Bellus Aether (BTS AU X Male Reader/OC)

V: Rareza

Briunza (Forest - Near Pomi's House)

After many incantations by the Maurivian King, the spell activated and it lead them on Briunza of all places.

King Hoseok and his companions followed the faint trail of smoke left by the spell, leading them deep into a forest outside the main city of Briunza. After an hour's trek, they arrived at a simple house nestled in the woods. Some mages speculated it might belong to a witch or an old mage, but King Hoseok sensed no lingering magical presence.

"My king, is it safe to approach? What if a witch has laid traps?" one of his mages voiced concern.

"I should have sensed a stronger presence if that were the case. It seems more likely that a mere human resides here or a witch whose powers are dormant," King Hoseok replied.

"My apologies, but even if someone is masking their power, wouldn't your artifact still detect it?" the mage countered, eyeing the necklace, which remained dormant.

"I cannot say for certain, Mage Mingyu. Search for any potential spell traps. I will proceed inside," King Hoseok instructed confidently, having enchanted himself with protective spells.

"But, my King, it's risky. We don't know what awaits inside," another mage cautioned.

"Trust in my orders. I am shielded," King Hoseok reassured them.

Apologies once more, as you wish, my King," the mages said, fanning out into the forest to inspect the area. The King cautiously approached the front door of the house and knocked politely.

"Is anyone home? May I speak with you?" he called out. Silence greeted him.

"Is anyone there?" Still no response. The mages returned, reporting no signs of traps and casting a weak protective spell around the house.

"Thank you, Jihoon. It appears the house is vacant," King Hoseok acknowledged.

"Perhaps someone resided here temporarily and departed after recovering," Jihoon suggested.

"That's possible, but this doesn't look like an abandoned dwelling," the King remarked thoughtfully.

"Indeed, my King. Perhaps someone discovered it and offered aid, leading us here," Jihoon hypothesized.

"An astute observation, Mage Jihoon. Now, let's find a way inside," the King decided, turning to Mage Seungkwan.

"Yes, my King," Mage Seungkwan acknowledged with a bow.

"You've taken your etiquette lessons seriously," the King remarked with a chuckle.

"For the good of Bangtania," Seungkwan replied earnestly.

"Enough chatter. I require your metal manipulation skills to fashion a makeshift key from a rock to fit this lock," the King instructed, pointing to the keyhole.

"I'll locate suitable metal rocks, my King," Seungkwan affirmed, scanning the surroundings. Before long, the trees rustled unnaturally, the atmosphere turning tense. Though puzzled, King Hoseok suspected imminent danger.

"We may want to step back, my King. Our safety is not assured here," a mage advised cautiously.

"No, let us wait a moment longer. Be prepared for anything," King Hoseok urged. Eventually, Seungkwan returned, his hand emitting a liquid metal.

"I'm ready, my King," Seungkwan announced confidently.

"Your skills with locks have proven invaluable. Work your magic," the King encouraged, sharing a lighthearted moment with his companions. Suddenly, screams and explosions erupted from within the house.