They stepped through the tall arched doors and entered the grand hall.
The space inside opened wide and silent. The ceiling stretched high above them in sweeping vaults, supported by long rows of white marble pillars that gleamed under the light, smooth and flawless.
Sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows set high along the walls. Colors spilled down in soft layers—rose, sapphire, pale gold—spreading across the floor in shifting patterns. The glass told quiet stories: blooming gardens, radiant figures, skies filled with endless stars.
The air smelled faintly of incense and melted wax. Rows of tall candles burned steadily in silver holders, their flames still and unwavering.
Dark wooden benches lined both sides of the hall, empty and perfectly arranged, deep blue velvet cushions untouched.
At the far end, a wide set of white stone steps rose gently. And at the center of it all... stood the statue. A woman, carved from flawless white marble, knelt on one knee.
Her head dipped slightly forward, long hair flowing down her back in frozen waves, each strand etched with delicate precision. Her robes wrapped around her body, clinging and billowing at once.
In her hands, she held a longsword. The blade pierced straight through her stomach. Pale rose quartz traced the flow of blood, running down from the wound in soft, smooth lines, pooling at her knees. And that looked too real. Yet her face remained calm and peaceful. Eyes half-closed, untouched by pain.
Sumi stopped walking. Her breath caught quietly in her chest. Azrean's gaze moved across the hall, taking in the pillars, the light—then shifted.
Two figures were approaching from a side corridor. Dean and Kumi. They walked toward them without hurry. Dean's presence filled the space, heavy and solid. Kumi moved lighter, relaxed, but no less commanding.
Sumi's face lit up instantly.
"Papa!"
She ran forward and threw herself at Kumi, arms wrapping tight around his neck. He caught her easily, a low laugh slipping from him as he spun her once.
"There's my little flower!"
Azrean watched from where he stood, a small smile forming as he slipped his hands into his pockets.
Dean reached him first. A large hand settled on his head, ruffling his hair gently.
"How was the trip?"
Azrean shrugged lightly. "Smooth… mostly."
Sumi leaned back from Kumi just enough to beam up at him.
"Mom fought bandits on the way! They beat them so fast—it was amazing!"
When the words landed. Both fathers turned their heads slowly. Azrea and Memei stood a few steps behind. Azrea suddenly found the stained-glass window incredibly interesting, her gaze fixed somewhere far above. Memei tilted her head back slightly and began whistling, soft and casual, like nothing at all had happened.
Dean stared flat. Memei's whistle faltered, then trailed off into silence. Kumi raised one eyebrow, his voice calm—but there was an edge to it now.
"Bandits, huh?"
Azrea cleared her throat and looked away. Memei gave a small, innocent shrug, like she had no idea what anyone was talking about.
Footsteps echoed softly from the far corridor.
Everyone turned at once. Three elderly men walked toward them, robes of pure white flowing around their legs, deep crimson borders catching the candlelight with a faint shimmer. Each carried a thick leather-bound book against their chest, the covers worn smooth from years of use.
The one in the center stood out immediately. Tall and thin with silver hair swept neatly back, sharp eyes peering through narrow spectacles. His face carried quiet authority.
The two beside him matched his pace—one shorter and rounder with a gentle beard and kind eyes, the other broader, sterner, his gaze steady and unreadable.
Invanne's eyes fixed on the man in the middle. She stepped forward half a pace.
"Sir Haimen…" she said in a small voice then bowed her head low showing respect.
Dean and Kumi exchanged a brief look, then followed—both bowing deeply, fists pressed to their chests.
"Sir Haimen," Dean said, his deep voice respectful.
"Sir Haimen," Kumi echoed, lighter in tone but just as sincere.
The elder stopped a few steps away. A small smile tugged at his lips, amused.
"A duke bowing to an old man? Haha," he said lightly, eyes glinting. "Especially ones known for ripping hearts out of their foes."
Dean straightened first, a quiet huff leaving his chest.
"Old habits don't fade easily, sir."
Kumi rose beside him, grin easy.
"And we're not exactly ordinary dukes."
Haimen chuckled under his breath. The two elders beside him exchanged knowing looks, the rounder one shaking his head with a fond sigh.
Then Haimen's gaze shifted past them. It settled on Azrean and Sumi.
"Oh… so these are your children."
He studied them in silence. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if looking past their small forms into something deeper.
"I can already feel it," he murmured. "Strong energy. That's a very good sign."
Azrea stepped forward at once, unable to hide her excitement.
"Sir Haimen, they awakened their mana in five months!"
The reaction was immediate. All three elders froze. Haimen's faint smile disappeared. The stern one lifted an eyebrow. The rounder one blinked slowly, as if making sure he'd heard correctly.
"Five months?" Haimen repeated, voice flat now.
Azrea nodded quickly. "Yes. Both of them."
Haimen turned his sharp gaze toward Invanne.
"Is this true, my child?"
Invanne met his eyes without hesitation.
"Yes, sir. It is."
Silence fell again, heavier this time. The three elders exchanged a long look—no smiles now, only quiet weight behind their expressions. Haimen exhaled slowly through his nose.
"Something like that has never been recorded." His voice dropped, more serious. "If this is true… then their mana capacity must be immense. Far beyond anything ordinary."
Azrean and Sumi glanced at each other. Sumi shifted slightly, then spoke in a small, almost shy voice.
"That means… I'm stronger. I awakened mine before you."
Azrean rubbed the back of his neck, giving an awkward smile, not arguing. The elders turned as one. Haimen lifted his hand slightly.
"Everyone. Follow me."