Cold winds swept over the mountains, lifting shards of snow into the air like spirits, forcing them into a mysterious dance. Each breath was icy, stabbing the lungs like needles. Every step on the towering rocks demanded caution—one wrong move could send them plunging into a bottomless chasm.
Rion and Noa walked side by side. Their footsteps echoed mysteriously among the peaks, guiding them closer to their enigmatic destination.
"Noa, be careful," Rion murmured, his voice firm yet low. He placed his hand on Noa's shoulder—a silent gesture of understanding and support. Noa felt the fear, but Rion's presence gave her courage.
Deep within the mountains, an ancient black metal gate revealed its grandeur. Its surface was etched with millennia-old patterns, layered in dust and snow. The gate seemed alive, but opening it required more than a simple key—it demanded blood. This secret only Rion and Noa understood.
Noa's hand trembled as it reached the gate. She pricked her finger on a sharp stone. Red blood touched the engravings, and the metal surface glimmered with a mysterious light. Rion held her hand, assisting in opening the gate. Their hands intertwined—Noa's fear blending with Rion's courage.
The gate swung open. The mysterious light pierced the darkness between the mountains. They stepped inside—walls, carvings, the cold damp air—everything was both mystical and dangerous. The whispering of snowflakes felt like it was leading them to another world.
"Noa, step to the side," Rion whispered. A sudden sound of grinding stone rang out. Rion pulled her back cautiously. The light inside illuminated the walls, each line seeming to tell its own secret.
Once inside, the dark corridor embraced them. Every step echoed between the walls, quickening their heartbeats. The cold air seeped into their skin, ready to test them at any moment.
Rion raised his hand, palm upward. A small flame ignited in his palm—tiny, yet warm enough to pierce the darkness. With it, they slowly proceeded along the corridor. Noa followed the flame, sensing the mysterious path ahead.
At the corridor's end, they came upon a mystical circle. Light came from nowhere, and the surrounding darkness seemed to deepen. There was no other way—this circle seemed to summon them from within.
"This… is a teleportation gate," Rion said cautiously but with determination.
"Yes," Noa replied, her voice tinged with excitement. "Now we have to activate it."
Rion stepped forward into the circle and knelt. He placed both hands upon the runic patterns etched into the circle. His eyes gleamed with resolve as his heart raced, sensing the mysterious energy.
Power flowed from his hands into the circle. Starting as a faint glow, the light expanded, filling the circle with blue and white luminescence. The light shot upward, shattering the surrounding darkness.
Noa stepped into the circle as well, placing her hands alongside Rion's. Courage and trust intertwined. The mysterious energy enveloped them, and the light surged outward completely.
In an instant, they felt the world shift. Light surrounded them, then vanished, taking the darkness, cold, and stagnant air with it. Now they were in another realm—a mystical, supernatural place of breathtaking beauty. Every breath, every glance reminded them of both opportunity and danger.
Rion and Noa looked at each other, having overcome their inner struggles, ready to uncover the secrets of this new world.
---
Noa opened her eyes. The narrow, ancient streets and towering walls immediately drew her in—she was in the capital of the Nuxtar Empire, her former homeland where she had once lived as a prince. Every wall, every alleyway awakened old memories: shattered engravings, ancient writings, dust-covered doors… yet this place retained its mysterious grandeur.
Rion stood by her side. His gaze was cold and alert, yet his inner warmth and reliability shone through. Noa looked at him, eyes filled with awe, excitement, and a trace of fatigue.
"This… was a teleportation, right?" she asked softly, without noise.
"Yes," Rion replied with certainty. His voice gave Noa confidence, as if he were speaking with the authority of one who understood the rules of this mysterious world.
Noa spun her head, surveying the surroundings, then looked back at Rion. "I feel dizzy…"
"You'll get used to it," Rion said with a smile, placing his hand on her shoulder. "I've passed through teleportation gates many times. It's not an ordinary sensation."
Noa gazed at him, slightly astonished. "You seem like my past life… just like me."
Rion tilted his head slightly. "Perhaps… yes."
Noa took a deep breath, observing the surroundings again, then turned back to Rion. "Now we need to change clothes, wash up, and eat. You have the crystal or gold, right?"
"Yes," Rion replied. "Five gold coins, two medium-sized crystals, and twenty silver pieces."
Noa's tone was soft yet resolute. "Nothing else could be expected from the son of a noble warrior. You handle everything yourself."
---
Clothing change and preparation
They entered a small, dark corner between the old streets to rest briefly. They changed clothes: Noa wore light, comfortable yet protective clothing; Rion donned a thick leather jacket with gloves covering his arms. Every detail mattered—every move in the old city streets was under observation, and a single mistake could be dangerous.
Rion touched Noa's shoulder, meeting her eyes. "Everything is ready now," he said, softly but with determination.
Noa nodded, gathering her inner courage, and placed her hand on Rion's. With each step, a sense of trust and harmony radiated between them.
---
Journey to the palace
They began moving through the city. The narrow streets were dark and silent. Walls were tall and cold, as if watching them. Water trickled from high trees, adding a mysterious melody to the paths. Every corner, every alley told a silent story—the traces of the former empire's wealth and ancient powers.
Some doors and windows were dust-covered, yet their intricate patterns retained a faint magical presence. Old banners hung along the walls, their colors faded, yet shapes still clear.
Rion and Noa walked cautiously, touching walls to feel their way, ensuring they didn't lose direction. Every step led them closer to the palace—the heart of the old capital, where the final traces of imperial power were hidden.
---
Inner monologue and emotions
Noa felt a thousand emotions within her: excitement, fear, nostalgia, and courage intertwined. Here, she recalled her past life, her days as a prince of the empire. Every wall, every banner reminded her of the former glory.
Rion, however, remained vigilant and resolute. He knew he had to protect Noa, uncover secrets, and navigate this new world. Every glance, every movement revealed his experience and carefulness.