When Haru opened his eyes, the scent of flowers and polished marble filled his nose. The soft sheets beneath him were smoother than silk, and for a moment, he thought he was dreaming again. But when he looked around, reality struck — he was inside an enormous chamber adorned with white vines and glowing crystals hanging from the ceiling.
He sat up slowly, realizing this was no ordinary room. The windows were open to a breathtaking view of the forest beyond — endless trees shimmering under the morning sun. Birds of strange colors flew past, their wings leaving trails of light.
> So this is… the elves' palace, he thought.
I'm really here.
When he stepped outside, his boots echoed lightly against the white stone floors. Every hallway curved with elegance; ivy wrapped around pillars, and faint runes pulsed on the walls. Elves passed by — tall, graceful, and silent, their eyes curious but not unkind.
Then a voice called gently behind him.
"Sir Haru," said a young maid dressed in green robes, bowing slightly. "The dinner is ready. The Lady Lynelle awaits you."
Haru nodded, still unsure of how to act in such a grand place. He followed her down a long corridor lit by floating crystals until they reached a vast dining hall.
At the far end of a long table sat Lynelle Arven, her silver hair glimmering like threads of moonlight. She wore a white gown that blended with the hall's brightness, her bow resting beside her chair. She looked up as he entered, a faint smile forming on her lips.
"You're awake," she said softly. "I was beginning to think humans sleep for days."
Haru scratched his head awkwardly and took a seat across from her. The food before him looked delicate — shimmering fruits, golden bread, and meat that glowed faintly with mana.
"I've never seen a place like this," Haru admitted, glancing around. "It's like living inside a dream."
Lynelle laughed quietly, her voice light and calm. "Welcome to the Palace of House Arven. My family has served as bowmasters and wardens of Aelora for centuries. You're the first human to ever step inside."
Haru's eyes widened a bit. "The first, huh…"
She nodded. "So eat. You'll need your strength. The Elder will summon you soon — and he doesn't like to be kept waiting."
The air grew heavy for a moment, and Haru could only stare at her. Even in that peaceful moment, he could feel the tension beneath her calm tone.
After dinner, Lynelle led Haru through the palace courtyard — a vast garden that seemed to breathe life itself. The air was filled with the scent of dew and mana-laced petals that shimmered under the moonlight. At the far end of the marble path stood a tall, silver-haired elf watering his garden with a quiet hum.
He wore simple white robes, his long ears partly hidden beneath flowing hair. Despite his calm presence, there was something ancient in his aura — as if the world itself bowed to his existence.
Lynelle bowed slightly.
"Elder Aelthar, Haru has awakened."
The elder turned, smiling warmly. "Ah, our guest." His voice was gentle but carried the weight of centuries. "Did you sleep well, young human?"
Haru lowered his head respectfully. "Yes, Elder. Thank you for your kindness."
Aelthar's eyes softened. "Good. You needed rest — your spirit was trembling the moment you arrived."
He took a step closer, his gaze shifting. His expression changed from warmth to faint concern.
"…And yet, I see something else clinging to you."
Before Haru could speak, Aelthar raised a hand. A small flick of his finger released a soft wave of light.
A golden ripple spread around Haru — and in that instant, a heavy, invisible pressure lifted from his chest. Black mist seeped out of his body and vanished into the air like smoke scattered by the wind.
Haru blinked, confused. "W-what was that?"
Aelthar placed his hand behind his back and looked toward the fading mist. "Death aura," he said calmly. "It lingers when one kills too many living beings — monsters, beasts, even creatures of darkness. Their dying rage attaches to your soul, feeding on your strength until it begins to corrupt your body."
Haru looked down at his hands. "Really…"
The elder nodded. "Indeed. The forest you wandered in — the Abyssal Vale — is soaked in centuries of malice. It's a miracle you survived. But such survival always comes with a price."
Lynelle, who had been silent until now, glanced at Haru with a worried look. "You carried that for months without knowing?"
Haru gave a faint, tired smile. "I didn't know… I just thought it was part of being strong."
Aelthar chuckled softly. "Strength is not only about what you can slay, Haru. It is also about what you can endure without losing yourself."
The old elf turned back to his garden, sprinkling mana-infused water on silver flowers. "Rest while you can. Soon, you will need that strength — not for killing, but for understanding why you are truly here."