The next morning, they resumed travel.
By midday, the landscape changed.
The carriage halted.
"Big Sis," Noah said calmly. "We have arrived."
Kiara stepped down and inhaled.
Before her stood a massive swirling blue portal suspended in open air, its surface rippling like liquid sky contained within invisible boundaries.
Adventurers crowded the clearing around it in chaotic clusters. Some negotiated loudly, some argued over fees, and others adjusted armor straps and tested weapons with nervous anticipation.
Temporary structures had sprung up like mushrooms after rain. Infirmary tents with red banners. Food stalls roasting skewers over open flames. Stables for mounts. Merchants hawking potions and charms at inflated prices.
A nearby group of four adventurers noticed the carriage instantly. Their eyes lingered, particularly on Kiara and Noah, whose composed posture and refined features stood in stark contrast to the rough, unkempt crowd.
