Tirnanog

The carriage rattled down a winding dirt road, its wheels creaking under the strain of the uneven path. Inside, Youth, Schneizal, Sequana, and Vriede sat, passing the time with idle chatter. Schneizal, as usual, dominated the conversation, boasting about his exploits while Vriede occasionally rolled her eyes. Sequana sat quietly, flipping through her grimoire, and Youth leaned back against the wall, his expression stoic as he stared out the window. The scenery outside grew denser with trees, their thick canopy casting a shadow over the group.

"So, why do you always look so serious, Youth?" Schneizal asked, smirking.

"Come on, lighten up. You're not going to scare anyone here."

"Im not asking for any opinions" Youth replied flatly.

"Besides, we don't know what's ahead."

"He's right,"

Vriede said, her wolf-like ears twitching as she scanned the horizon.

"This place feels… strange. Too quiet."

The conversation trailed off as the carriage turned a corner, and a massive, decrepit castle loomed into view. Its crumbling towers and moss-covered walls spoke of centuries of abandonment.

"What do you think?" Sequana said, closing her grimoire.

"A good place to rest, or a good place to get ambushed?"

"Both," Youth replied, stepping out of the carriage.

"But we need shelter."

They approached cautiously, weapons ready, and pushed open the heavy wooden doors. Inside, the castle was eerily silent, its grand halls echoing their footsteps. Dust coated the furniture, and faded tapestries hung limply on the walls.

"Looks like no one's home," Schneizal said, brushing a hand over a dusty table.

"Perfect for us."

The group began exploring, their curiosity leading them through the darkened corridors. Then, a faint glow caught their attention. It came from behind a closed door, faint light spilling out into the hallway.

"What's that?" Sequana asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Let's find out," Youth said, stepping forward. He pushed open the door, and the group was momentarily blinded by a brilliant light. The room was empty except for a portal, its swirling energy filling the space. The portal pulsated, as if alive, and before any of them could react, it pulled them in. 

They awoke in a lush, green forest, the sunlight filtering through towering trees. The air was fresh and filled with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Everywhere they looked, the forest seemed alive with vibrant colors and impossible beauty.

"Where… are we?" Vriede murmured, her wolf-like tail flicking as she took in the scene.

"This place is incredible," Schneizal said, his usual bravado replaced with awe.

"I've never seen anything like it."

"The magic here is…i can feel it... it's.... overwhelming," Sequana added, her voice tinged with wonder. She traced her fingers through the air, feeling the energy around them.

Youth, standing a few steps ahead, said nothing. His expression remained serious, but his eyes betrayed a glimmer of amazement.

The group began to move, their footsteps crunching softly on the forest floor. As they walked, the dense trees gave way to an open plain, and in the distance, a massive kingdom came into view. It was unlike anything they had ever seen, its architecture a harmonious blend of nature and civilization. Towering spires were woven with vines, and creatures of all shapes and sizes moved about the streets.

Dragons soared above the city, their scales glinting in the sunlight. Humanoid insect-like creatures wielded weapons, patrolling the streets. Animals of all kinds walked upright, conversing with one another as if they were human.

"This place…" Schneizel began, his voice trailing off.

"Amazing," Sequana finished, her eyes wide.

"It's a whole world of its own," Vriede said, her tone reverent.

"Stay sharp," Youth warned. "We don't know if we're welcome here."

As they moved closer, a figure in a white uniform approached them. He wore a military-style hat and carried a sword at his side. His sharp eyes scanned the group with suspicion.

"You people," he barked,

"where are you from?!"

The group froze. Schneizel was the first to speak, his usual confidence returning.

"Tourists," he said with a grin.

The man frowned. "Tourists? There's no such thing as tourists here." He raised his hand, signaling for more guards.

"You're intruders!"

"oh no," Schneizel muttered as the guards began to close in.

"Run!" Youth shouted, and the group bolted, weaving through the streets as the guards gave chase.

They ran until they reached a port, the salty sea air hitting their faces. Desperation pushed them forward as they spotted a small boat tied to a dock. They scrambled aboard, untying the ropes as quickly as they could.

"We need to move, now!" Vriede urged, her claws cutting through the last of the ropes.

Before they could push off, the water around the boat began to churn violently. A massive shape emerged from the depths, water cascading off its scaled body. A colossal sea dragon rose before them, its eyes glowing with an intense light. It let out an ear-shattering roar, sending waves crashing against the dock.

"That's got to be a Grade 3…" Youth said, his voice calm but laced with tension.

"A Grade 3?!" Schneizal exclaimed, gripping his sword tightly.

The marine guards surrounded them on the dock, their weapons drawn. One of them stepped forward, his voice cutting through the chaos.

"End of the line, Ketergian knight scum."

Youth's eyes narrowed, the red glow beneath his eyepatch faintly visible.