Elias Leywin POV
The carriage rocked in a slow rhythm as it rolled toward the shimmering archway ahead. I sank into the padded seat opposite Grandma Cynthia, my eyes fixed on the window, unwilling to miss even a second of it.
The Teleportation Gate loomed larger with every passing moment, its surface folding in on itself in slow, liquid waves. Silver and green light twisted together, slipping and coiling like threads pulled through unseen fingers.
"You're staring again," Cynthai said. She sat with her hands folded neatly in her lap, her white cloak draped over her shoulders. It's hood rested down to reveal her greyed hair.
"How couldn't I not?" I leaned closer to the window.
A faint smile lined her lips. "I suppose it is a marvel."
The driver didn't slow down as we approached. The faint hum of the gate filled the air, in a sound I could almost feel in my teeth. The world outside dissolved into motion and light the moment the carriage crossed the threshold.
I twisted in my seat, catching flashes through the opposite window. Green. Gold. Silver. Colours stretched thin, then snapped back like a rubber band.
"You've gone quiet," Grandma Cynthia stated with a raised eyebrow.
"Just… taking it in," I said, watching the shifting colours.
In a single blink, the world returned.
Air rushed in through the open window, cool and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. My eyes widened as I took in the view beyond the carriage.
The forest wasn't just a forest.
White structures rose between ancient trees, not built around them but grown into them. Roots curled along walls like veins wrapping and supporting buildings. Platforms hung high among the leaves, swaying gently. Swings drifted back and forth, empty for now, but worn with use. Laughter felt like it should be there, even if I couldn't hear it yet.
At the centre of everything, something rose so far above the rest that my mind lagged behind my eyes.
'A tree? Well, obviously, but no… not just a tree.'
Its trunk alone dwarfed everything around it, its branches spreading so wide they swallowed the sky in pieces.
'That thing's almost the size of the Academy!'
My jaw slackened as the carriage rolled forward.
Grandma Cynthia's eyes crinkled in silent amusement. "I take it you approve?"
"Approve?" I shook my head, still staring. "That it's…" I struggled for words to describe what stood just ahead of us.
My teacher smirked in her usual knowing way.
The path curved, guiding us deeper. Water ran beside us, clear enough that every stone beneath its surface stood out. Birds darted overhead, their feathers catching the light in flashes that didn't feel entirely natural. Even the shadows shifted, as if the forest was breathing around us. The road opened into a wide courtyard. Pale stone stretched beneath us, centred around a fountain carved in the shape of a great oak. Water spilt from its branches in thin, glasslike streams, catching the sunlight as it fell.
We rolled to a stop, and I followed Grandma Cynthia out of the carriage towards the structure that loomed over us. Calling it a building felt wrong. The palace stood… or rather grew high into the blue.
It rose from the ground as a single massive trunk of petrified wood. Branches arched outward, each one large enough to swallow the Helstea mansion whole and still have room to spare.
'A tree so big it blanketed the sky with its branches… I bet that this sight was the inspiration for all those stories about the world tree.'
Ahead of us, a wide staircase opened where four figures waited for us.
"Welcome, you old bag, you've kept us waiting," the elder elf said mockingly. He checked his wrist and tapped his foot impatiently.
"Still alive, are you, Virion?" she retorted coolly, though the faint curl at the corner of her lips gave her away. "I was half-hoping you'd have keeled over by now so I could avoid your mouth."
The elder elf, Virion, grinned like a panther. His long grey hair was loosely tied behind his head, and the glint in his bright green eyes told me this was a dance the two of them had done many times before. "I would never deprive you of my company, old friend. It would be cruel."
Beside Virion stood a tall elf in flowing green and silver robes, looking to him with a pleading expression, his posture straight but not stiff. His eyes, the colour of deep forest moss, carried a warmth that softened the weight of his title.
At his side, a woman with hair like spun moonlight smiled serenely at us. Queen Merial's gown was a delicate weave of white and pale gold, her presence as poised and fluid as a stream gliding over smooth stone.
