Morning light slowly spread across the residence of Sorel Yaipokpa, illuminating the wooden beams and bamboo walls of the traditional house. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the scent of forest leaves and distant cooking fires from nearby houses. Birds sang from the tall trees surrounding the courtyard, and the peaceful atmosphere made the place feel calm and welcoming. After the long journey and deep discussions about barrier techniques the previous night, the quiet morning felt almost refreshing for both young sorcerers.
Yaikhomba stepped outside the guest room and stretched his arms lazily. His eyes slowly adjusted to the morning light as he looked around the courtyard. The house looked even more beautiful during the day. Wooden pillars carved with ancient patterns supported the roof, and small spiritual charms hung along the walls to protect the home from negative spirits. It was clear that this residence belonged to a respected family within Thawai Society.
A few moments later, Lanthaba also stepped outside, brushing his hair slightly as he looked toward the bright sky. He seemed more relaxed than usual, perhaps because this place reminded him of his childhood.
"You finally woke up," Lanthaba said calmly.
Yaikhomba laughed quietly while rubbing the back of his neck.
"I slept too comfortably," he admitted. "This place is so peaceful that I almost forgot we came here for studying."
Just then, Sorel Yaipokpa approached from the front of the residence. The older sorcerer walked slowly with calm dignity, carrying a simple wooden staff that he often used during his travels. When he saw the two students standing in the courtyard, a warm smile appeared on his face.
"Good morning," Sorel said. "I hope both of you rested well."
"Yes, uncle," Lanthaba replied respectfully.
Yaikhomba also bowed slightly.
"Yes, sir."
Sorel chuckled softly before turning toward the road leading away from the residence.
"Today," he said calmly, "I will show you the real face of Thawai Leipak."
Yaikhomba's eyes immediately brightened with excitement. Even though he had seen parts of the hidden sorcerer town before, he knew there were still many things he had never experienced.
"Really?" he asked eagerly.
"Of course," Sorel replied. "If you wish to understand Thawai Society, you must see it with your own eyes."
The three of them left the residence together and began walking through the streets of the hidden sorcerer town.
The town was already alive with activity. Shops had opened early, and sorcerers of different ages moved through the streets carrying tools, scrolls, and weapons. Some people were discussing spiritual research, while others were preparing for training sessions or missions.
Yaikhomba could not help looking around constantly as they walked. Every corner of the town seemed to contain something new and surprising. One shop displayed spiritual charms carved from sacred wood. Another store sold blades forged from mysterious ores that glowed faintly with spiritual energy. There were also cages containing rare birds with colorful feathers that shimmered under the sunlight.
"This place feels completely different from the world outside," Yaikhomba said quietly while observing everything around him.
Sorel nodded slowly.
"That is because most people in the human world do not know this place exists," he explained. "Thawai Leipak has remained hidden for centuries. It is a society built by sorcerers for sorcerers."
Lanthaba walked calmly beside them, occasionally greeting familiar people who passed by. Some villagers nodded respectfully toward him, showing that he was recognized by many in the community.
After walking through several streets, they eventually reached a quieter part of the town where traditional wooden houses stood along narrow paths. The atmosphere here felt older, as if the area had existed long before the modern buildings of the sorcerer academy.
Lanthaba suddenly slowed his steps.
"This place hasn't changed much," he said softly.
Yaikhomba followed his gaze and noticed a small but well-kept house beside the road. An elderly woman sat outside beside a low cooking table, carefully preparing something over a small fire.
When she noticed Lanthaba approaching, her face immediately brightened with joy.
"Lanthaba!" she called warmly.
Lanthaba smiled respectfully and stepped closer.
"Grandmother Thambal," he said politely.
The old woman stood slowly, leaning slightly on the wooden table for support.
"You finally came back to visit," she said. "It has been a long time."
Lanthaba scratched his head with a slightly embarrassed expression.
"I have been busy with training at the university."
The woman laughed softly before turning her attention to Yaikhomba.
"And who is this young man with you?"
"My friend," Lanthaba replied. "His name is Yaikhomba."
Yaikhomba bowed politely.
"It is an honor to meet you."
The old woman nodded kindly and motioned for them to sit down.
"You must both be hungry after walking so far," she said.
Before they could respond, she returned to her cooking table and began preparing something quickly. Within minutes, a warm sweet aroma filled the air. She handed them small plates containing a dessert made from sticky rice mixed with honey and roasted nuts.
Yaikhomba took a bite and immediately widened his eyes in surprise.
"This is incredible," he said.
Lanthaba laughed softly.
"Grandmother Thambal is famous for making sweets in this district."
