Cistar noticed that the team had left their cups untouched and raised an eyebrow in concern. "Is there something wrong with the tea? Do you not like it?" Her tone was gentle, but there was a hint of insistence in her voice.

The team exchanged furtive glances. Miko had confirmed that the tea was safe, but the strangeness of their situation made them hesitate. Was it wise to drink anything offered by a mysterious maid in a seemingly enchanted manor?

Cistar stepped closer, her expression earnest. "Please, try it. If you don't like it, I can prepare another pot for you. It's important that you feel comfortable."

Realizing that this could become a repetitive cycle, the team knew they had little choice. They needed to navigate this strange encounter carefully, and accepting the tea might be the first step. Kosu, feeling the weight of expectation and the need to break the tension, took a deep breath and lifted his cup.

With a cautious sip, he tasted the tea. It was warm and fragrant, but oddly bland. "It's... not bad," he said slowly, though his mind churned with confusion. There was something about it that felt off, as if he were drinking something far removed from actual tea.

Miko took a sip next, her eyes widening in surprise. "This has a floral note to it. It's like sipping on a garden," she remarked, savoring the taste.

Jenna, curious, followed suit. "I detect hints of honey, and a touch of spice," she added, her expression thoughtful. "It's quite soothing."

Riku hesitated but eventually took a sip. "It's like a warm embrace," she said, a smile creeping onto her face. "Very comforting."

But as each member described their experience, Kosu could only shake his head in bewilderment. To him, it felt like he was drinking warm water with a faint scent, barely resembling the rich flavors his companions described. It left him with a nagging sense that perhaps this was not tea at all, but something more elusive.

Cistar watched them with an approving smile. "I'm glad you're enjoying it," she said, her eyes sparkling. "Now, let me show you to your rooms so you can rest."

She led the team down a hallway adorned with intricate tapestries and softly glowing sconces. The manor felt both inviting and unsettling, as if it were alive and watching them. Cistar stopped in front of two doors, one on the left and one on the right.

"I will prepare two rooms for you," she explained. "Two gentlemen, you will stay in this room." She gestured to the left. "And the ladies will have the room across the hall."

The team nodded, grateful for the opportunity to rest, even as they felt the weight of the unknown pressing down on them.

As they stepped into their respective rooms, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension. They were safe for now, but the mysteries of the manor loomed large, and they knew that the night held many secrets yet to be uncovered.

Kosu stepped into his room, the door creaking softly as it swung open. The space was surprisingly spacious, with high ceilings that gave it an airy feel. Rich, dark wood paneling lined the walls, contrasting beautifully with the soft, muted hues of the ornate wallpaper—an intricate pattern of intertwining vines and delicate flowers that seemed to dance in the flickering candlelight.

A large four-poster bed dominated one corner of the room, draped in heavy, luxurious fabric that matched the wallpaper. The deep burgundy curtains framed the bed, adding an air of opulence, while plush pillows in varying shades of gold and crimson invited him to sink into their softness. The bedspread was thick and embroidered with fine golden threads, catching the light in a warm glow.

Across from the bed stood a polished wooden dresser, its surface gleaming as if it had been recently polished. An antique mirror hung above it, reflecting the dim light from a pair of sconces on either side. The mirror's ornate frame was intricately carved with swirling designs that echoed the patterns on the walls, creating a sense of cohesion throughout the room.

In the corner, a small writing desk was positioned near a window. The desk was made of the same dark wood, adorned with delicate carvings. A single candle sat atop it, casting a gentle glow. The window itself was tall and arched, framed by heavy drapes that could be drawn for privacy. Kosu peered through the glass, but the night outside was impenetrable, a wall of darkness that seemed to thrum with unspoken secrets.

A plush armchair, upholstered in rich fabric, sat invitingly next to the fireplace, which was currently unlit. The hearth was adorned with a collection of decorative items, including a small clock with intricate gears and a few carefully arranged books, their spines faded but titles still legible.

The room had a faint, sweet scent—perhaps from the flowers in the wallpaper or some lingering essence of the tea they had just consumed. It was oddly comforting, yet it heightened Kosu's awareness of the eeriness surrounding them.

As he took in the details, Kosu couldn't shake the feeling that the room had been meticulously arranged for him, as if someone had anticipated his arrival. The atmosphere was heavy with both luxury and a sense of watchfulness, making him acutely aware that he was not alone in this manor.

He turned back to the door, contemplating the night ahead. The room was beautiful, but it felt like a gilded cage, and he knew that the true nature of this place was still hidden from view.

After ensuring that Cistar had left, the team gathered in the room shared by Thorn and Kosu. The atmosphere was thick with tension as they settled into a circle, each member keenly aware of the secrets lurking in the manor.

Riku, the scout, broke the silence. "I can confirm that this room was abandoned the last time I checked," she said, her brow furrowed with concern. "It's like it was prepared for us overnight. It doesn't sit right with me."

Miko, the medic, nodded thoughtfully. "Even though I didn't detect anything unusual with the tea, hearing how you all described it has me worried. It feels like there's something beneath the surface, something we're not seeing." She shivered slightly, recalling the strange blandness Kosu had experienced.

Jenna, the tech specialist, leaned forward, her eyes bright with determination. "I want to check the attic. We set up a radar there, and I need to see if it's still operational. It might give us some clues about what's happening in this place."

Thorn considered her suggestion, then nodded slowly. "That's a good idea. But we need to be cautious. Cistar seemed friendly enough, but when I asked her questions about the manor and its owner, I sensed she knows more than she's letting on. There's something she's hiding."

Kosu added, his voice steady but laced with urgency, "There has to be more than one way to leave this manor. We can't just wait around here. We need to find a way out, and quickly. I'm still worried about Sakura's team. Are they safe? Are they even nearby?"

The group fell silent, the weight of their predicament settling heavily upon them. Each member was grappling with their own fears and uncertainties, yet they knew they had to act. The manor felt alive, and every moment spent in its confines deepened the sense of danger.

"We can't lose focus," Thorn said, his voice firm. "We need to split up. Jenna and I will check the radar equipment in the attic, if possible, I would like to contact Marco in the HQ too. Kosu, you go with Riku and Miko, see if we can find anything that hints at another exit or detail about the Valens, it might help us understand what we're dealing with."

With a plan forming, the team exchanged determined looks. They knew that time was of the essence, and each of them had a role to play in uncovering the truth hidden within the manor's walls. As they prepared to move, a sense of unity began to replace the apprehension, fueling their resolve to unravel the mysteries that surrounded them.