The mansion loomed larger as they approached, its structure so intricately interwoven with the ancient trees that it seemed to grow directly from nature itself. The group could see balconies jutting out from the massive trunks and countless windows glinting in the flickering air.

Yet, despite its grandeur, there was no visible entrance—only an expanse of interwoven tree bark blocking their path.

“Hold,” one of the sprit guards commanded, his deep voice echoing softly in the tranquil forest.

The group halted as instructed, watching with curiosity as the guards stepped forward in unison. They raised their clawed hands, their voices dropping into a low murmur of foreign words. The language was melodic yet unearthly, resonating with the environment around them.

The bark in front of them trembled, creaking and groaning as it began to split apart. Light spilled through the widening gap, creating a sharp contrast with the dim forest. The opening revealed a radiant hall beyond, its smooth, glowing floor reflecting the brilliant hues of the flickering air outside.

Mai took a step closer, her eyes wide in amazement. “It’s one thing to read about sprits, but seeing them use their magic... it’s a whole other experience.”

Ha-Yoon nodded, her curiosity piqued. “I read briefly about Maju,” she said, turning to Oapa. “It’s only usable by sprits, right?”

Before Oapa could answer, Lirin chimed in. “You’re right,” she said, her tone shifting into that of a teacher. “Sprits are born with an additional anatomical system called mana veins. Unlike fae, who channel serein directly through their bodies, sprits process it differently. Their mana veins allow them to connect deeply with nature, making them terrestrial masters. That’s why they awaken at birth—unlike fae.”

Oapa nodded approvingly. “Exactly. Our Maju is rooted in that connection to nature. While fae specialize in Toeju for aerial dominance, sprits draw our strength from the earth and all its elements.”

Mai, still captivated by the glowing hall, glanced at Ha-Yoon. “Can you imagine what it’s like to awaken at birth?”

Ha-Yoon frowned thoughtfully. “It must be overwhelming, to have all that power and connection right from the start. But it sounds... lonely, in a way.”

Oapa’s ears twitched slightly, but he didn’t comment. Instead, he gestured toward the glowing entrance. “Lets continue.”

The group stepped forward, the radiant hall welcoming them with its strange, soothing light. Si-Woo couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched—not by eyes, but by the very environment around them. It was as if the mansion itself was alive, attuned to their every movement.

“Is it just me,” Si-Woo muttered under his breath, “or does this place feel... aware?”

Lirin smirked faintly, clearly used to such reactions. “You’re not wrong,” she said. “This mansion has stood here for centuries, shaped and maintained by sprits. It’s as much a part of their community as any living being.”

Ha-Yoon shivered slightly, clutching Mai’s arm for comfort. “I hope these elders are as welcoming as Oapa.”

“We’ll soon find out,” Oapa said, his voice steady but unreadable.

“Make sure not to deviate too far from us until we get to the Grand Study Hall,” Oapa cautioned, his voice low but firm. “This mansion has a mind of its own.”

Si-Woo blinked, glancing at the glowing walls and the shifting light that seemed to pulse faintly in rhythm with their footsteps. The mansion felt alive in an uncanny way, as if it was silently observing them.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

As they walked deeper into the structure, the interior design became more apparent. The sprit craftsmanship was a clear contrast to the flowing elegance of fae architecture. The lines and shapes were more rigid, with sharp angles and purposeful patterns carved into the amber-toned walls. The hues ranged from deep gold to rich brown, creating an earthy and grounded atmosphere that seemed to resonate with the sprits’ connection to nature.

The ceiling arched high above them, with protruding archways every ten steps or so. From each archway hung a series of tear-drop-shaped crystals, their luminescent light casting soft, warm glows that reflected off the amber surfaces. The effect was mesmerizing, creating a sense of both grandeur and intimacy.

Ha-Yoon reached out to brush her fingers along one of the carved patterns in the wall, her gaze filled with curiosity. “It’s so different from the fae’s designs,” she remarked. “It feels... more ancient. Like it’s been here forever.”

Lirin, walking beside her, nodded in agreement. “That’s because it probably has. Sprits build their homes to last centuries, if not longer. Their designs reflect their roots—quite literally.” She gestured to the floor, which seemed to merge seamlessly with the tree it was built into.

Mai glanced up at the glowing crystals, her eyes wide with admiration.

“And those lights,” she said softly. “Are they made from Maju too?”

“They are,” Oapa confirmed. “Those crystals aren’t just decorative—they hold energy collected from the surroundings. It’s how we keep the mansion illuminated without disrupting the natural balance of the forest.”

Si-Woo, listening closely, couldn’t help but feel a growing respect for the sprits’ harmony with their environment. Yet, a part of him still felt a lingering unease. There was something about the mansion’s quiet, watchful presence that made his skin prickle.

“Let’s keep moving,” Oapa urged, glancing over his shoulder. “The Grand Study Hall is just ahead, and the elders won’t wait forever.”

As they continued down the glowing corridor, the group couldn’t help but marvel at the intricate details surrounding them, each step taking them deeper into the heart of the sprits’ world.

As they moved through the glowing halls, Oapa’s sharp gaze swept the surroundings. His ears twitched slightly, his demeanor unusually tense. “There are more guards than usual,” he muttered.

Lirin glanced around, her brows furrowing. “I don’t remember security being this tight the last time I was here,” she said quietly, her voice laced with suspicion.

The group finally approached an imposing grand door, flanked by two guards on each side. The guards stood stoically, their golden claw insignias glinting under the crystal lights. Just as the group came to a halt, soft giggles and whispers filtered through from the other side of the door.

Without a word, the guards stepped forward and pushed the doors open. A chorus of cheerful voices erupted as soon as the group entered.

“OAPA!!”

In an instant, six small sprit children barreled toward Oapa, their excited squeals filling the vast chamber. Oapa, though caught off guard, bent slightly to catch them, his serious expression softening into a rare smile as the little ones clung to him.

Si-Woo and the others couldn’t help but smile at the sight. The contrast between the rigid formality of the mansion and the playful energy of the children was striking.

Beyond the commotion, Si-Woo’s attention was drawn to the far end of the room. Six towering seats, each carved with intricate designs and radiating authority, lined the back wall. Five of them were occupied by elders, their regal presence undeniable. Si-Woo’s gaze immediately landed on one of the elders he recognized—Quorge.

The elder sprit sat in the central seat, his imposing figure draped in a long, flowing black cloak. Beside him sat two others, one wearing a pristine white cloak and the other cloaked in deep green. Their features were distinct, each one exuding an air of wisdom and power.

Numerous guards were stationed in the corners of the room, their watchful eyes scanning the space. The heavy atmosphere of authority was tempered only by the children’s playful giggles as they clung to Oapa.

From one of the seats, a sprit with white fur and piercing gray eyes rose gracefully. Her presence was commanding yet warm. “It’s good to see you again, Lirin,” she said in a soft, feminine voice that carried across the chamber.

Lirin smiled warmly and stepped forward to embrace her. “It’s good to see you too, Sartah,” she replied, her tone more relaxed than it had been all day.

Si-Woo watched the exchange, his curiosity growing. The elders’ presence was overwhelming, but there was something comforting about Sartah’s demeanor.

The group stood silently as Oapa disentangled himself from the children and stepped forward to greet the elders. “I’ve brought them as requested,” he said, his tone respectful but steady.

Quorge’s gaze swept over the group, his eyes lingering on Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon. “Welcome,” he said in a deep, resonant voice. “We have much to discuss.”