"How did you build these machines?"
"Where did this food come from?"
"Where do you get your art?"
Braxill answered softly, a smile flickering across his face. "Joy. Joy gave me my art."
The people nodded, some weeping, others whispering his words as though they were scripture. Slowly the crowd dispersed, carrying food and laughter with them.
A sudden voice cut through the noise.
"Braxill!"
Levy stumbled forward, exasperated, sweat dripping down his face, vanilla ice cream smeared across his mouth. He bent over, panting. "What... what happened to you? Back at the library, you just disappeared!"
Braxill tilted his head, thinking hard. He rubbed his temples. "I... I don't remember what happened."
Levy blinked, confused. "Wait, you don't remember?"
Braxill shook his head. "No. What happened?"
Levy hesitated, then blurted it out. "You were shouting ninja, ninja, ninja, and then out of nowhere you changed. Your hair grew long, like braids, and your eyes... they turned purple. You looked... evil but kinda cool and then you summoned this massive portal and you were all like...homie, what's good homie."
Braxill stared blankly, his face full of confusion. He had no idea what Levy was talking about.
The silence grew heavy.
Then Gravixor suddenly shoved Levy to the ground and threw her arms around Braxill. "I was so worried about you!"
Braxill froze for a moment, then hugged her back. He always loved the feeling of her fur brushing against his face. It felt safe.
Gravixor 'I was worried about, you crazy kid."
Braxill 'I miss you Gravixor."
Yuli stepped up, smiling warmly. "Hey, little buddy. Nice to finally meet you."
Braxill reached out, shaking his hand. "Hey, who are you?"
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"I'm Euly, I'm an artists in the knights Class" he said. "You're Braxill."
Braxill nodded.
Euly's grin widened. "Your power is amazing. I'm flabbergasted, honestly. Not only did you create a legendary dragon with your art, but now you've made a machine that produce real food we've never even tasted before. You really are special kid. Tell me, does your God Joy truly have the power to save this world?"
Braxill nodded, his eyes firm. "Of course he does. He's super strong, like in an anime only hes the the person making the anime."
Yuli raised a fist. "Then I believe you."
Gravixor smiled.
Braxill bumped it with a smile.
By evening, the Zoner District had transformed. Lanterns lit the streets, music pulsed from drums and horns, and laughter rippled through the crowd. This wasn't just another festival. This was a celebration for Joy, for the Zoner Knights, and for the future of their people.
Braxill walked among the throngs, watching families eat together, children chasing each other, couples dancing hand in hand. He smiled, his chest warm. Would life be like this forever? Why couldn't it?
Levy sidled up, holding another ice cream. "You really don't remember what happened, Braxill?"
Braxill shrugged. "Hm? No, I don't. Was it really that bad that I need to remember?"
Levy sighed, scratching his head. "No... maybe it wasn't that important." But then his eyes narrowed. Something dark flickered in them. He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Hey, Braxill, guess what I witnessed from your friend Gravixor?"
Braxill tilted his head. "What'd you see?"
Before Levy could answer, Gravixor slapped a hand over his mouth. Her face burned red. "Shut up, he saw nothing, you know how Levy is always running his mouth!"
Braxill blinked, confused. "Huh?"
Levy struggled against her grip, muffled words spilling out. Gravixor panicked and put him in a playful chokehold, growling, "You shut your mouth, you little gremlin!"
The awkward silence was broken by a loud applause.
Braxill spun toward the sound. At the center of the crowd, Raffi was down on one knee. He held Miss Mary's hand, his voice loud and clear.
"Miss Mary, will you marry me?"
Tears welled in her eyes as she nodded, sobbing. "Yes! Yes, I will!"
The crowd erupted.
Lanni shouted above the cheering. "So it is written in stone! Miss Mary, our beloved cook, will be wedded by the Gray Knight, Raffi!"
The Zoner Knights cheered, civilians clapped, the plaza exploding with joy.
Raffi, massive and strong, lifted Mary into the air. She laughed and kicked her feet, tears streaming down her cheeks. Music swelled, dancers spun, and the whole district lit with celebration.
Gravixor danced with Yuli. Raffi whirled with his new fiancée. Even Lanni joined Hido on the dance floor.
Braxill stood at the edge of it all, watching, smiling. But then his vision blurred. His eyes grew wet, tears streaming down his cheeks. He quickly wiped them away, but more came.
Levy noticed. He cut a glance at Braxill, then back at the floor, then back at him again. Finally, he sighed.
"What are you crying for?"
Braxill whispered, voice cracking, "Because I miss her. I miss Moco."
Levy blinked. "Moco? Who's that?"
"She's a Scytherian."
Levy scoffed. "Oh, another stupid artist."
Braxill's tears dried instantly, anger flaring. "She's not a stupid artist! She's one of the strongest artists in the world, unlike you."
Levy glared. "You think you're stronger than me just because you've got imagination power? I'm still an Artimancer!"
Braxill shouted back, "I'm definitely stronger than you!"
"In your dreams! You're only strong because of your god. Without him, you're weak."
Braxill snarled, pointing. "Says the one who can't even walk into library unless I imagine it!"
Levy's face twisted in fury. "Hey, no fair I'm not knight, I'll get you back for that!"
He charged forward. Braxill bolted, sprinting through the streets as Levy chased after him, the sounds of the celebration roaring around them.