Silence enveloped the entire tunnel in an abrupt hush following the disappearance of the blinding light and the revelation of the bright blue portal spinning above the magic formation engraved on the ground.
Everyone who had recovered their vision after the temporary blaze of light could now be seen staring at the portal with astonished expressions—most notably the old wizard.
"Spatial magic!"
"Spatial magic!"
The old wizard kept repeating the same two words over and over, his eyes alight with triumph and his aged voice echoing across the small gathering.
King Julian stared at the portal with a relieved expression—the portal's sudden appearance a symbol of hope.
Theobald was as astonished as his men. In that moment, the captain regretted doubting both the king and the wizard earlier.
"Alister."
That name suddenly flashed into the captain's mind, vividly recalling the chaotic battle that had been abruptly ended by the earthquake and the activation of the magic formation.
