The towering gates of the Virell Coast estate opened with a deep, resonant hum, the kind of sound that spoke not only of wealth but of legacy carved across generations. As Vicky stepped through the entrance alongside Aarna, Kael, Luka, and the others, the very atmosphere seemed to shift around them. The air here was warmer, carrying a faint blend of sea breeze and expensive incense that lingered gently in the lungs. Beneath their feet, the marble pathway was polished to such perfection that it reflected the gray sky like the surface of a perfectly still lake.
For a brief moment, even Vicky slowed his steps.
Not because he was impressed.
But because everything here felt… deliberate.
Controlled.
Alive.
Ahead of them, the massive mansion rose like a silent emperor overlooking the coast. White stone walls layered with elegant golden inlays stretched upward in flawless symmetry, while tall crystal windows caught the strange eternal light of the sky. Subtle mechanical ornaments moved along the outer walls—small clockwork birds fluttering between carved pillars, their wings beating with quiet precision.
Aarna's eyes widened despite herself.
"Wow…" she breathed softly. "This place is… something else."
Kael let out a low whistle, his gaze traveling up the impossible height of the structure.
"Something else?" he muttered. "This looks like a whole kingdom…"
Before anyone could add more—
THUD. THUD. THUD.
Rapid footsteps approached.
The moment the group crossed into the inner courtyard, a line of uniformed attendants appeared with almost unnatural timing, as if they had been waiting for this exact second. Their movements were crisp, synchronized, and utterly professional.
Then—
A middle-aged man and woman hurried forward from the grand staircase.
The woman's eyes were already glistening.
"My children—!"
Without hesitation, she pulled Arelia and Eren into a tight embrace, her composure breaking instantly.
Eren froze for half a heartbeat before his shoulders relaxed, a small genuine smile appearing on his face.
"We're back, Mother."
Behind them, the tall dignified man—sharp-eyed, composed, every inch the image of a powerful merchant—placed a firm but clearly relieved hand on Eren's shoulder.
"You took far longer than expected," he said steadily, though the warmth beneath his voice was impossible to miss.
Meanwhile, the servants had already begun moving around Vicky's group with frightening efficiency. One offered fresh towels. Another presented chilled drinks on a silver tray. A third was already preparing seating arrangements inside the grand reception hall.
Kael blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then he leaned slightly toward Luka and whispered under his breath, "…bro."
Luka raised a brow.
Kael continued quietly, disbelief thick in his voice. "Are they welcoming guests… or conducting a royal inspection?"
For the briefest second, Luka's lips twitched.
• Inside the Grand Hall
The moment they entered the main hall, even Vicky's calm gaze shifted slightly.
The interior was extravagant—yet refined.
High crystal chandeliers floated midair through subtle mana engineering, casting soft layers of light across the polished floor. The walls were lined with intricate mechanical artwork: tiny golden ships sailing across painted oceans inside glass frames, delicate gear systems rotating in silent harmony.
Everything in this place spoke a single, undeniable truth:
Ridiculous wealth.
Aarna slowly turned in place, absorbing every detail, her curiosity completely unhidden now.
"So clean… so advanced…" she murmured.
Servants moved like a perfectly rehearsed orchestra, placing refreshments before anyone even asked. Within minutes, the group was seated on plush velvet couches that practically swallowed whoever sat on them.
Kael cautiously pressed the armrest beside him.
Then pressed it again.
Slowly, carefully, he leaned back.
"…this is real, right?" he muttered to himself.
Eren, who caught that, chuckled lightly. "Relax. It's just furniture."
Inside Kael's mind, however, alarms were ringing loudly.
• Royal-Level Hospitality
Then the food arrived.
Not normal food.
An entire spread.
Sea delicacies arranged like artwork, rare fruits glistening under soft light, and steaming dishes releasing rich, mouthwatering aromas that filled the hall. Even Luka's sharp eyes narrowed slightly in quiet appreciation.
Aarna blinked rapidly. "…That much food?"
Arelia smiled gently. "You all traveled with us. Of course you're honored guests."
Kael slowly picked up a piece of food and stared at it like it might disappear.
Then he took a bite.
…
His eyes widened dramatically.
He leaned toward Eren again and whispered with deadly seriousness, "Tell me honestly… are you merchants… or secretly running a kingdom?"
Eren burst into laughter.
• Aarna's Suspicion
But while the mood remained warm, Aarna's expression gradually sharpened. Her instincts, always alert, had begun to stir. Something about this entire situation wasn't sitting right with her.
She gently placed her cup down.
Then looked directly at Eren and Arelia.
Her voice was calm—but probing.
"You two…"
The room's atmosphere subtly tightened.
"You're this rich… this influential…"
Her golden eyes narrowed slightly.
"Then what were you doing in the Mysterious City?"
Even Kael stopped chewing.
Aarna continued softly but firmly, "That place isn't for sightseeing. Every step there risks your life."
For a brief moment, silence settled.
Then Eren leaned back slowly, not defensive—just honest.
A faint nostalgic smile touched his lips.
"To be honest…"
He glanced sideways at Arelia.
"…neither of us ever liked merchant work."
Kael's brain short-circuited.
Eren continued calmly, "We were born into it. Trained for it. Expected to inherit everything."
His gaze drifted somewhere distant.
"But counting profits all day… negotiating shipments… managing trade routes…"
He shook his head gently.
"It never felt like living."
Arelia added softly, "So we left."
Simple.
Direct.
Honest.
Aarna blinked. "…you just left?"
Eren nodded. "We wanted to see the world ourselves."
• Kael's Internal Crisis
Meanwhile, inside Kael's mind:
Wait…
They have THIS kind of house…
THIS level of money…
And they said — 'we're bored, let's go risk our lives'?
He slowly leaned back into the couch, face completely blank.
If this were my house…
I wouldn't even step outside the gate.
He imagined servants bringing food automatically.
Soft beds.
Zero danger.
Zero near-death experiences.
Kael reached a very serious internal conclusion:
These rich people are mentally unstable.
Luka glanced sideways at him. "…stop overthinking."
Kael jumped slightly. "I didn't even say anything!"
Luka replied flatly, "You're loud in your head."
Kael:
• The Tone Shifts
After the laughter faded, Eren's expression slowly grew more serious.
He leaned forward slightly.
"There is… one more reason."
Everyone's attention sharpened.
Even Vicky's quiet red gaze settled on him.
Eren's voice lowered.
"In Virell Coast…"
"…there exists something most outsiders don't know about."
The atmosphere thickened.
Aarna's eyes narrowed. "…what?"
Eren met her gaze directly.
His voice dropped to a near whisper.
"There is an underground arena here."
Silence fell heavily.
Kael blinked. "…arena?"
Eren nodded slowly, eyes darkening.
"A hidden one."
His voice turned cold.
"Where some of the strongest fighters in the world come…"
"…to fight."
The chandelier lights flickered faintly.
And for the first time since entering the estate—
Vicky's crimson eyes glowed softly in the dim light.