Elias Leywin POV
The carriage swayed gently as it rolled toward the shimmering archway ahead. I leaned back into the padded seat opposite Grandma Cynthia, and let my gaze linger on the sight outside the window.
I couldn't help the little spark of excitement buzzing in my chest, even though I'd been through a Teleportation Gate before.
The Teleportation Gate's surface rippled in slow, hypnotic waves, silver and green lights twisting together like strands of silk. It almost looked solid, but the faint shimmer along its edge betrayed its otherworldly nature.
"You're staring again," Grandma Cynthia said, her tone carrying that quiet amusement she always seemed to have when I got caught up in things. She sat with her hands folded neatly on her lap, her white cloak draped over her shoulders, the hood resting down to reveal her greyish silver hair.
"I'm just... appreciating it," I replied, leaning forward slightly.
Her lips twitched, faint smile on her lips, "It is an ancient teleportation construct."
I smirked. "Well, I t sounds boring when you put it like that."
The driver didn't slow down as we approached. The faint hum of the gate filled the air, 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 glanced past Grandma Cynthia, out the other window, watching streaks of green, gold, and silver rush by like a river of sunlight.
"You've gone quiet," Grandma Cynthia noted, one eyebrow arched.
"Just... taking it in," I said, still watching the shifting colours.
In a single blink, the world returned.
The crisp, clean air that drifted through the open window carried the scent of pine, rich earth, and faintly sweet flowers. My eyes widened as I took in the view beyond the carriage.
Only to be greeted by a sight that could only be described as a living forest.
Pure white buildings stood entwined with century-old trees, their trunks wrapped and supported by curling roots. Some of those massive trunks had hollowed spaces within, shaped into shops whose doors opened into the base of living wood. Above, enormous branches stretched outward, some so thick they acted as bridges between tree and tree, bustling with foot traffic.
I caught sight of playgrounds built into the crown bases of certain giants, platforms and swings dangling among the leaves. And at the very centre of it all, dominating the skyline, was a tree so massive I could barely process it.
'That thing's almost the size of the Academy!'
I thought, my jaw slacken 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. "This is... amazing."
My teacher smirked in her usual knowing way.
The carriage continued along a winding path, passing beneath arching roots and alongside streams so clear I could count every stone on their beds. Birds with shimmering feathers darted between branches, their calls sharp and musical. Even the shadows here felt alive, swaying faintly as if the whole forest breathed in unison.
The road widened, opening into a broad courtyard paved in pale stone, its centre dominated by a fountain shaped like a great oak. Water so transparent I thought I was hallucinating streamed from its carved branches into the pool below, the ripples flashing in the sunlight.
And beyond the fountain stood the royal palace...? Though I wasn't sure if that term could even be used on it.
It was a massive tree, two thirds the size of Xyrus Academy, seemingly made from petrified wood, giant branches arching from it's trunk, one of them massive enough to fit the Helstea's mansion thrice with room to spare, another hovered above the river, it's floor transparent, seemingly made of glass, it was a sight so vivid one couldn't even dream of painting it.
'A tree so bit it blanketed the sky with it's branches...I bet that this sight was the inspiration for all those stores about the world tree.'
Our carriage slowed at the base of a wide staircase where four figures whom I somewhat recognised, descended to greet us. As we step out of the vehicle, a voice cuts through to us from the group ahead.
"Welcome, you old bag, you've kept us waiting", the elder elf said mockingly, checking his wrist and tapping his foot.
Grandma Cynthia stepped down first, her white cloak brushing the pure white steps as she straightened to her full height. She didn't so much as flinch at the mocking greeting.
"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 white hair 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."
I hopped down after Grandma Cynthia, boots clicking against the probably marble, and took in the rest of the group.
Beside Virion stood a tall elf in flowing green and silver robes who looked 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 regarded us with a serene smile. 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 of I dubbed as 'The Disastrous Dance.'
The girl, Tessia if I remembered correctly, who was about my brother's age looked at me with a smile, 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 just slightly. "I try, though I can't claim to have caught up to you"
Her eyes slid toward me for a heartbeat, as if weighing something, before she returned her focus to Cynthia.
"And this," Virion interjected, stepping forward and circling me with a predator's casual curiosity, "How's the Brat been?" he questioned me with curiosity, almost hiding his worry for my brother.
"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 stroked his goatee as he turned heel and walked inside "We'll talk more later, Brat number two."
