Portal

Ethan's casual demeanor vanished instantly at the man's words. He glanced at Lia, whose eyes had widened in alarm, then back at the burly man gripping the clerk's shoulder. The bustling guild hall fell silent as others noticed the commotion.

"A portal? Are you certain?" the clerk asked, clearly panicked.

The man nodded grimly, sweat dripping down his temple. "I saw it myself, just outside the eastern forest. It's massive. It's only a matter of time before creatures start spilling out of it."

A murmur of concern rippled through the guild. Adventurers exchanged tense glances, some already heading toward the exit.

Ethan's brows furrowed. "What's a portal? And why does it mean evacuating the city?" He whispered to Lia who was still frozen solid.

Lia shuddered, her voice trembling. "A portal… it's a rift between realms," she whispered, clutching the badge against her chest as though it might offer protection.