EnhyLand | Lee Heeseung

Five

She showed them the photos she had taken of them. "Ah, so that's how it works," Sunghoon said, nodding. "Yes, you can keep this photo for a long time. Anyway, how do you shoot photos here?"She frowned.

"Draw. A gifted artist creates drawings," Jaeyun stated. She glanced at him in disbelief and said, "You draw—excuse me, draw?" Jaeyun innocently nodded. "Can I also get a phone?" Sunoo enquired.

"Yes, you may get it in the human world," responded Minjae. As she discussed the human world, his smile started to disappear. He complained, "We never leave EnhyLand." She gave an agreeable nod.

"Uhm, you should get some rest," Heeseung said, breaking the silence. "Yeah okay, is there anywhere I could sleep around this place?" she asked. "You are welcome to stay in our room," Riki said.

When Minjae heard what he said, her eyes grew wide. "Oh no, I appreciate the offer, but..."

"But you have nowhere to go. Just stay here. Outside is risky. You have no idea what's going on here," Jaeyun replied while averting her eyes. Minjae sensed that something was off.

"We do live in the middle of the woods, in case you forgot. Nothing but trees can be found even if you wander around," said Jungwon.

"Just rest in our room. We are boys after all, so it's alright. We can sleep outside here," Heeseung grinned. "Follow me," said Jongseong. Minjae silently followed Jongseong at the back without saying a word.

They had seven beds in a medium-sized room. Jongseong entered their chamber and came to a stop. He examined each bed individually. He scratched his not-itchy head and said, "Uh, just, just sleep on any bed you like."

"Just rest on my bed over there in the right corner," Heeseung said. "You may also use my pillow and blanket. I can share with my brothers," he remarked.

In front of his bed, Minjae nervously stood. "Here?" she asked, pointing to his bed. Heeseung smiled while nodding. As the boys were still preparing their belongings for an outdoor sleepover, she felt ashamed to get into bed.

The others moved to stand in front of the door, leaving Minjae alone in the room. They said, "Sleep well," and shut the wooden door. She sat down on Heeseung's bed after sighing.

She laid down and looked up at the ceiling while holding the necklace. "I'm currently in EnhyLand, mom. I'm there, in the bedtime story you used to read to me. But something isn't quite right here "She thought to herself.

Her mouth let out a long sigh just before everything turned black.

Minjae awoke the following morning to sunlight streaming in through the window. In the early morning, the house was peaceful. She made Heeseung's bed neater after standing up. She opened the door cautiously to step outside.

Nobody was there that she could find. She then heard several voices coming from the house's backyard.

"Punch me harder!"

"What more do you have, brother?"

"Don't hit your hyung in the head!"

"You should work on your defense,"

Minjae went to the back of the home by the backdoor in the kitchen because she was inquisitive. She was astounded by what she saw as she opened the door. Except for Sunoo, the six brothers were fighting each other. Sunoo was punching the punching bag.

She was at the door when they paused. "Oh, good morning!" Sunoo smiled brightly and waved at her. She also waved while nodding. "Sorry if we woke you up," Jaeyun enquired anxiously.

"Uh no. What are you guys doing?"nshe enquired. "Training," Jungwon said, his dimple visible. "Interesting," she murmured. "Everyone, let's halt here. Clean up and gather in the living room later," Heeseung added.

Minjae examined the appearance of Heeseung. She assumed he was the eldest son based on how he handled them and how he required them to accomplish things. The boys followed their elder brother's orders and left Minjae and Heeseung before entering.

"You had to be the oldest, right?" she questioned. He laughed a little, "It's clear, isn't it?" She smiled as she nodded. She surveyed the equipment and inquired, "What are you guys practicing for?"

On his lips, a faint smile emerged. "Uh, to defend ourselves," he said. "What do you mean? Is this place dangerous? My mother never referred to EnhyLand as dangerous," She grimaced.

Heeseung wasn't complaining despite Minjae's numerous inquiries. She asked another question before Heeseung had a chance to respond. She questioned again, "What's actually happening here?"

Heeseung just giggled at her. "Let me wash up first, Minjae, alright?" She gave him a nod and expressed regret for her excessive questioning.

They soon gathered in the living room. Only wooden chairs were available; there were no sofas. Each person sat in a chair in a circle.

"Are they performing any sort of ritual?" In his confusion, Bisco questioned. "Nonsense! They're talking about it," said Layla. "They must be discussing the prophecy," Gaeul reasoned.

"All right, so when can I receive my answers?" Minjae inquired, a little impatient due to her excessive curiosity. Heeseung remarked, "In your mom's story, it was a very long time ago."

"True. Contrary to what your mother told you, EnhyLand is not currently a happy and tranquil place. No longer," Jongseong completed his thought. Minjae scowled and cocked her head to the left slightly.

"In the castle, something happened about two years ago. One evening, King Royi and Queen Vila were dining with their family. Onyx, the sister of Queen Vila, was invited," Jaeyun remarked.

He was too silent for a while, and Minjae waited patiently for him to speak again. Minjae didn't make any remarks to press the conversation. Jaeyun then gave Jongseong the go-ahead to continue.

"Right. Then that night, Onyx betrayed her own sister. She had a real desire to rule EnhyLand. As long as King Royi is still alive, she cannot do that. I guess she was desperated, she asked a witch to give her dark magic,"

"She already possessed dark magic the night she arrived at the palace. She created a great commotion, rendered King Royi and Queen Vila paralyzed, "Jongseong fixed his gaze on the ground.

"Then she imprisoned them in the dungeon. She seized possession of the castle that evening, usurped King Royi's throne, and currently rules EnhyLand," said he.

Minjae felt terrible for both King Royi and Queen Vila after hearing their tales. "Did King Royi and Queen Vila have children?" she asked. They gave a headshake. "I'm not sure. Some said they have sons," Jungwon spoke.

"What happened to their sons?" she wondered. "We are unsure. They were never discussed in EnhyLand," Sunoo avoided looking at her directly. In response, Minjae nodded.

When she discovered what was going on in EnhyLand, she was shocked. The boys all turned to face Riki when he stated, "But there's a prophecy though." Confused, she questioned, "Prophecy?"

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