop and custom-ordered a pair of bracelets enchanted with Willflow resonance—so the couple could feel each other's presence, no matter the distance.
Ryuu and Liora found themselves in an enchanted garden shop.
"He already has power, status, and blades," Ryuu muttered, "so let's get him peace."
They purchased a rare Everbloom Tree sapling, a symbol of eternal unity. When planted in the center of Nova Tower's sky garden, it would glow softly with the energy of those bonded beneath it.
Valen, Mira, Daru, Aiko, Zeek, and Nali, the six new friends from around the world, worked together to prepare a surprise performance for the wedding—a fusion of each of their cultures.
Mira choreographed a solar-light show.
Aiko carved intricate Will-shaped sculptures of Kael and Hana to stand beside the altar.
Daru summoned gentle spirits of wind and petals to float above the aisle.
Zeek, ever the wild card, offered to perform an epic Will-imbued guitar solo—which the group reluctantly agreed to.
Nali wrote a speech, quiet and heartfelt, about love as the greatest healer of all.
Valen, always the planner, coordinated it all.
Meanwhile, Kael and Hana were at the Grand Ceremonial Hall in Nova Tower, meeting with Raizen and Kaede, who would bless the union as the elders of Shinzai.
Afterward, Kael took Renzo by the hand, showing him the rings.
"Big bro," Renzo said with wide eyes, "Can I be the ring bearer?"
Kael smiled and knelt. "Of course, little brother. You're my family."
Renzo grinned ear to ear, then gave Kael a tight hug.
That night, the friends all reunited at the sky terrace, the stars above painting the quiet city in a soft blue hue. As they looked over Shinzai, laughter and warmth filled the air.
Kael stood slightly behind, watching them.
He turned to Hana, who leaned on his shoulder. "It doesn't feel real sometimes," he said.
She smiled. "It's real. You fought for it. We all did."
He kissed her forehead.
The wedding was only days away… and Shinzai had never felt more alive.