One second, I was holding hands with Mira, Connor, and Tina as we stepped through the gate.
The next, I found myself lying on a bed of emerald moss beneath an ancient tree.
Towering trees stretched Hundreds of feet into the air, their trunks wider than houses. Their bark shimmered in shades of silver and gray, etched with glowing blue veins that pulsed slowly like a heartbeat.
The canopy above was so dense that only scattered beams of sunlight reached the forest floor. These shafts of light formed glowing pillars throughout the woods, illuminating drifting motes of golden pollen.
Kage slowly sat up and looked around.
"Do any of you know where we are in the Gate Realm?" he asked.
Mira studied the landscape for a moment before pointing south.
"Based on the fact that we can see the Black Tower from here, I'd say we're somewhere north of Valtheron."
Connor's eyes widened.
"Wait a minute."
He turned toward the distant tower.
"We're north of the Black Tower? The same Black Tower that nobody has ever reached? The same one Mira's father and grandfather are currently trying to find a path to?"
A look of horror spread across his face.
"Welp, we're screwed. I knew I should've finished that gigantic Reese's Peanut Butter Cup this morning."
SMACK
Mira lowered her hand after swatting him upside the head.
"Calm down, Connor."
She pointed toward a river that wound through the forest.
"That's not the important part. Look over there, across the river."
Everyone followed her gaze.
Far in the distance, perched atop a hill, stood a massive castle. Warm lights glowed from its windows like stars against the dark stone walls.
"It'll probably take a week or two to reach on foot," Mira continued, "but that's our best chance of survival."
Before anyone could respond, Kage's expression sharpened.
"Something's coming."
The group immediately tensed.
"From the west."
"Alright, everyone," Mira said, raising her bow. "Battle stations."
Connor moved to the front, clad in a silver chainmail shirt and reinforced leather-padded trousers. Heavy spiked gauntlets covered his fists.
Tina took position in the center. Her raven-black hair was tied into a tight bun, and she wore a black chest plate with matching armored leggings.
Beside her stood Kage, looking almost out of place in a simple T-shirt that read ICE COLD. In each hand he carried an ordinary short sword.
At the rear stood Mira, bow in hand. Flawless golden armor covered her body, while a black chainmail undersuit protected the gaps beneath.
Tina looked over and ask Kage's where is your amour
In a quick reply, I don't have one.
The forest fell silent.
Whatever was approaching, it was getting closer.