Purple-gold raindrops condensed into tiny crystals on Jane’s eyelashes. She blinked, and the crystals dissolved into light-dust that drifted away, leaving behind a charred scent in the air reminiscent of roasted coffee beans. The sunlight following the eclipse was unnaturally clear, bathing the park ruins and turning every fragment of metal into a glowing mirror.
"Look there," Qiyue said, pointing at the sky. The phantom image of the World Tree had not yet fully dissipated; coffee-cup-shaped fruits hung from its branches, rotating slowly. Pale purple mist overflowed from the rims of these cups, tracing intricate symbols against the azure backdrop.
The Barista had reached the metal disc, the Siphon in his hands emitting a faint hum. He crouched down, his fingers tracing the edge of the disc where the metal had warped under intense heat. "The signal strength is three times higher than expected. It seems the 'us' on the other side are far better prepared than we anticipated."
Chapter 40