A day passed, and then another.
Raphilia continued her training under the guidance of Adonis, but they kept things light. It was the morning after their seventh sleep, which meant that according to the words of the servants, they had completed their task.
Seven days without the luxuries of Mzdrig's Paradise. All they had survived with was the water of the fountains and berries from bushes.
They were both hungry but chose to never bring it up. It was clear they had for some reason, both been through similar hardships in the past. They were prepared.
The most difficult thing about the first floor was dealing with the anticipation for seven days. Wondering what lay above, but having no way to gather answers.
It seemed that would not be a worry of theirs any longer.
As Raphilia practised a new ability with Adonis in the Plaza, the red-haired man held up a hand to stop her.
"What's wrong?"
Adonis looked idly into the air, as though sensing something unseen. After a few moments, he nodded his head towards the distance.
Approaching them was a group of people. Not just any people, but five men and women in black outfits and white undershirts. Their distinguished movements and expressionless faces gave away their identities in an instant.
They were servants.
Adonis couldn't help but smile as they stepped into the distance. The young man at the head of the group had dark skin and curly hair.
He bowed his head deeply. "Are you ready to meet Mzdrig?"
That was all he said. Nothing more, nothing less.
His question left them with an option to stay in Paradise if they wished. Like hundreds of others, they could remain in the strange land and enjoy its luxuries.
The thought sickened Adonis, and with one look at Raphilia, who glared at the man with one eye, it seemed she was in agreement.
Adonis nodded his head. "We are."
The dark-skinned man nodded his head and stepped past them. The other servants followed neatly behind whilst Adonis and Raphilia watched.
As the servants reached Mzdrigs cross, the man placed his hands against its marble, and suddenly, change began to take place in the air.
The cross began to vibrate, and with it, the floor shook as though an earthquake were taking place.
Adonis looked around him and sensed a strange unseen barrier starting to form. It seemed to be cutting them off from the rest of the Paradise.
Once he turned his head back to the vibrating statue, he witnessed it change entirely. What was once a cross with a man on it, became an oval shape made from the same material as the Cross.
Inside the oval, spawned a blue and black essence, floating impossibly, like ink through water. Adonis recognised what it was instantly.
A portal.
The vibration stopped, and the ground stilled. To his side, he could hear sounds of surprise coming from Raphilia.
The dark-skinned servant stepped back from his work, face remaining solemn the entire time. At that moment, he seemed a powerful man.
The servants wasted no time lining themselves up on either side of the portal and standing tall as though they were granting noble access to the king's palace. A faint, yet constant hum came from the portal, similar to those on the ground floor of the academy.
The dark-skinned man bowed his head towards them once more as he spoke.
"Mzdrig awaits."
...
Adonis looked at the one-eyed woman beside him. Her jaw was hung, and she, too, stared at Adonis.
No words were said between them, but her expression held questions.
Were they ready?
Adonis did not need to think. In fact, he was desperate to exit this floor as soon as possible. Raphilia however...
"I'm right behind you, Adonis." She spoke firmly as the two shared glances.
Adonis flashed her a smile, and with a nod of his head, he took a step towards the portal.
He felt its heavy presence drawing him in, as though he were food for its satiation. It was not a pleasant feeling, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Adonis took in a deep breath and, without further hesitation, leapt into the portal. Raphilia wasted no time afterwards, afraid to be left behind, and leapt in afterwards.
———
The two were lost in space and time. Travelling through a tunnel of which they would hold no memories of once emerging.
A mysterious force guided them. They travelled past many doors that were not yet meant to be open. The force worked harder than usual, as it often did when guiding powerful spirits.
After what felt like an eternity but was actually a mere second, the pair were simultaneously thrust through an ethereal door and brought to the destination of the portal.
———
Adonis' mind and senses instantly adjusted themselves when he exited from the portal.
The air around him was cold, and the smell of blood tinted the air.
One glance, and he knew that he stood within a ginormous palace hall. The room was larger than any he had ever seen. The ceiling rose so high that his eyes could not see its true height.
However, despite its size, the palace was bland. The walls on either side of him were made from a plain yet textured marble, which made it seem ancient. Ahead of him was a staircase, which was as wide as the room itself.
And at the top, a red light beamed so bright that it was hard to see what lay above.
Adonis heard a soft voice come from beside him.
"Adonis... what is this place?"
It was Raphilia, looking around with surprise. However, Adonis had no answers for her. But there was one thing he was certain of.
A powerful presence was coming from behind the red light at the top of the staircase.
Once a Blessed reached a certain proficiency with their blessing, they were able to sense the presence of other powerful beings. It was how many in the world had sensed Adonis' power after his birth.
Back on Vinterra, Adonis could sense a many Blessed's powers, such as King Blackheart and Queen Whiteheart, and the Holy Governors that watched over the countries in the five families absence. However, most people of any notable power would enter the academy in hopes of discovering his secrets, leaving behind only few with noteworthy strength.
On the ground and first floor, Adonis could not sense any presence. Everyone lacked recognisable power.
However, in this palace hall...
'This is the strongest presence that I have ever sensed." Adonis muttered to himself, but the words were heard by Raphilia, forcing her to freeze. The blood was drained from her face, and her fear became palpable.
Before she could react, a voice interrupted. It was croaky and weak, yet somehow, it bounced off of the walls as though powered by an unseen force.
"That is to be expected." The voice spoke, sending chills down even Adonis's spine. "After all, you are in the presence of Mzdrig, First Guardian of Ephrem's Tower."