The woman smiled proudly while watching them enjoy the dessert. After finishing the food and thanking her politely, the three travelers continued their journey through the town.
Gradually, the scenery began to change. The streets slowly turned into open paths surrounded by tall grass and trees. In the distance, several traditional tribal houses appeared scattered across a wide valley.
Sorel stopped walking and looked toward the village ahead.
"This place," he explained, "is Kei Khamei Village."
Yaikhomba looked around with curiosity.
"It looks like a tribal settlement."
Sorel nodded.
"It is the home of the Keimi tribe."
Yaikhomba remembered hearing that name before.
"The Weretiger warriors?"
"Yes," Sorel replied calmly. "The Keimi tribe is known for their incredible physical strength and their strong sense of honor."
As they entered the village, several villagers noticed them and observed them carefully. The Keimi people were tall and muscular, and many wore traditional clothing decorated with tiger-like patterns. Some carried hunting spears, while others trained with wooden weapons in the open fields.
"The Keimi follow a system known as the Keilup," Sorel explained.
"What kind of system is that?" Yaikhomba asked.
"It is a hunting rank system," Sorel replied. "Young warriors begin with low ranks and earn higher positions by successfully hunting stronger beasts. The tribe respects this system deeply."
Lanthaba added quietly, "Breaking the rules of Keilup means losing your honor forever."
Yaikhomba nodded slowly, understanding how seriously the tribe treated their traditions.
As they continued walking through the village, a deep rumbling sound suddenly echoed across the nearby field.
Yaikhomba turned toward the noise and froze in shock.
A massive animal stood grazing in the grass.
It looked like a buffalo, but it was far larger than any normal buffalo. Its horns curved outward like enormous blades, and its muscular body looked powerful enough to break trees.
"What… is that?" Yaikhomba asked in disbelief.
Lanthaba laughed.
"That is a Gaodai."
Sorel nodded.
"Gaodai are domestic animals native to Thawai Leipak. They are incredibly strong but surprisingly calm if raised properly."
Yaikhomba stared at the giant creature with amazement.
"This world really is different."
After leaving the village area, they eventually reached a wide open field surrounded by wooden fences. The ground was perfectly flat, and two goal posts stood at opposite ends.
Yaikhomba looked confused.
"What is this place?"
Lanthaba smiled.
"This is the oldest playground for Sagol Kangjei."
Several powerful horses stood nearby, being prepared by riders for practice. These horses were unlike any normal horses Yaikhomba had seen before. They were tall, muscular, and moved with incredible speed and intelligence.
Sorel pointed toward them.
"Those are Samadong Sagol," he said. "The fastest and most durable horses in Thawai Leipak."
Yaikhomba watched the horses with fascination.
"They look amazing."
Lanthaba suddenly turned toward him with a playful smile.
"Yaikhomba, would you like to have a sparring match?"
Yaikhomba blinked.
"A match?"
"Sagol Kangjei," Lanthaba said. "We can use our abilities, but we will not harm each other."
Yaikhomba grinned.
"That sounds fun."
Several Keimi villagers noticed the conversation and gathered around the field, curious to watch the match.
Two Samadong Sagol horses were brought forward. Lanthaba and Yaikhomba mounted the horses while holding wooden mallets used for Sagol Kangjei.
When the ball was placed in the center of the field, one of the Keimi warriors raised his hand.
"Begin!"
The game started instantly.
Both horses sprinted forward with unbelievable speed, their hooves pounding against the ground as the players chased the ball. Lanthaba struck the ball first, sending it flying across the field, but Yaikhomba quickly reacted by creating a small crystal barrier that deflected the ball in another direction.
The spectators gasped in surprise.
The match quickly became intense as both players used their abilities creatively while riding the powerful Samadong Sagol horses.
Crystal barriers, bursts of spiritual energy, and incredible riding skill filled the field with excitement. The crowd cheered loudly as the match continued, watching the two young sorcerers compete with skill and creativity.
Finally, Lanthaba swung his mallet with perfect timing, sending the ball straight toward the goal.
Yaikhomba attempted to block it with another crystal barrier, but the ball slipped past the edge of the barrier and crossed the goal line.
The crowd erupted with cheers.
Lanthaba laughed while slowing his horse.
"That was a good match."
Yaikhomba smiled as well, breathing slightly harder from the excitement.
"Yes," he said while looking around the playground. "This place is incredible."
Sorel watched the two young sorcerers quietly with a thoughtful expression.
Perhaps the future of Thawai Society would depend on talented young sorcerers like them.
And perhaps their journey had only just begun.