The Boy Who Walks Beyond The End-Chapter 87: The Lantern Sky Festival

The village of Mireva was the kind of place that looked like it had stepped out of a painter's dream and accidentally stayed in the real world. Hills rolled like lazy waves around it, the trees always wore a touch of golden hue, and the cobblestone streets felt warm even at night.

And right now?

It was loud.

Bright.

Festive.

And absolutely not Zen's scene.

"WHAT... is happening," Zen muttered, eyes scanning the streets packed with music, food stalls, dancers, and flying lanterns.

Kael clapped a heavy hand on Zen's shoulder. "Lantern Sky Festival, brat! Once a year, we celebrate peace, life, and good harvest!"

[System: High probability of forced public participation detected. Recommend evasive maneuvers.]

"Can I not participate?" Zen asked.

"Nope," Kael said, already pushing him toward a row of glowing stalls.

Meanwhile...

Diliya twirled in a soft lavender dress, her silver hair catching the lantern light like threads of moonlight. She waved at Zen with a cheeky smile. "Come on, grumpy face! You're part of the family now!"

Zen stared.

Blink. Blink.

"...This is a trap."

[System: Confirmed. Emotional ambush successful.]

• Festival Moments

A kid handed Zen a candied fruit stick. He didn't know what to do, so he stood there holding it awkwardly until Kael stole it and bit it.

Someone challenged Zen to a ring toss. Zen won every round without blinking. Children now fear him.

Diliya entered a lantern-making contest. Zen helped her carve runes into theirs. It floated so perfectly, the crowd clapped. Zen's ears turned slightly red.

A local grandma mistook Zen for Diliya's younger cousin and pinched his cheek. He almost drew his sword.

Later That Night...

They stood atop a hill. Hundreds of lanterns danced into the sky, carrying wishes whispered into wax and paper.

Kael had his arm around Diliya. She leaned into him, smiling softly.

Zen stood a little to the side, arms crossed.

[System: You can make a wish too, you know.]

"I don't do wishes."

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[System: Not even secretly?]

"...If I did, I wouldn't tell you."

[System: Rude.]

Zen's lantern floated upward anyway—silent, carrying no written words. But his eyes followed it, steady.

Maybe, just maybe, this moment would stay.