Queen Merial stepped in smoothly, her voice gentle yet carrying the subtle authority that stilled the air. "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 forest city laid bathed in warm sunlight, the great tree form of the palace at its heart towering above all, its leaves catching the light like emerald fire.
~~~
The dining hall was still filled with the faint, mouth-watering aroma of roasted meat and fresh herbs. The last platters were being whisked away by quiet-footed attendants, leaving the long table lined with empty plates and half-full glasses. I leaned back in my chair, trying not to look too obviously satisfied, though I was pretty sure everyone could tell.
"That," I said, setting down my fork, "was amazing."
Tessia smiled from across me, brushing a stray lock of silver hair behind her ear. "Glad you liked it. The royal cooks are among the best in Elenoir."
"You are just saying that because you've eaten here a thousand times," I teased.
She smirked. "Maybe. But you didn't see the way you practically inhaled that second serving."
I pretended to glare, which only made her chuckle.
Cynthia dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin before glancing my way. "I trust everything met your expectations, Lias?"
"More than met them," I replied quickly. "The meat was so tender I didn't even need a knife. And that sauce, what was it again?"
"Berry reduction," Queen Merial answered informatively from her place further down the table.
[E/N: Berry what now?]
"Then you've ruined me for regular food," I said with a grin. "Nothing's going to compare now."
Elder Virion sat at the head of the table, he had been quiet during most of the post-meal chatter, swirling the wine in his glass with that panther-like gaze of his. He set it down with a soft clink and leaned back, his eyes scanning the table before landing on me.
"You've got spirit, boy," he said. "And a healthy appetite, that's good. 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 brother" I thought aloud as I held my chin.
Virion chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "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, though I could hear the humour in her voice. "Go easy on him."
"Of course, Little one, he is only a child", Virion said, though his smirk said otherwise.
My teacher gave me an assessing look. "You don't have to accept, Lias. That old fool is baiting you."
I crossed my arms. "If he's saying he's stronger than Art, I have to accept. Someone's gotta defend big bro's honour."
King Alduin, who had been quietly sipping his tea throughout the exchange, finally set his cup down. "Father, must you stir trouble after every meal?" His tone was dry, but there was no real heat in it, as if he was used to his predecessor's antics.
Virion didn't even glance his way. "It's not trouble, Alduin. 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 me that believes in him... 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 left the dining hall together, our footsteps echoing softly in the wide corridor. What little remained of the sunlight streamed through the tall windows, painted warm golden patches on the marble floor, and I could feel my pulse quickening 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 number two"
"I won't hold back, old man", I said, clicking 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 6-year-old?" I retorted, clicking my back, "I promise I'll heal you up free of charge"
The man before me snickered at my comment. "Sure, kid, thanks for that"
I slide 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 Art is the strongest, I can't afford to embarrass myself her, I have to win no matter what!'
Virion tilted his head slightly. "Let's begin."
I opened my mouth and spoke "Alright-"
I uttered those words, and a deep shadow enveloped the older elf.
'What the fuck...'
"What's the matter, Brat? You look scared?" the Virion asked mockingly.
He stood there, piercing golden eyes contrasting, his night-like appearance as what seemed to be cat ears protrude from upon 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 to see nothing there.
I felt another tap from the opposite side.
'I don't like this...'
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 towards the voice, my eyes scanning every inch of his form.
"How is using my Beast Will cheating?" 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.
'Uh oh...'
Within less than a second, I was sent flying backwards with a loud boom that hurt my ears.
The very same second, my back collided with the stone wall that was just over 15 meters behind me.
I fell forward, and chunks of wall fall 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 approaches.
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 number two," he said, voice calm but edged. "Hesitate once, and you're already dead."
I coughed, "Two things; first is that you're insane, second is that I could heal faster than you could hurt me."
He laughed at me.
"On the other hand, what the hell is a beast will?" I questioned the old man, who only looked down at me with a smirk on his face.
WC - 2760
Thanks for reading this chapter. Hope you all enjoyed it. 😊
All Criticism and feedback are welcome. Any suggestions for the story or plot are also more than welcome.
Why couldn't we sign fucking Kone man... they (Wycombe) lowered the asking price from 5m to 3m when we originally bid 4m, Fuck this club (Swans).
Special Thanks to LancelotDragonroad for editing this Chapter.
If there are any questions, feel free to message my Discord - Navarius13
If we're all still alive, the next chapter will be released on Wednesday.
Rius out.