Chapter 21: Leaving the Gate, Back Home!
After the familiar sensation of compression, Lian emerged from the Gate. This time, thanks to his newfound power as a Mage, he was not the last to exit but followed closely behind Patrick and Sera.
"Phew, finally," he murmured, taking a few steps forward before turning to watch the others emerge. "I could not stand that place any longer..."
One by one, the Knights stepped out of the portal.
Lian, along with the Dustwall Knights, took a moment to admire the grandeur of the Gate before it vanished completely from view, its swirling energies dissolving like a dream at dawn. They had spent several hours inside, mostly resting and traveling, and outside, dusk was settling in. After all, they had entered the Gate in the afternoon.
"Good. Now we return," Patrick said in a gentle tone. "Lian, tomorrow at dawn, we will depart for Grimreach. Make sure to say goodbye to your parents and anyone else you wish, understood?"
The smile on Lian’s face faded. He had not expected so little time. But immediately after, an unprecedented resolve surged within him.
"Understood, Mage Patrick." With eyes gleaming with determination and a rebellious lock of hair falling over his forehead, Lian was ready for the journey ahead.
"What? The peasant is coming with us? You are not joking, are you, Patrick?" Sera was stunned. She had not anticipated that some random boy would be taken under Patrick’s wing like this. Even her father had had to bow slightly to secure her position as Patrick’s apprentice.
Patrick did not respond, merely nodding as he observed Sera’s reaction.
Lian, on the other hand, was furious with Sera. "Why does she not mind her own business? Why does she hate me so much? What did I do to her? And to think she is... such a beautiful girl..."
He swallowed hard, his gaze lingering on Sera’s back and her long red hair, flowing like a cascade of fire in the fading light.