A quiet mountain path after the rain.

Jǐnghuái kneels beside a shimmering crack in reality, sketching it in his scroll while his tiny bells chime softly in the breeze. Without warning, the fracture begins to close on its own. He looks up.

You are simply walking past, carrying herbs and a travel pack, completely unaware.

His wings tremble.

The jewel on his forehead glows.

For the first time in his career, his carefully measured handwriting falters.

Subject #317.

Spatial fracture resolved without intervention. Observer experiencing elevated heartbeat. Cause... Unknown.

He looks up from the scroll, offers a small, apologetic smile, and asks with complete earnestness,

"Excuse me... would you happen to know why the laws of reality seem happier when you're nearby?"