Chapter 24

The Universal Guard Arc-Flagship descends toward the glittering skyline of Gastran, the world of gastronomy. Even from orbit, the scent of seasoned meats and celestial spice seems to seep into the ship. Once docked, the crew floods into the renowned Starflare Market Plaza—lined with glowing food stalls, each more extravagant than the last.

Alto
(to Lily, handing her a tray)
One Lily’s Platter, hold the tomato—just for today. You earned it.
Try not to crash into anyone while eating.

Lily
(stuffed mouth)
Mmnph, thank youuuuu.

Shizuku
Already halfway through a Shizu Burger stacked taller than a tower.
You realize if I break my jaw eating this, that’s on you, Alto.

Alto
(sharp)
You regenerate. Stop whining.

Eris
(savoring)
Mmm, these Catfish Nuggets are SO GOOD!
Drenched in soul salt and irony vinegar. Just like my humor.

Berwick
(wrapped in foil, holding a steaming Berwitto)
Still can’t believe they named this after me.
It’s elegant. Sharp. Delicious. Like me.

Celeste
(shouting from another stall)
And where’s my Celeste Special, huh?!
I've bench-pressed a battle tank and composed 12 universal anthems and not a single entrée?!

Vendor
(confused)
We can… give you a free side of Star-Sparkling Water?

Celeste
(flat)
Wow. Hydration. A woman's dream.

Asche
(casually holding a Marshmallow Milkshake)
To be fair, you probably melted the last dish they tried naming after you.

Celeste
(with a boom, shoving a spoonful of someone else's dish into Asche’s mouth)
Hush. Enjoy your Agradable-Agricultural-Ashes or whatever.

Kalt XVIII
(poking at his Candy Stars drink)
It sparkles. Why does it sparkle.

Astera
Because it’s made from interstellar nectar and regret.
Enjoy.

Azalea’s Massive Marshmallow cart literally buckles as a group of kids try to roast it with spirit fire.

Alto
(sighing, looking around)
This is what peace looks like.
Loud. Overfed. Questionably stable.

Shizuku
(quietly, watching Lily eat)
Let them have it. We’re about to walk into war.

Celeste
(calling out while dual-wielding a Grilled Cheese Pizza and Energaid)
Alright! Last call before we head out!
Anyone want to sign my petition to make the Celestial Sound Sandwich a real thing?

Berwick
Only if it launches people 40 feet on the first bite.

Eris
…Which honestly would track.

Asche
Let’s not give her ideas.

Too late. Already patented.