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DEITY
INT. THE ROYAL PALACE OF YOHEN- COURTYARD

INT. THE ROYAL PALACE OF YOHEN- COURTYARD

Si-Woo stared at the creature before him, his mind racing with questions. “Who are you?” he asked, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and caution.

The figure tilted his head ever so slightly, and as the skylight shifted, it illuminated his face. Ethereal and serene, the being's greyish fur shimmered faintly, his translucent green eyes reflecting a light that seemed to come from within. The glare of the crystal clear water reflected off of the creature's elongated snout.

Bowing gracefully, the sprit introduced himself. “My name is Oapa, a scholar of the Sprit Kingdom and first apprentice of Master Quorge.” His voice carried a melodic quality, each word echoing with calm confidence.

The mention of Quorge sent a jolt through Si-Woo’s memory. The name was unmistakable. “Wait,” Si-Woo said, narrowing his eyes. “Master Quorge… I do remember him mentioning his apprentice when I met him.”

Oapa’s lips quirked upward in a knowing smile. “That would be me. It’s an honor to meet the one who caught Master Quorge’s interest.”

Si-Woo grinned faintly, his initial caution giving way to intrigue. Just as he was about to respond, a soft snore drew his attention upward. Z, his white-blood wyvern bond, was curled up atop his head, fast asleep. The small creature had nestled himself comfortably in Si-Woo’s thick hair, his tiny wings twitching occasionally as he dreamed.

“Seriously, Z?” Si-Woo muttered, his voice carrying both amusement and exasperation. He reached up to gently nudge the wyvern, who simply gave a soft grumble before snuggling deeper. “You couldn’t find a better spot?”

Oapa chuckled lightly, his gaze lingering on the wyvern. “Your bond is... quite endearing,” he remarked, his tone warm. “It’s rare to see a wyvern so at ease with its master. Such a bond speaks volumes about your character.”

Si-Woo blinked, caught off guard by the compliment. “Uh, thanks, I guess,” he said, his cheeks coloring faintly. “But honestly, he’s more of a handful than anything.”

Oapa’s smile deepened, his expression radiating a sense of calm understanding. “Even the strongest bonds can start as challenges. You’ll grow into each other.”

Si-Woo grinned faintly, his initial caution giving way to intrigue. “It’s nice to meet you too,” he replied, but his curiosity couldn’t be contained. “How did you do that?”

“Do what?” Oapa asked, tilting his head slightly.

“That—” Si-Woo gestured vaguely. “The way you spoke to me without speaking. Telepathically.”

Oapa’s smile deepened. “Ah, I see,” he said, his tone almost amused. “You must not have entered an anomaly yet. Those who spend enough time inside one often awaken certain… capabilities. For sprits, however, this ability is second nature.”

Si-Woo blinked, digesting the information, and opened his mouth to ask another question. But before he could, a familiar voice cut through the courtyard’s stillness.

“I see you’ve already met the person I wanted you to meet,” Minho said, stepping into view. He crossed his arms, his expression both stern and slightly amused.

“Minho?” Si-Woo turned, surprised. “You knew about this?”

Minho chuckled. “Of course. Oapa is part of the student council for the Middle Academy. He’ll be the one guiding you once you arrive.”

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Oapa gave a respectful nod toward Minho. “It will be my privilege to ensure Si-Woo’s transition is as seamless as possible.”

Si-Woo glanced between the two, still piecing things together. “Wait, so this is part of the next step?” he asked.

Minho nodded firmly. “Exactly. The Middle Academy is a whole different world compared to what you’re used to. Having someone like Oapa on your side will be invaluable.”

Si-Woo shifted his gaze back to Oapa, whose calm demeanor and subtle smile made him seem almost untouchable. He wasn’t sure how to feel about this sudden introduction, but one thing was clear—this was only the beginning of a much larger journey.

As the party wound down, the gentle hum of conversations faded, replaced by the steady clatter of hooves as Minho guided Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon toward their waiting carriage. The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of the blooming flowers that surrounded the academy grounds. Before Si-Woo could step into the carriage, Mai and Oapa approached him, their smiles warm under the lantern-lit sky.

“Si-Woo,” Mai said, her tone full of pride, “congratulations again. You deserve all of this recognition—and more. Don’t let it overwhelm you, okay?”

Oapa gave a small bow, his glowing features serene. “Your potential is extraordinary. I look forward to seeing how far you’ll go.”

Si-Woo nodded, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “Thanks, Mai. Oapa. I’ll do my best.”

As the carriage door closed behind him and Ha-Yoon, Z shifted on Si-Woo’s head, grumbling as the sudden motion disturbed his nap. Ha-Yoon’s spade wolves curled up at her feet, their eyes half-closed, while her tetharite lounged lazily on the seat beside her, occasionally flicking its wings.

The carriage rocked gently as they set off, the rhythm of the wheels on the cobblestones soothing. Ha-Yoon leaned back with a dramatic sigh, her arms folded across her chest. “Those recruiters are a pain,” she muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “All their talk about promises and potential—it’s exhausting.”

Si-Woo gave her a look, his expression both stern and amused. “Ha-Yoon, you should be respectful. They’re important people.”

Ha-Yoon rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, she muttered something under her breath, earning a soft chuckle from one of her spade wolves.

Minho, seated across from them, shook his head with a small smile. “I’m afraid this is just the beginning for you two,” he said, his tone carrying a mix of pride and caution. “As your skills grow, so will the attention. You’ll need to stay grounded—and ready.”

Si-Woo nodded, his expression thoughtful. “We will, Minho. Thank you—for everything.”

Minho’s gaze softened. “I hope you two had fun tonight, at least,” he said.

Ha-Yoon smirked. “Fun might be a strong word, but it wasn’t terrible,” she admitted, earning a laugh from Si-Woo.

By the time they arrived home, the stars were glittering brightly above, casting a serene glow over their small home. As they stepped inside, the bonds stretched and dispersed, finding their favorite spots to settle for the night. Z leaped from Si-Woo’s head to his perch by the window, curling up immediately.

Si-Woo stretched, exhaustion creeping over him, but before he could retreat to his room, Ha-Yoon suddenly dashed past him, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“What’s gotten into you?” he called after her, confused.

“Wait right there!” Ha-Yoon shouted from her room. Moments later, she emerged, grinning like a cat—and wearing Si-Woo’s new uniform. The sleeves were too long, and the hem dragged on the ground, but she struck a mock-serious pose, her hands on her hips.

“What do you think?” she asked, her tone teasing. “Do I look like a Level 4 senior?”

Si-Woo blinked, momentarily speechless. Then he groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Ha-Yoon! That’s my new uniform! Seems it finally came,”

She twirled dramatically, the oversized fabric swishing around her. “Relax, it’s not like I’m going to ruin it. Besides,” she added, smirking, “I think I look better in it than you will.”

Si-Woo crossed his arms, trying to look stern but failing to hide his smile. “You’re impossible.”

Minho, watching from the kitchen, chuckled softly as he poured himself a cup of tea. “Let her have her fun, Si-Woo. Tomorrow, it’s back to training for both of you.”

Si-Woo sighed, shaking his head. “Fine, but only for tonight,” he said, already plotting how to get back at her later.

As Ha-Yoon laughed and struck another exaggerated pose, the house filled with the sound of their playful bickering, a warm reminder that no matter how much their world changed, some things would always stay the same.