After the long and exhausting Challenge of the Beast Masters in the grand Arena, the sound of creaking wheels filled the air. Carriages and wagons rolled out through the heavy iron gates as the crowd slowly scattered. The cheers that once shook the arena now faded into the distance, leaving only echoes behind.
We climbed into one of the carriages, our bodies tired but our hearts still racing from the battle. The four of us had fought hard in the challenge and earned our reward, and now the NPCs were taking us to a place they called the Red Mansion.
We were now on the streets.
The wide streets of Bestia Kingdom stretched before us. Even though the sun was dipping toward the horizon, the city was still alive. People filled the markets, their voices blending into a lively chorus. Vendors called out to passing customers, showing off their colorful goods—fruits, jars of glowing potions, and bundles of fragrant spices.
The air was filled with delicious smells: roasted meats, fresh bread baking in stone ovens, and magical incense drifting from small stalls.
Bestia Kingdom was enormous, bigger than anything I had ever imagined. Everywhere I looked, there were towering buildings and bustling streets. The mighty Arena stood proudly behind us, the place where Beast Masters proved their strength. Nearby was the Beast Master Guild, where quests and missions awaited those brave enough to accept them. The Court of Justice loomed tall, ensuring that order was kept in the kingdom. A grand Church rang its bells for all to hear, and the lively Market Square overflowed with traders and people of the Kingdom. Far off in the distance, high above everything else, stood the glittering Royal Palace. Truly, there were countless wonders to see here.
Inside our carriage, everything was quiet. None of us spoke a word. The only sound was the steady clatter of wheels rolling over the cobblestone streets. I glanced at my companions—Dahlia, Clifton, and Raven—but each one sat silently, lost in their own thoughts.
After a short while, the carriage slowed and came to a stop.
"I guess we're here," Dahlia finally said, her voice breaking the silence.
The door swung open, and we stepped outside. Before us stood a massive building, its walls painted black and red, towering above everything nearby.
Other wagons and carriages had also stopped, unloading people like us who were there to relax, maybe even stay in the mansion. For a moment, it almost felt like this wasn't a game at all, but real life.
Suddenly, a clear voice echoed from the wide white stairs of the mansion.
"Welcome to the Bestia Mansion!"
A young maid stood proudly at the top of the steps, with several others lined up beside her. Together, they bowed deeply.
"Here, you may rest for one day," they said in unison. "Food and clothes are free, so please enjoy yourselves."
One of the maids, who seemed to be their leader, stepped forward. Her eyes swept over us as she spoke:
"As a token of gratitude, I will serve as your personal maid for tonight. You are Beast Masters—the Protectors of our Kingdom. Alongside your loyal beasts, it is our duty to serve you well, for you stand against the forces of the Abyssal Lord. You hunt down and banish the monsters that threaten our people. Remember, the bond between you and your beast is not by chance. You were chosen. You were meant to carry this responsibility, to use your gifts to protect the weak."
When she finished, all the maids bowed together once again.
"Tcchh, enough talk. Can we go inside already?" Clifton muttered, brushing past them as he began climbing the stairs.
The carriage behind us rolled away, leaving only the four of us standing at the base of the grand staircase. I gave the maids an apologetic smile.
"Forgive him," I said softly.
The lead maid shook her head politely and continued. "Please, follow us. Everything you need is here. From this day forward, the Mansion will welcome you."
We began climbing the long, wide staircase. At the top, the path opened into a vast stone area. All around us stood towering statues of mighty beasts, carved with such detail that their stone eyes seemed alive. It felt as though they were watching us, guarding the mansion itself.
Beyond the courtyard rose the enormous mansion. We kept walking, our eyes fixed on the massive gates ahead. Two armored guards stood watch, and as we approached, they slowly pushed the gates open with a deep, echoing creak.
Just as we were about to enter, I heard a voice call my name.
"Uyy, Malachi!"
I froze and turned around. Running toward me was my best friend, Claude.
"Claude!" I shouted, my heart leaping with joy. He rushed forward, arms open for a hug, but the guards stepped in front of him with their spears raised.
"It's okay, he's with me," I said quickly.
The guards stepped aside, and Claude ran straight into my arms.
"I didn't know you were here too!" I laughed as we hugged.
Claude grinned. "Looks like fate brought us together."
"Ahem." Raven cleared his throat loudly, reminding us that everyone was waiting.
"Oh…. right." I scratched my head. They were all watching.
Together, we stepped through the gates and into the mansion.
What we saw inside made us stop and stare.
The first thing that caught my eye was a sparkling pond filled with colorful fish. A graceful stone bridge arched over it, leading to a wide path ahead. All around us stood elegant buildings, forming a great circle that surrounded the central courtyard. Each building looked like its own mansion, decorated with banners bearing the crest of Bestia Kingdom. Lanterns lit up the walkways.
Out of nowhere, a floating screen flickered above me.
[System Notice!]
(Current Location: Red Mansion — Kingdom of Bestia)
Then, the lead maid stepped forward, lifting her voice so that it echoed across the courtyard.
"This," she began, spreading her arms wide, "is the inside of the Bestia Mansion."
We all gazed around as she continued speaking.
"Here, you will find everything you need," she said warmly. "There are resting chambers, where you may sleep peacefully and regain your strength after a battle. There is also a steaming hot spring, where you can wash away your weariness. Its hot waters will relax your body and clear your mind, leaving you refreshed."
She pointed to the left side of the huge Mansion. A wide hallway stood there, its walls lined with glowing lanterns. "Over there are the resting chambers. Inside, you will find many rooms. Each of you has been given a chamber of your own for one day, free of charge. Within your rooms, you will discover fresh clothing, soft beds, and everything you need to rest in comfort."
Her hand then moved to the grandest structure directly ahead of us. It stood taller than all the rest, with wide steps leading to golden doors that shone under the lantern light.
"Tonight," the maid continued, "we will gather there for dinner. A feast has been prepared in your honor. Until then, you are free to do as you wish. Take time to explore the Mansion grounds if you are curious, or retire to your chambers if you wish to rest. If you prefer to bathe, you may visit the hot spring, which can be found down the right hallway." She turned and pointed clearly so we could see the path. The long hallway stretched out, its arches lined with flowers, leading to another row of buildings hidden beyond.
"So, if you will excuse us, we have other guests who will need our attention," the lead maid said.
With those words, the lead maid bowed deeply. The others followed her lead, their movements perfectly in sync. Then, as one, they turned and began to walk away, disappearing into the same hall of the Mansion.