Astral Pet Store Chapter 1581: Epilogue: Welcome Back (4)

"He's not dead," the Mother of Chaos stated.

Sorrow filled her eyes while observing the Lightning Rat's anguished cries. She shifted her gaze and spotted the crowd yearning for updates on Su Ping's location. Her sight then swept across the boundless chaos and everyone assembled.

She whispered, "He remains right here. However… none of us can perceive him any longer…"

…

…

Within a universe far in the future.

On a specific blue planet.

In a bustling city… Numerous shops lined a pristine, vibrant street. It served as a premium commercial avenue.

Figures of various races, dressed in diverse fashions, hurried back and forth.

Most toted petite beasts in varied shapes. Some appeared adorable, others grotesque yet harmless.

At the street's center stood a magnificent shop.

Yet, contrasting its lavish exterior, the shop's name evoked cuteness: Pixie Pet Store.

Customers streamed in and out through the entrance.

A figure maintained order at the doorway. Though regulars understood the protocols and refrained from chaos, the stunning lady still greeted arrivals there.

"Stay silent inside. Feel free to inquire with me about anything, at no cost," declared Tang Ruyan with a grin, her name "Tang" stitched near her chest on her attire.

Beside her stood another greeter who bore a striking resemblance. It was her sibling, Tang Ruyu.

"I've heard so much about this renowned establishment. Never thought even the greeters would be so lovely. Twins, no less."

A youth in lavish garments ascended the stairs and jested to one sister, "Little sister, care to share what services you offer?"

"Huh?" Spotting the blatant flirtation, Tang Ruyan's smile vanished instantly. She hiked up her sleeves, unleashing a terrifying aura. "Want a thrashing?"

That overwhelming pressure could shatter a planet or even demolish half a cosmos with ease.

In the young man's view, the once charming beauty morphed into a colossal fiend towering thousands of meters. He shrank to ant size at her feet. Panic-stricken, he quivered and wet himself.

The dread aura targeted solely the youth; bystanders sensed little. Still, veteran patrons chuckled at the spectacle.

"Some folks truly court death. Daring to provoke Miss Tang. Did he miss that she's an Undying State powerhouse? She could rule a universe if inclined."

The shoppers shook their heads, entered the premises, and ignored the unfortunate soul.

"Welcome," uttered the gentle-voiced Green Lady from behind the counter, dressed in gray garb.     

Two stunning silhouettes flanked her. One boasted flowing golden locks, radiant like a celestial being.

The other was flawless, with silver-gray tresses lending a enigmatic, captivating aura. Plenty visited not merely for superior training but to behold these beauties.

A lengthy queue formed at the counter. Joanna, her golden mane cascading, smiled and inquired, "Hello. Which pet training do you seek?"

Gone was her former iciness; a relaxed smile now graced her often.

"Um… Hi, do you handle Lightning Rats here?"

A shy young lady's turn arrived, likely a student. Tension gripped her in this famed, enigmatic shop.

"Lightning Rats?"

The silver-haired beauty lifted her gaze with a grin. "Such an endearing creature. Absolutely, we train everything here…"

Relief washed over the girl. "Wonderful. Little Ball, emerge."

She removed her bag and unzipped it. A fluffy purple-furred head peeked out, scanning warily in the unfamiliar setting.

The silver-haired lady caressed its head with a smile. Astonishingly, the Lightning Rat's tension melted away, growing fond of her instantly.

She lifted the pet from the bag and soothed it tenderly in her hold. It quickly calmed.

The girl gaped, knowing Little Ball feared outsiders and often lashed out at touches.

This validated the store's legends for her. Eagerly, she asked, "What's the price?"

The silver-haired woman's eyes softened in memory. Gently, she replied, "Regarding payment, we're running specials. Lightning Rats train free of charge."

"Free?"

The girl's eyes widened in delight; poverty was evident.

Smiling, the silver-haired woman handed the Lightning Rat to Joanna for paperwork. "Pick it up tomorrow or the next day."

"That quick?" Shock hit the girl. She paused but relented—free service. Nodding, "Thanks. Little Ball, behave. No biting."

Nestled in Joanna's embrace, the Lightning Rat shot its master a casual glance, as if to say, 'obvious, right'?

Jealousy stung the girl, intensified by the golden-haired beauty's voluptuous figure and perfect features. Who knew her pet fancied stunners!

Business concluded, the store shut down.

The silver-gray haired woman fetched water from inside, then stepped out. She spotted small forms sprawled beneath the imposing door statues.

A gray pup, a plump purple-black furred rodent, a mere thirty-centimeter snake, and a half-meter dragonling…

They lounged listlessly; yet their slit eyes fixed perpetually on the street's far end.     

The silver-haired woman sighed at them. "Years have passed. Can't you move on? You're free now. Explore any universe; no need to linger here."

"Humph!"

The dragonling huffed, "Master returns soon. Home is here; we stay put."

"Precisely," the gray pup chimed.

"I await his return. He vowed it. He won't break promises!" The Lightning Rat declared solemnly, eyes on the road. "He said no long waits. He keeps his word!"

The woman pressed her lips, silent. She pivoted and reentered the store.

Moments later, wind chimes tinkled abruptly; knocks echoed at the door.

Tang Ruyan, lounging nearby, hurried over.

"Welcome."

"Hello, we're closed. Kindly…"

…

THE END