Eventually, they reached the manor. As they entered through the gate, Renlo collapsed to the floor, panting like a dying beast.
"That wasn't even far," Malakai said dryly.
"Don't compare me to you, Ninth Vein," Renlo muttered between gasps.
Malakai shook his head and gestured toward the building. "Well, this is it. It isn't anything special, but it should serve."
Renlo stood up, staring at the manor with wide eyes, then turned to Malakai, frowning in disbelief.
"What?" Malakai asked.
"You're teasing me, right?"
"What?"
"I was literally living in a tree for two years, Ninth Vein. This is heaven to me!"
Malakai stared at Renlo, holding back another smile. He shook his head slightly and said, "Come with me."
Renlo lifted himself off the ground and followed Malakai into the manor. He couldn't stop gawking at everything he saw. His eyes were wide and shining like a child at a festival.
Every single thing amazed him, like he was seeing the world for the first time.
