Far across the western reaches of Amthar, deep within the desolate stretch known as the Land of Ruins, a blue, oval-shaped portal shimmered into existence. From its glowing surface emerged five figures.
Two Crescent Knights. Eliv Borges. Berg Thuden. And Princess Sheila Granger.
As Sheila stepped through, her boots meeting cracked stone and dust, her brows furrowed with immediate unease. She turned in place, scanning the barren, broken landscape.
"…This isn't Celestria," she said, voice quiet but sharp.
Berg took a step forward, his face twisted in confusion. "Hey, Borges, don't tell me you messed up the coordinates again. What the hell are we doing in the Land of Ruins?"
Eliv didn't reply.
He stood perfectly still, gaze fixed on the horizon, eyes distant—as if peering into something no one else could see.
"Hey! Old man! I'm talking to y—" Berg's complaint was abruptly cut short by a voice neither of them recognized.