At her mother's side stood a girl I'd had a brief conversation with on the night I had well…
Tessia smiled at me. Her gunmetal hair tied in a ponytail that flowed over her left shoulder.
"Lady Cynthia," King Alduin greeted, inclining his head. "It has been far too long since Elenoir last had the pleasure of your presence."
"And your gold," Virion added with a sly smirk.
Cynthia ignored him entirely, her gaze flicking to the young princess. "Tessia. You've grown since the last time I saw you."
Tessia's lips curved at my master's words.
"How's the brat been?" Virion interjected, stepping forward and circling me with a predator's casual curiosity.
"Art's fine. I haven't seen him since his birthday last month, but he keeps getting stronger, which is good," I reported, smiling up at the elder. "He'd be glad to know you care so much. I'll be sure to pass it on next time he's home."
"We'll talk about that in further detail later." He grumbled as he stroked his goatee. Virion then turned on his heel and walked inside.
"Come. You must be tired from your journey. Rooms have been prepared for you both, and the evening meal is nearly ready.
Grandma Cynthia gave a small nod and gestured for me to follow. As we mounted the wide staircase toward the Tree-palace doors, I stole one last look over my shoulder.
---
The scent lingered in the air, rich roasted meat coated with fresh herbs, clinging to the back of my throat. Attendants moved in silence, gathering plates one by one, their steps light enough to barely register.
I leaned back in my chair, letting the warmth of the meal settle through me. My hand hovered near my fork before I set it down with a quiet clink. There was no hiding it.
"That," I said, "was amazing."
Tessia smiled across from me, brushing a loose strand of silver hair behind her ear. "Glad you liked it. The royal cooks are among the best in Elenoir."
"You're biased," I said, tilting my head at her. "You've had this quality here your whole life."
Her lips curled. "Maybe. But you didn't see yourself just now."
I narrowed my eyes.
"You practically inhaled that second serving."
I gave her a flat look. She laughed me off.
Cynthia lifted her napkin, dabbing lightly at her lips before her gaze shifted toward me. "I trust everything met your expectations, Lias?"
"More than," I said, leaning forward. "The meat just fell apart. I barely needed the knife. And that sauce…" I hesitated. "What was it?"
"Berry reduction," Queen Merial said from further down the table.
I exhaled through my nose. "You've ruined me for regular food," I said with a grin. "Nothing's going to compare now."
"You've got spirit, boy," the elder said with a laugh. "And a healthy appetite, just like your brother. Appetite is the sign of a mage with energy to burn." Virion's lips curled in a faint, knowing smile. "Strength… now that is another matter. Your brother, Arthur, is talented, no doubt about it. But talent alone doesn't make one the strongest."
That made me sit up straighter. "Big brother is the strongest."
"Oh?" Virion arched a brow. "Even stronger than me?"
"Yes," I said without hesitation. "Definitely."
Tessia's eyes lit up with amusement, and she leaned toward me. "You really believe that, huh?"
I shot her a look. "Of course I do. You've seen him fight."
"Well, I…" she muttered, pressing her index fingers together as heat flushed her cheeks.
'Weird reaction, but sure, I guess.'
"I did get a few good hits in on big bro last time we fought."
"Your Confidence is admirable, Lias. But belief without proof is just faith. Perhaps it's time we see how you measure up."
I blinked. "You mean… against you?"
"Not a fight," he corrected smoothly. "A friendly duel. First to yield or be unable to continue loses."
Tessia straightened, glancing between us. "Grandpa…" she warned. "Please go easy on him."
"Of course, little one, he is only a child," Virion said, though his smirk said otherwise.
"You don't have to accept, Lias. That old fool is baiting you." Cynthia said as a maid set a fresh glass of wine down next to her.
"If he's saying he's stronger than Art, then I have to accept. Someone's got to defend big bro's honour."
King Alduin, who had been quietly sipping his own glass of wine throughout the exchange, finally set his cup down. "Father, must you stir up trouble after every meal?"
Virion didn't even glance his way. "It's not trouble, Aldy. It's education. Better for the boy to measure his skill now than live in the shadow of his brother's reputation."
