Because of D3's reply, Chiron understood it was an emergency.
He lifted a single hand.
The air before him folded inward, layers of space peeling apart like wet parchment. A portal bloomed open—deep crimson at its edges, black at its heart—its surface rippling as if made from liquid shadow and bloodlight intertwined.
He stepped through without hesitation.
The world inverted for a breath—
—and then stabilized.
He emerged onto solid ground bathed in a strange, reverent stillness.
Waiting for him was the land spirit of his precious land.
The orc with three heads.
D3.
Her massive form knelt immediately. Three tusked faces lowered in unison, her enormous frame bowing with a reverence that carried genuine devotion rather than fear. The earth beneath her knees hummed faintly, acknowledging both master and spirit.
Chiron inclined his head once.
That was all.
D3 rose with a low, rumbling groan and stepped aside as Chiron walked forward.
The castle greeted him next.
