Chapter 56: The Fanged Elf Clan
The grand wooden doors of the mansion creaked open, revealing a lavish interior lined with redwood pillars carved into twisting fangs and leaves. Glistening chandeliers dangled from high ceilings, and a rich earthy aroma wafted from burning incense.
Joe-Pine and Shayleaf entered with confident strides, their presence familiar to the few watching eyes inside. Elton, Zoro, and Ramiro followed close behind, their gazes drifting across detailed stone murals and golden inlays etched into the walls.
"Wow," Ramiro murmured, eyes wide. "Somebody's living good."
A tall butler with dark silver eyes and angular features approached them with a deep bow. "Welcome. We have been expecting you."
Elton returned the gesture with grace. "We are honored by your hospitality."
Ramiro leaned toward Zoro and muttered, "Expected us, huh?"
Zoro merely grunted, arms folded.
The butler turned and began leading them deeper into the mansion. They passed through multiple long corridors lit by soft glowing stones. Curious eyes peered from doorways and balconies—servants and guards, some of their Fanged Elf features apparent: subtle elongated canines, ear tips sharper than typical elves.
The hallway opened into a larger chamber where three Fanged elves stood speaking amongst themselves. Upon noticing the group, one of them stepped forward.
"Big sis Shirleaf!" Shayleaf shouted joyfully.
The older elf woman smiled brightly and patted Shayleaf's head with affection. "As loud as ever, I see."
Elton gave a respectful bow. "Pleased to meet you."
"Likewise," Shirleaf replied.
Zoro gave a quiet nod. Ramiro offered an awkward smile.
Joe-Pine gestured to the two male elves standing beside Shirleaf. "These are my twin nephews, Luno-Oak and Dino-Oak."
"A pleasure," Luno-Oak said, bowing formally.
"Heard a lot about you," Dino-Oak added, grinning.
As introductions passed, Elton tilted his head slightly. "You all seem... very close in age."
Shirleaf chuckled. "Elven physiology can be deceiving. We age differently than humans."
She gestured to Shayleaf. "She's about nineteen, but appears perhaps fourteen by human standards. Our early development is slow, physically and mentally. Around twenty-five, we begin to mature rapidly, then slow again after thirty."
Shirleaf tapped her own temple. "I'm twenty-eight, currently in that rapid development phase. By forty, I'll look like I'm in my Late twenties to early thirties. At sixty, maybe mid-forties. We eventually settle around that appearance, even if we live to a hundred and sixty."
Ramiro blinked. "That's... kind of unfair."
Joe-Pine added thoughtfully, "Cultivation affects things too. Humans can keep their youthful appearances and extend their lifespans past two hundred years if they reach the Mortal Shedding realm. Elves? At Gold-tier we get a boost for every stage, maybe about ten years or so each."
Zoro crossed his arms. "So humans age faster, but gain more from cultivation after surpassing the Mortal Shedding Threshold?"
Shirleaf nodded. "Exactly. But for us, advancing to the Mortal Shedding realm is a lot harder so thats A trade-off."
Elton hummed in thought. "Fair enough."
Ramiro suddenly turned toward Joe-Pine. "How old are you?"
Joe-Pine laughed. "Turning thirty in three months."
Ramiro's jaw dropped. "No way."
"Every race has anomalies," Joe-Pine said with a shrug. "Some of it might be bloodline. I age slower than most."
Zoro finally broke his silence. "Is that why you haven't reached Gold-tier yet?"
A pause settled over the group.
Joe-Pine blinked, then laughed aloud. "Sharp one. Yes, it plays a part. I've had more time to strengthen each stage. I plan to break through before I hit thirty."
A flicker of excitement danced in his eyes. "After that... I'll similarly have a much higher chance of reaching the Mortal Shedding Realm. A path similar to Madame Aeloria's path as a genius of her generation in our Fanged Elf clan."
Not long afterwards the hallway echoed with quiet footfalls as the group moved toward the guest quarters. Despite the casual conversation, there was a hum of unspoken tension in the air. The polished stone beneath their feet gleamed, and every wall was adorned with age-old artistry—fanged leaves etched into gold-trimmed woodwork, vines frozen in enchanted glass.
