The path to the Mage Sanctuary grew smoother as the trio, now joined by the unpredictable Lyssara, approached the towering stone gates carved into the mountainside. The air buzzed with a low hum of mana, and the crystals embedded in the rock pulsed with a soft, rhythmic glow.
Romina's breath caught as she took in the sight: the gates were massive, etched with intricate runes that shimmered like liquid starlight. Lyssara skipped ahead, her patchwork robes fluttering, while Mandira's staff tapped the ground with measured precision. Shennong, as usual, sauntered along with a carefree grin, though his eyes scanned the surroundings for any hint of danger—or another of Lyssara's traps.
"Impressive, huh?" Lyssara said, spinning to face Romina with a mischievous grin. "Bet you've never seen anything like this back in your little village."
Romina flushed, clutching her cloak. "It's… beautiful. But kind of intimidating."
