Wiiiinnnng~
The air shimmered and glowed as the teleportation array activated, transporting the group in a flash of light. In an instant, Lord Terrace, Lord Acheon, Lord Leah, and Great Elder White Fang found themselves in a completely different location.
The chill in the air and the soft hum of residual magic in the wooden structure around them were immediate. As they adjusted to their new surroundings, they observed their location—a large, circular building constructed entirely of wood, its walls and floors polished to a smooth sheen.
Lord Acheon’s curiosity got the better of him first. His sharp eyes scanned the high ceiling above them, noting the intricate markings of a teleportation array drawn directly overhead. “A teleportation array above us?” he murmured, almost to himself. Lowering his gaze, he turned his attention to the floor beneath them and found another array etched into the polished wood.
He straightened, turning to the others. “It seems this place serves a dual purpose. The array above us is likely for departures, while the one beneath our feet handles arrivals.”
At his words, the others inspected the arrays as well. Lord Terrace ran his hand lightly over the smooth carvings on the floor, confirming Acheon’s observation. Lord Leah tilted her head back, observing the intricate ceiling array. All of them turned to Elder White Fang for confirmation.
The elder stood calmly, his hands clasped behind his back. “You’re correct,” he said, his voice steady. “These dual teleportation arrays ensure a seamless flow of travelers in and out of this location. The one above is indeed for departures, while the one below welcomes arrivals.”
As they spoke, a cold gust of wind blew through the room, entering from a large wooden door that stood slightly ajar. The chill brushed against their skin, carrying the salty tang of the ocean and the whispers of distant waves. It was a stark reminder that they had arrived somewhere unlike any place they had been before.
“This place feels… isolated,” Lord Leah remarked, wrapping her cloak tighter around her. “Where exactly are we?”
Elder White Fang, the only one among them who had visited the Southern Atholor Continent before, began to explain. “We are on the far outskirts of the continent,” he said. “The Southern Atholor Continent is unique in many ways. It is entirely surrounded by water, the only landmass of its kind. To reach it, one must either travel by air, sea, or through teleportation. However, teleportation here is… controversial.”
“Controversial how?” Lord Terrace asked, his tone curious but wary.
“They believe teleportation arrays break the fundamental laws of space,” White Fang explained. “A failed teleportation could result in disaster, and so, teleportation arrays are only permitted at the continent’s edges—far from any human settlement.”
Lord Acheon frowned, glancing around the room. “That explains why we’re out here. But where’s everyone else? Shouldn’t there be guards or attendants?”
Lord Terrace, who had been observing silently, spoke up. “That’s what I’ve been wondering. I can’t sense anyone within a few hundred meters.”
Elder White Fang nodded. “You’re right to be cautious. This structure is intentionally isolated. Those who arrive via teleportation must travel several miles before reaching any settlement, aside from other teleportation bases like this one. It is a precautionary measure—if something goes wrong, no lives are lost except those directly involved.”
The others exchanged uneasy glances, and White Fang continued. “The leaders of this continent—its empire and its rival kingdoms—have been considerate enough to establish temporary housing at these remote points. Travelers can rest before beginning their journey inland. But make no mistake, the settlements of real importance are deep in the heart of the continent.”
“And what are we walking into?” Lord Leah asked.
Elder White Fang gestured toward the door. “The Southern Atholor Continent is ruled by the Soulor Empire, which shares borders with three rival kingdoms: Atho, Loiren, and Oriez. These four powers coexist uneasily, their borders pressed against each other like neighbors at odds. To reach the empire, we’ll have to travel through smaller towns and cities scattered across the continent’s heartland.”
As he finished speaking, the group turned toward the door. The wind picked up again, stronger this time, carrying the unmistakable sound of waves. Lord Terrace pushed the door open fully, and the sight beyond stole their breath.
The structure stood on a beach of pristine white sand, stretching endlessly in both directions. Before them, the vast ocean shimmered under the sunlight, its waves rolling in rhythmic, unhurried crashes. The air was cool and sharp, the scent of salt mingling with the fresh tang of sea spray. Behind them, the land began to rise, transitioning from sandy shores to rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation.
Elder White Fang stepped out onto the beach, the sand crunching softly beneath his boots. “Welcome to the Southern Atholor Continent,” he said. “Let’s move. We have a long journey ahead.”
The group followed him onto the beach, their steps sinking slightly into the soft sand. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows as they began their trek inland. After they had covered several hundred meters, Lord Acheon broke the silence.
“How far is the nearest settlement on foot?” he asked, his tone weary.
“About fifty miles,” White Fang replied without hesitation.
Acheon sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. “Fifty miles? By foot? That’s not exactly encouraging.”
Lord Terrace smirked, glancing sideways at him. “You’re welcome to carry us if you’re tired.”
Ignoring the jab, Lord Acheon turned to Lord Leah. “I think we can save ourselves some trouble.”
Leah raised an eyebrow. “And how exactly do you plan to do that?”
A grin spread across Acheon’s face. “With gravity magic.”
Leah’s skepticism deepened. “Gravity magic?”
“You’ll see,” Acheon said confidently. “Trust me—it’s going to cut our travel time in half.”
Lord Terrace shook his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. “This should be interesting.”
Elder White Fang said nothing, but a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips as the group continued onward, the sound of waves fading behind them.