Shirleaf walked just ahead, her fingers absently brushing the wall as she spoke. "Joe-Pine is no ordinary Silver tier cultivator. He's already strong enough to contend with a newly advanced Gold tier." She smiled over her shoulder. "Even though he hasn't broken through yet, his combat strength is terrifying."
Elton, Zoro, and Ramiro slowed slightly, eyes widening.
"You serious?" Ramiro muttered.
"Dead serious," Luno-Oak chimed in proudly. "Uncle's gonna surpass our dad the moment he hits Gold."
"For sure," Dino-Oak added. "No contest."
Joe-Pine sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I'd rather not hear that from the two of you. You'll get me in trouble with your father."
Shayleaf's shoulders drooped slightly. "Meanwhile, I'm still just at Silver tier 2," she murmured. "I'm the weakest here."
Shirleaf wrapped an arm around her. "You're growing just fine, Shay. Don't compare yourself to monsters like Joe-Pine or anyone else."
"Yeah," Elton said with a gentle grin. "Rank doesn't mean everything."
Before Shayleaf could respond, the ever-watchful butler appeared from around the corner.
"Young masters and mistresses," he said with a bow, "Golden Lord Aeloria wishes to meet with the human guests."
The statement struck like a gong in the air. Elton's stomach tightened.
"Finally," Zoro murmured.
"She's nice!" Shayleaf declared, trying to dispel the tension. "I promise."
"Indeed," Shirleaf added. "Aunt Aeloria is fair and kind."
Elton nodded slowly. "We're honored. Thank you."
"I'll go with you," Joe-Pine said. "Might ease the atmosphere."
"Me too!" Shayleaf exclaimed, grabbing onto Elton's arm with a grin. "I'll protect you."
Elton snorted. "Thanks for the backup."
Ramiro chuckled, rolling his shoulders.
Zoro's lips curled. "Let's face it. We'll be fine."
Together, they ascended marble stairs leading to the highest floor of the mansion. With each step, Elton felt the pressure grow from anticipation. At the end of the corridor stood a massive door carved with a radiant symbol: a veined leaf adorned with two small fangs, pulsing faintly with magical energy.
The butler approached and knocked once. "Your Excellency, the guests have arrived. Master Joe-Pine and Mistress Shayleaf are with them."
Ten seconds of silence passed.
Then the doors creaked open with slow, deliberate weight.
Joe-Pine entered first. Elton, Ramiro, and Zoro followed, with Shayleaf clinging to Elton's arm like a cheerful guardian. Inside was a magnificent chamber layered in natural elegance—glowing crystals in the ceiling, a living tree twisting up a corner, vines forming curtain-like drapes. It looked more like the heart of an enchanted forest than a noble's room.
At its center sat a breathtaking woman with blond hair cascading like sunlight, eyes like spring meadows, a dress woven of actual leaves and silken thread. A delicate crown rested on her brow, a gem softly pulsing with ambient energy.
Elton bowed quickly, clasping his hands in greeting. Ramiro followed suit, while Zoro simply dipped his head.
Standing to the side was another woman, similarly beautiful but more rigid in posture. She wore enchanted bark armor with plantlike runes etched into it, and her braided hair was tucked neatly behind her pointed ears.
Her cold eyes locked with Zoro's and Zoro didn't blink.
A sudden flare of pressure blanketed the room.
A Gold tier 2 aura.
Joe-Pine froze. Shayleaf's eyes widened.
"Aunt Seraphiel! Stop!" Shayleaf shouted, stepping in front of Elton.
Seraphiel's gaze narrowed. Before she could respond, Aeloria raised a hand.
"That's enough, Seraphiel. They are our guests."
The pressure vanished. Elton exhaled.
Aeloria smiled gently. "My apologies. My knight is... protective."
Elton straightened. "We'll take it as a test of courage."
Ramiro grumbled, "Test, my foot."
Joe-Pine bowed. "Forgive us, Lady Aeloria. We were not expecting a display of strength from Seraphiel."
Seraphiel snorted but said nothing more.
Aeloria gestured toward a circle of chairs. "Please, be seated. We have much to discuss."
And so, with minds heavy and hearts steady, they took their seats in the presence of the Elven Gold Lord.