A shimmering portal opened before the three of them, its massive swirling light and shadow pulsing like the heartbeat of another world.
Ethan knew that glow all too well. It looked exactly like the teleportation gates conjured by master mages Ethereal, rings of magic that bridged impossible distances. Within its shifting light, he could just make out what seemed to be endless steps fading into mist.
"Does this lead to the second level?" he asked.
Micah gave a light chuckle. "Second level? No. This is just the entrance to the trial."
Ethan and Julian exchanged confused looks, but Micah only grinned. "Come on. You'll see soon enough."
Without further explanation, he stepped into the glowing archway. Ethan followed, while Julian lingered for a heartbeat longer, glancing back over his shoulder before finally taking the plunge.
---
