The thin clouds that floated high over the tall tree-tops of the Langhutu forest slowly dissipated into mist as it apparently encounter something solid that blocked it's path. With a shimmer, the shield revealed itself, a vast glowing blue dome that covered a 600 square meter area of forested land. Sigils kept appearing and disappearing within the hemispherical shield, enchantments that had been applied to it decades ago.
Slowly, the shield faded from view, revealing the vast cityscape behind it. Tall buildings pierced the skies as the sound of vendors hawking their wares and the sweet scent of food filled the air.
This is Arc City, nestled in the heart of Shenzhou. This is the city known to many as the capital of Magical China. This is the domain of the Wolf.
Deep within the city, three people are leading two others to a small building a little while away from the rest of the city. Small and shabby, the building isn't exactly impressive. However, even in it's broken-down state, it glows from within with concentrated magic. The Wolf is the first to step forward and open the door, releasing a burst of golden light.
When the light fades, the others see a vast mansion held within the "shabby" building. It had vast walls made of marble, and inlaid with gold in swirling patterns that imitated trees and birds. The ceiling, made of polished quartz, was engraved with images of magical creatures, arranged in a circle around a central glass circle, carved to resemble Earth. A sigil was engraved on the glass Earth, specifically over China - 保護 (Protect). Statues of magical creatures stood at each corner of the octagon-shaped hall directly behind the doors
To the East, a vast statue of a Chinese dragon, made of jade, roared, with eyes made of sapphire. A word was carved onto it's back - 青龍 Qīnglóng
To the South, a vast golden bird unfurled it's wings, revealing a body studded with rubies. It's eyes glowed from within with inner fire, and a word was carved into its forehead - 朱雀; Zhūquè
To the West, a giant silver tiger snarled, revealing teeth made of polished platinum. It's eyes, made of diamond, seemed to glow from within. A word was carved into its chest - 白虎, Báihǔ
To the North, a vast tortoise made of onyx bowed its head. It's eye's made of pearl, seemed downcast. A word was carved into its shell - 玄武; Xuánwǔ
To the North-East, a faceless copper beast growled, revealing a vast, gaping mouth. Chains bound it's limbs together, and it's face was frozen in an expression of ravenousness. A word was carved into its tongue - 饕餮, Taotie
To the South-East, a strange bronze creature with the body of a tiger, an extremely long tail and the tusks of a boar, along with a determined look on it's face stood steadfast. A word was carved into it's head - 檮杌; Táowù
To the North-west, a giant slate statue of a vast, horned lion-like beast with flaming wings, stood on it's hind legs, a furious expression on it's face. A word on it's left wing named it 窮奇; Qióngqí
To the South-west, a bizarre granite creature danced, with no face or body, just four limbs and four small wings. A word on it's back named it 混沌; Hùndùn
Serpens, chuckling slightly, turns to Wolf, "Extension charms ? Why ?"
The Wolf smirks and replies, " With magic, the question should be, why not ?"
Corvus raised an eyebrow and remarked, "I had an uncle who tried that once. The building's interior shrunk while he was still in there. It took a week to remove him from the ceiling tiles"
The others stared at him for a few seconds before Serpens broke the silence, "You had an uncle ?"
"Yeah, my mother had a brother"
"You had a mother ?"
"Where the fuck do you think I came from ?'
"I just... assumed you popped into existence out of nothingness. Like God, you know"
"Like God"
"Yup"
"Thanks... I guess"
The Wolf broke the silence that followed that statement with a cough and a, "Alright, let's go in. We should begin the meeting now"
Serpens, relieved at the change of topic, agreed, "Yeah, we shouldn't waste anymore time"
With that, the five turned and entered the manor
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