Read Haelin Kingdom :: Haelin Kingdom

Raina's focus was strong. "Exactly. Our path leads to the mountain portal, and from there, we'll make our way to Zanus, my father

…

"We're almost there. My father's realm lies behind the portal at the summit of this mountain. Once we reach the portal, I will guide you through."

Rue's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Meeting a thunder god sounds intense. What should we expect?"

Raina's expression conveyed a combination of reverence and excitement. "Zanus is a guardian of nature and a wise deity. He possesses the power of thunder and lightning, and his wisdom is both ancient and infinite. He will be able to guide us in finding a way to counteract the effects of that evil elf’s elixir.Besides that,I have no doubt that you both will impress him with your inner will and the gifts you've unlocked."

As they walked, a sudden rustling in the bushes up ahead caught their attention. Rue's hand instinctively went to his side, ready to summon his Wolf flames if needed. Tilla's fingers brushed against her Fox flames, her senses on high alert.

But what emerged from the bushes was far from what they expected—a small creature, no bigger than a rabbit, with bright blue fur and an almost comically oversized pair of ears. It had a mischievous glint in its glossy eyes as it regarded them.

Tilla's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Is that... a forest sprite?"

Raina's laughter was gentle as she stepped forward. "Indeed, it is. Forest sprites are known for their curiosity and playful nature."

The forest sprite hopped closer, its ears twitching as if it was sizing them up. It let out a series of high- pitched chirps, almost like laughter, before scampering off into the underbrush.

Rue chuckled, watching the sprite disappear. "Well, that was unexpected."

Tilla added with a grin, "Seems like the forest creatures are quite intrigued by our presence."

Raina's sight remained fixed on the spot where the sprite had vanished. "Nature has a way of sensing significant events. It's as if the forest itself recognizes the importance of our quest."

As they ascended the mountain, the terrain became steeper, and their pace slowed. Their breaths came in steady rhythms as they persevered, their sights set on the portal that marked the entrance to Zanus's realm.

The trio's footsteps echoed through the terrain as they approached the mountain portal. Its presence was palpable, a shimmering doorway that seemed to pulse with a vibrant energy. The portal was a breathtaking sight, its edges bathed in a soft, glowing purple light that contrasted with the surrounding greenery.

Occasional sparks of lightning danced across its surface, creating an almost hypnotic display.

Rue's pupils dilated in awe as he took in the portal's radiance. "This is it, the mountain portal. It's even more incredible than I imagined. I've never seen anything like this. The portal looks like it's charged with energy! "

Tilla's spoke in, a sense of wonder in her words. "Look at the lightning sparks. It's like the portal is alive!"

Raina's gaze was focused, her expression both solemn and firm. "The portal is a bridge between realms. Once we step through, we'll find ourselves in a place that connects our world to another."

Rue and Tilla exchanged a glance, their excitement mingled with a touch of apprehension. Tilla's words were steady as she spoke, "We're ready to face whatever lies on the other side, Raina."

Raina's wanted to tell everyone she was there with them.. "I have no doubt. Remember, we're united by purpose and resolve. Let's take this step together."

With a shared nod, they stepped toward the portal, the swirling energy enveloping them as they crossed the threshold. For a moment, they felt a sensation of weightlessness, as if they were suspended in time and space. And then, as suddenly as it had begun, the sensation ceased, and they found themselves in a place that took their breath away.

They stood atop a plateau that overlooked a landscape unlike anything they had seen before. The architecture was reminiscent of ancient Greece, with grand columns, marble structures, and expansive courtyards. Tall statues of mythical creatures and gods adorned the surroundings, their features both majestic and awe-inspiring. The sky above them was a vast canvas of hues—golden yellows, deep blues, and soft purples—that mirrored the portal's radiance.

Rue brimmed with wonder. "Is this...?"

Raina's eyes shone with understanding. "We've entered a realm that exists beyond our world—a place similar to the realm of Olympus in ancient Greek mythology."

Tilla's focus moved to the breathtaking scene. "It's like stepping into a legend."

As they walked through the grand architecture and admired the mythical sculptures, they couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence. The air itself felt charged with an solemn energy, as if the very essence of ancient myths was alive around them.

Rue's tone held a merge of interest and wonder "Do you think this realm has any connection to the gods of old?"

Raina chimed in. "It's said that realms like these exist at the crossroads of myths and realities. The beings that inhabit these realms are often linked to the stories and beliefs of mortal worlds."

Tilla's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, we're in a place that's shaped by the tales of old?"