"We have to leave. The sun is about to set, and I don't want to stay here much longer. I want to enjoy the warmth of my bed," the lady said as she stood, stretching her arms in one graceful motion that made her look almost ethereal in the fading light. The last rays of the day caught her hair, turning it a soft gold as the forest around them began to hum with the quiet sounds of approaching night.
Shawn sat still for a moment, still trying to piece together the events that had unfolded that day. His thoughts felt tangled, heavy with exhaustion and curiosity, yet he listened to her voice—it was calm, assured, and strangely comforting.
"We've spoken a lot, and I just realized I never properly introduced myself. My name is Lina," she said with a gentle smile, reaching out her hand to help Shawn to his feet. Her touch was firm but kind, the sort of steadiness that made one trust her instantly.
"The nearest town isn't far," she continued, glancing toward the horizon where faint lights shimmered in the distance. "With my speed, we'll reach it in about two hours. I'll have to carry you."
Shawn's face flushed, his mind racing with embarrassment. "I—I think I'm too big for—"
Before he could finish, Lina effortlessly lifted him and placed him into a specially designed bag secured to her back. Her movements were precise and smooth, as though she had done this countless times before.
"You're not heavy at all," she assured him, her tone almost teasing. "Hold on tight. This might be a bumpy ride."
And then they were off.
True to her words, Lina's speed was astonishing. The world around them blurred as she ran, her strides strong and rhythmic. The forest wind rushed past Shawn's face, filling his ears with the sound of leaves whispering and branches snapping lightly under her swift steps. Despite the incredible pace, Lina's breathing remained steady, her body moving as if guided by instinct rather than effort.
Shawn could feel every subtle motion—the way her heartbeat remained calm, the slight shifts in her balance as she leaped over roots and streams. It was a strange mixture of exhilaration and peace, and for the first time in a long while, he felt safe.
As they drew closer to the town, the forest sounds began to fade, replaced by the distant echoes of civilization. The murmur of voices, the rhythmic thud of footsteps on cobblestones, and the faint clinking of metal filled the air. Lanterns glowed warmly ahead, marking the town gates that stood tall and sturdy against the night.
"Ms. Lina, it's an honor to see you here," called out a chubby man dressed neatly in a green suit and crisp white shirt as they entered through the gate. His tone carried both respect and relief. "I hope your work here was successful."
The town was alive with motion and sound. Merchants stood behind stalls calling out for customers, their voices overlapping in a lively chorus. The air smelled of grilled food, roasted nuts, and freshly hammered metal from nearby smiths. Guards moved along the walls in careful patrols, their armor gleaming under the lamplight. Every few steps, a faint hum could be heard from the scanning devices at the gate, checking for prohibited items or illegal energy use. Spatial rings were rare and expensive.
"Yes, I've gotten what I came for," Lina replied, her voice filled with quiet satisfaction. "I also found a small child and intend to bring him with me before learning more about where he came from."
She adjusted the bag gently so that Shawn could rest more comfortably. Her presence radiated reassurance.
"The boy has been through a lot," she added softly, her tone carrying both frustration and sorrow. "And to make matters worse, he's blind. So many parents abandon their children when they're different. I cannot stand that kind of cruelty."
The man's expression softened. "I'm sorry to remind you of such pain," he said, lowering his voice. "To endure all of that and still move forward… I'm not sure I could have done it."
Lina's gaze drifted briefly toward the darkening sky. "I've thought the same," she said. "But I have a purpose. If I had given up, this child would have faced far worse. He must survive. That's reason enough to keep going."
Shawn listened quietly, the sound of her words sinking deep into him. He could sense the subtle energy shifts in the air, the calm steadiness that followed Lina wherever she went. Her determination felt like a warm current, pulling him out of the cold uncertainty that had followed him for so long.
As they moved through the bustling streets, they finally reached the center of town where a grand hall stood. The building seemed almost alive—its surface shimmering faintly, carved from smooth stone that pulsed with an inner glow. It towered above the surrounding houses, its very presence commanding respect. Guards stood at every entrance, alert and disciplined, while people moved in and out with quiet urgency.
Lina walked up to the main counter and handed over two tickets. "It's the usual place," she said, her tone steady.
"Yes, Ms. Lina," the clerk replied quickly. "I'll prepare the Transvergance hall's portal for you right away."
"I want to go home," Lina said simply. "My work here is done."
The clerk nodded and began the process, the faint clicking of machines filling the space. Within moments, their number was called, and Lina led Shawn toward the waiting chamber.
The air inside the room was thick with power. Shawn could feel it pulsing gently through the floor, humming like a heartbeat. It vibrated softly through his body, making every hair on his skin stand on end.
"This will be interesting," Shawn thought, his fingers tightening slightly around the edge of the bag. The sensation of the portal was unlike anything he had ever experienced—soft waves of energy brushing against him, tugging at him in every direction. He tried to picture how it worked, how space could fold and shift like that, but the feeling was too much to describe.
Before he could fully process it, the portal came alive. Light swirled around them, bright yet not blinding. There was no warning, no slow pull into the unknown—just a sudden, seamless transition.
Shawn felt weightless for a heartbeat, then solid ground beneath his feet. The air smelled different, cleaner somehow. When he caught his breath, he realized he was standing in a new place.