Elysar cautiously strolled through the hallways of his mansion, the paranoid mannerisms ingrained in him by the previous body's owner still evident at every step. He instinctively, for example, glanced down to ensure he wouldn't slip on the polished marble floors, then up at the elaborately painted ceilings, behind him, and to the left and right, constantly on guard for potential threats.
His heart raced for a moment as his heightened senses remained ever vigilant but then he calmed down after focusing for a bit and breathing deeply, 'I didn't know it was this bad... Well, doesn't matter, it can't be bad to be a little more vigilant in life...', Elysar strangely reasoned and continued striding forward. However, unbeknownst to him, not only his mannerism but also his thoughts got influenced by the previous owner's soul as well.
As he passed by his personal training ground, it was a strangely deserted place. He made a mental note to return later and start honing his body and combat skills after visiting the library, working on his newly envisioned fighting style as well. The mansion, in general, once bustling with life, was now also eerily quiet and deserted; in his previous paranoid state, Elysar had killed many servants for not adhering to his strict safety protocols, or for simply being in a bad mood or under different panic attacks, leaving the once-lively halls of his childhood days now completely cold and empty. The few remaining staff, such as the groundskeepers and stable hands, reacted cautiously to Elysar's presence. They maintained a safe distance and were shaking from fear until he passed. Elysar himself just ignored them.
He was now taking a look at this personal mansion of his. His mansion was a truly splendid example of Baroque architecture, with spatial-themed designs interwoven throughout. The exterior featured white walls, constructed of precious materials like enchanted stone and rare wood, adorned with luxurious decorations of gold and silver, and protected by various mana-enhanced arrays and barriers. The interior was no less opulent, with frescoes and murals depicting the Valthoren family's history and achievements in their spatial magic.
As Elysar walked through the sprawling mansion, he passed the kitchen where his personal chef, whom he hadn't killed, worked diligently. The Valthoren heraldry—a black spatial rift with a silver key inside—was displayed prominently along the hallway, accompanied by other spatial motifs such as black holes, celestial patterns, and representations of the cosmos.
The estate's Baroque influence could be seen in the grand staircase, with its sweeping curves and ornate balustrades, as well as in the intricately carved moldings and cornices that adorned the walls and ceilings. Luxurious tapestries and paintings depicting scenes of the Dreamroot Empire and the Valthoren family's magical prowess hung throughout the halls, further showcasing their wealth and influence.
As Elysar approached the portal room, he slowed his pace to take in the awe-inspiring details of the space. The room, illuminated by magical orbs that floated gently in the air, housed an array of portals, each a testament to the Valthoren family's mastery of spatial magic and their monopoly on the Dream Plant of space. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings of celestial bodies and swirling patterns, echoing the spatial themes found throughout the mansion.
Each portal was a masterpiece of magical technology, framed with an array of mana-absorbing materials such as enchanted metals, crystalline structures, and imbued wood. These materials were carefully crafted and arranged in a harmonious pattern, creating an intricate and stable foundation for the potent Dream Plant essence, which was the driving force behind the portals.
Elysar stepped through the designated portal leading to the grand library, a separate, levitating facility within the expansive Valthoren estate. The air around him shimmered with energy as he felt the familiar sensation of spatial magic transporting him to his destination.
As he emerged from the portal, Elysar found himself on a platform overlooking the entire estate. The floating library, suspended high in the sky, afforded him a breathtaking, panoramic view of the grandiosity and opulence below. The sight was nothing short of awe-inspiring, as it showcased the immense power, wealth, and influence of the Valthoren family.
From this vantage point, he could see the majestic main manor in all its splendor, with gravity-defying towers and floating turrets demonstrating the family's unparalleled skill in spatial magic. The sprawling estate boasted an array of luxurious living quarters, each uniquely designed to reflect the personalities and magical abilities of its occupants.
Further on, he could see the imposing Riftspire Fortress, its formidable walls, and bastions enhanced with spatial magic to create an impenetrable defense. The state-of-the-art magical training grounds, complete with floating platforms and simulated environments, were a testament to the family's dedication to honing their magical prowess.
