As they gathered near the shimmering portal to Ondur, Si-Woo stepped forward, gesturing toward his companions. “Oapa, Lirin, this is my sister Ha-Yoon and our friend Mai,” he said, his tone warm but formal.

Mai smiled politely and extended her hand toward Oapa. “I’ve heard about a sprit in the Yohen Middle Academy,” she said. “It’s not every day you meet one, especially one on the student council.”

Oapa shook her hand with a small bow of his head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, his voice steady.

When Ha-Yoon’s turn came, she hesitated, her light gray eyes scanning Oapa carefully. Her spade wolves moved closer to her legs protectively, sensing her uncertainty, while the teharite flickered beside her in its usual enigmatic way.

“Can you...” Ha-Yoon began, her voice tentative, “take off your hood?”

Oapa paused for a moment before nodding respectfully. “Yes, ma’am,” he replied. He reached up and lowered his hood, revealing his gray fur, long snout, and light green eyes that glinted gently in the sunlight.

Ha-Yoon’s eyes widened slightly as she took in his appearance. Her hesitation melted away, replaced by curiosity and a touch of relief. “You look nothing like the lesser sprit that attacked us,” she said in an upbeat tone, her voice lighter now. She extended her hand confidently. “Nice to meet you, Oapa.”

Oapa shook her hand carefully, his expression softening. “Nice to meet you too, Ha-Yoon.”

Lirin, who had been watching the exchange closely, adjusted her glasses and took a step forward, her indigo eyes sparkling with fascination. “For you to be able to connect with three bonds is unheard of,” she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. “Especially the teharite, which takes up more mental capacity than most beasts. That’s incredible.”

Turning to Si-Woo, Lirin smirked. “You weren’t kidding when you said she was a genius too, were you?”

Si-Woo grinned proudly. “I wasn’t exaggerating.”

Ha-Yoon blushed faintly, shrugging off the compliment. “It’s not that big of a deal. They just... came to me.”

Mai laughed softly, placing a hand on Ha-Yoon’s shoulder. “You’re too modest. Even I’ve never seen anyone with three bonds, let alone a teharite. It’s amazing, Ha-Yoon.”

The group’s dynamic began to settle, with the initial nerves and introductions giving way to camaraderie. As they turned toward the portal, Oapa took the lead, his calm and confident presence guiding them forward.

“Let’s not keep Ondur waiting,” he said, glancing back with a faint smile.

The shimmering portal loomed ahead, glowing softly as if inviting them to step through to the world beyond.

Walking toward the glowing portal, Lirin, Ha-Yoon, and Mai fell into an animated discussion about their body statures and formations. Ha-Yoon, always curious, asked Lirin about her techniques, while Mai added her insights, drawing from her training and sparring sessions.

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Si-Woo listened quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips as he walked slightly behind the group. Z perched on his head, chirping occasionally, its tail curling comfortably around his neck.

As they stepped into the portal, the swirling energy engulfed them, casting shimmering lights and fleeting shadows across their faces. Moments later, the vibrant world of Ondur opened before them, the scenery as breathtaking as ever.

The two suns hung in the light blue-turquoise sky, their glow warm but not harsh. In the distance, floating islands drifted lazily, their edges adorned with cascading waterfalls that shimmered like liquid crystals. Fae riders atop their wyverns darted through the sky, their movements graceful yet commanding.

Si-Woo, taking in the familiar yet always awe-inspiring sight, tilted his head slightly. “I thought all the fae wyvern riders would be in Yohen,” he remarked, his tone curious.

Oapa, walking steadily beside him, glanced up at the sky with his light green eyes. “I’m sure the military thought of Ondur as a prime land to train,” he said, his voice calm and thoughtful. “Its landscape offers unique challenges, and it’s also strategic. Having riders stationed here provides protection for the lingering fae who have chosen to remain in Ondur rather than migrate to Yohen.”

Ha-Yoon, still marveling at the scene, turned to Oapa. “So, the military uses both lands to their advantage? That’s... efficient.”

“It is,” Oapa replied, nodding slightly. “But it’s also a reminder of how fragile the balance is. These lands might look serene now, but they’ve seen their share of chaos.”

Ha-Yoon looked around with wide eyes. “It feels... more alive than usual,” she said softly, her voice filled with wonder.

Lirin adjusted her glasses, her analytical gaze surveying the surroundings. “That’s precisely the case,” she remarked. “You've been training and meditating with serein, which will significantly enhance your senses and unveil a new perspective on life. These trees are unique to Ondur; their roots interconnect underground, allowing them to share energy, almost functioning as a singular organism. If any disturbance occurs in one part of the forest, the rest responds accordingly.”

“That’s fascinating,” Si-Woo said, his admiration evident.

“Fascinating until something reacts badly,” Oapa added dryly.

Mai chuckled and tugged Ha-Yoon along gently. “Let’s hope we don’t upset anything then. Come on, let’s get moving. Oapa, lead the way.”

The group fell silent for a moment, each lost in their thoughts as they continued their journey. The portal’s exit deposited them on the outskirts of the forest of Ondur, a neutral zone. The vibrant sounds of the variety of creatures and nature blend harmoniously with the natural beauty around them.

Mai broke the silence with a cheerful tone, clapping her hands together.

“Well, now that we’re here, where to first?”

Oapa's tone became sharper as they traversed the dense forest. “Stay close,” he instructed firmly, his light green eyes scanning their surroundings. “We’re skirting close to lesser territory, and I’d rather not deal with any unnecessary trouble today.”

As he led them through the forest, the group moved carefully, their senses heightened by the hushed atmosphere. Si-Woo’s eyes caught something unusual on the trunk of a towering tree—a set of engravings etched deeply into the bark. His steps slowed as recognition struck him.

“This script...” he muttered, his hand brushing the carved lines. “I’ve seen it before.”

Ha-Yoon shone with enlightenment." When we first came to Ondur!"

Si-Woo turned to her, a memory flashing in his mind. Yep, It’s the same script from the Mu path we followed.”

Oapa stopped, turning slightly to glance at the markings. “You both got sharp eyes,” he said with a nod. “This region is rich in history. The Mu left their traces here long before any of us.”

Suddenly, a sharp whoosh broke the moment as Z launched into the air from Si-Woo’s head, spiraling upward before vanishing beyond the treetops.

“Z!” Si-Woo called, his voice laced with exasperation.

“Don’t worry about him,” Oapa said, his calm demeanor unwavering. “He’ll be back when he’s ready. For now, let me show you something.”