Once they all reached the Pekko pen, Javier's grin widened.
"Buddy!" he called out brightly.
Cuquawked!!
Buddy, his orange-feathered Pekko, squawked in delight and came hopping excitedly toward him, flapping his stubby wings.
"Did you eat yet?" Javier crouched slightly, patting the creature's soft neck.
Cuquawked!!
Another loud squawk answered him, full of pride.
"Good boy!" Javier chuckled, giving Buddy a light scratch under the beak before turning toward his personal workshop.
He pushed open the door and stepped inside, with Liana and Gloria silently following behind, their presence as natural as his own shadow.
Inside was quiet and simple—just the familiar work desk, a cozy sofa set, and a refreshment table tucked near the window. Javier walked straight to the center of the room, raising one hand lazily.
A pulse of mana shimmered around him.