The enchanting gardens, sprawling across the estate, were a sight to behold. The spatially-enhanced flowers bloomed in mesmerizing patterns, while the cleverly designed hidden pathways offered a sense of wonder and privacy for the family members. The stables and menagerie, home to the family's prized enchanted mounts and magical creatures, boasted facilities that catered to the unique needs of each being, showcasing the Valthoren family's expertise in magical creature husbandry.
The Valthoren estate was not only a testament to opulence and power but also a formidable fortress, a stronghold designed to protect the family and their interests. Surrounded by imposing walls, reinforced with spatial magic, the estate was a near-impregnable bastion of safety and power. Within these walls, the Valthoren family conducted their affairs, hosting an array of influential figures such as ministers, officials, workers, servants, countless advisors, in-house knights and mages, all of their families, and esteemed guests, each residing in their own lavishly-appointed living spaces.
The patriarch of the family, Elysar's father, along with his three wives, occupied the central main manor. This grand edifice boasted elegant living quarters, exquisite dining halls, and opulent reception areas for entertaining their high-profile guests. Elysar's two older brothers, however, also lived in their own personal manors just like Elysar.
As Elysar surveyed the grandeur of his family's estate from his vantage point, he was struck by the seamless blend of Baroque style and spatial magic that defined Valthoren architecture. The interiors of the buildings were no less impressive, featuring floating staircases that seemed to defy gravity, magically expanding rooms that adapted to the needs of their occupants, and windows that offered views of distant locations as if one were standing right there.
The grand library that surrounded Elysar was a marvel in itself—an immense, circular tower that housed a nearly overwhelming collection of books, scrolls, and artifacts. The shelves seemed to defy reality, stretching endlessly and magically expanding to accommodate the vast wealth of knowledge contained within. The library was a treasure trove of information on every subject imaginable, from the intricate history of the Valthoren family to the arcane secrets of spatial magic. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and aged leather, as whispers of ancient knowledge seemed to echo through the towering stacks.
There was no librarian present within the grand library, as Elysar had used his personal key to gain access. This key was no ordinary key; it was a specially crafted artifact imbued with Elysar's unique spatial signature. As the heir to the Valthoren family, he had been granted the privilege of unrestricted access to the family's vast trove of knowledge.
As Elysar stepped further into the library, he felt his own spatial magic resonate with the enchantments placed upon the shelves. These enchantments were designed to recognize and react to the spatial signatures of the Valthoren family members, allowing them to summon the desired books or scrolls with ease.
To initiate the process, Elysar closed his eyes and focused on the topic he wished to explore. He allowed his spatial magic to flow freely, reaching out to the surrounding enchantments in the library. The magical energies intertwined and harmonized, creating a connection between Elysar and the vast repository of knowledge.
Once the connection was established, Elysar's spatial magic acted as a guide, leading him through the labyrinth of shelves with pinpoint accuracy. As he walked, the shelves seemed to rearrange themselves, creating a path that led him directly to the books or scrolls he sought.
Upon reaching the desired section, Elysar extended his hand, and the chosen book, seemingly responding to his unspoken command, floated gently from the shelf into his waiting grasp. The mechanics behind this process were a masterful blend of spatial magic and the Valthoren family's unique magical techniques, honed over generations.
This efficient and personalized system not only allowed Elysar to access the wealth of information within the grand library quickly but also helped him maintain an organized and focused study session. The magical resonance between Elysar and the library was a subtle reminder of the deep connection he shared with his family and their legacy, instilling in him a renewed sense of purpose as he delved into the vast reservoir of knowledge.
Once Elysar had collected the books and scrolls he needed, he made his way to a secluded reading area within the grand library. This particular spot was his favorite, not only because it was a quiet corner away from any disturbances but also because it offered a magnificent view of the estate through a large, enchanting window that showcased various scenes with a simple wave of his hand.
The reading area was furnished with a luxurious, high-backed armchair that seemed to mold itself to his body, providing the utmost comfort as he settled in. A small, floating table made of rich, dark wood hovered beside the armchair, ready to hold the books, scrolls, and any writing materials Elysar might require. Elysar could spend hours in this cozy corner, undisturbed and completely absorbed in his studies