"Big brother doesn't cast a shadow over me," I said quickly. "I just know he's the best because I believe in the him that believes in me… or something like that."
"That's a bold claim," Virion replied, his eyes narrowing in a way that wasn't threatening, but sharp.
Queen Merial gave her father-in-law a long-suffering look. "Elder Virion, he's barely finished his meal. Must everything be a competition?"
"Life is a competition," he retorted with a snort, standing from his chair with surprising energy for someone his age. "And besides, I did say 'friendly duel.'"
I pushed my plate forward and stood up as well, trying to match his confidence. "Then let's do it."
Alduin sighed but didn't interfere further. "If you must do this, take it outside. And Dad," he fixed the elder elf with a pointed look, "remember he's still a child."
Virion's smirk didn't falter. "Of course. I'll treat him as gently as I would my grandchild."
Tessia muttered under her breath, "That's not reassuring."
'Huh? Why are YOU of all people saying that?'
We stepped out of the dining hall together, our footsteps echoing along the wide corridor. Sunlight slipped through the tall windows in long strips, spreading across the marble in soft gold. I walked a little faster than before without meaning to. My pulse rising with each step toward the open air.
Once we arrived in the large open courtyard, Virion began walking to its centre. "I fought your brother here when he first arrived in Zestier with Tessia all those years ago," he began, rolling a shoulder. "He was a little younger than you at the time, so I expect big things from you, Brat 2."
"I'm not going to hold back for you, old man," I said, cracking my arms.
"Good," he replied, turning to smirk at me as if I were his prey. "You can heal up better than your brother, right?"
"Why, are you seriously that scared of a 9-year-old?" I cracked my back. "I promise I'll heal you up free of charge."
He snickered at my comment. "Sure, kid, thanks for that."
I slid my wand free from my side holster as we faced each other in the open courtyard, the air between us still carrying the faint warmth of the setting sun. The stone under my boots was cool, worn smooth by years of duels and training.
Virion didn't bother with a stance, just stood there with his cane in one hand, his other resting casually behind his back. His expression was unreadable, calm, but with a glimmer in his eyes that made me uneasy.
I tightened my grip on my wand, wind mana already starting to gather around my feet.
'If I'm going to prove that Art's the strongest, I can't afford to embarrass myself here. I have to win no matter what!'
Virion tilted his head. "Let's begin."
"Alright-"
A deep shadow enveloped the older elf.
'What the fuck…'
"What's the matter, brat? You look scared." Virion laughed mockingly.
He stood there, piercing golden eyes contrasting, his night-like appearance, as what seemed to be cat ears protruded from the top of his head.
"No, I-" I uttered as a cold hand fell upon my shoulder.
'Huh?'
I turned to look at the hand, but saw nothing there.
I felt another tap from the opposite side.
Unease built up from within me.
I swung around and yet again missed the figure.
"What's the matter, boy?" a voice roared out from behind me.
"This is cheating, old man!" I shouted as I slowly turned toward the voice, my eyes scanning every inch of his form.
"How is using my Beast Will cheating? You said not to hold back," he asked, his voice still loud.
"Because I-"
I felt a cold hand on my chest.
"Your enemies might," he stated, finishing my sentence, his golden eyes peering down into mine from just over my shoulder.
Without removing his hand from my chest, he pushed me.
Within less than a second, I was sent flying backwards with a loud boom that tore through the open rooftop. My back collided with the stone wall that was just over 15 meters behind me. I fell forward, and chunks of wall fell beside me.
'My back…'
An ethereal glow illuminated my spine as I propped myself up.
"My head…" I groaned aloud as the figure in black approached.
The shadow fell from the old elf as he dropped to a knee, offering me a hand. "Cynthia would've killed me if I tried that without you having that glowing… thing."
I let out a heavy exhale as I took his hand. He brushed some dust off my shirt, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"That was your first lesson in the real world, Brat 2," he said, voice calm but edged. "Hesitate once, and you're already dead."
I coughed. "Two things. First is that you're insane. Second, what the hell is a beast will?"
He laughed at me.