The next day, we climbed a hill to see around. From there, we were barely able to look past that wall. The buildings weren't that different from ours. But the clothing definitely was. It wasn't the only thing we noticed. Looking back at the forest, we couldn't see the end of it. Those tall trees blocked our vision.

Nevertheless, we started walking towards that wall. It was just after the sun rose, but by the time we reached it, the sun was already at its peak. There were people standing at the gate. They looked like guards, but they didn't really check people passing by. We were able to get inside without hassle. But the atmosphere inside wasn't that good. We felt people glaring at us. Probably because of our different attire. It seemed like a small city.

There were many shops. For food, clothes and what not. They had things we hadn't seen before here. Some things seemed very unusual. But we couldn't get near because of their stares. That's when I think, Rancher said, "Let's look around for sometime and leave."

It wasn't something unusual. But the people around us who could've heard him, suddenly gave us weird looks. We hurriedly walked. We couldn't understand what any of them were saying, but the hostility was clear. Maybe because we were the only biggest group. There weren't any people grouped in more than five. And we, twenty four people, walked together. But that didn't seem to be the main cause.

After looking around for a while, sir Anthor said, "We should leave. I don't think it's a good idea to stay any longer."

But I think it was already too late. As we turned and started walking, we heard a shout. People donned in armours with white cape were behind us. Their looks can only be compared to the knights of the holy empire Menalux, who are very rarely seen in our continent.

Instinctively, we all ran. We were somehow able to hide in a back alley. We could still hear them shout. That's when Rancher said, "Let's get near the gate, from these back alleys. There I'll divert them, so make a run for the outside."

There were objections. Rancher was basically telling us to sacrifice him for our escape. We didn't oblige. But then he said, "It's my fault. I was the one who said to stay and look around. I should take responsibility."

We all looked at each other's faces. We didn't have any other choices, so we accepted. But on one condition. That Rancher would join us, no matter what.

To the condition, he said, "Yes. I'm not planning to die in this unknown world, either. I will try to fend them off and come."

We all chuckled and then started walking slowly. We paused when we heard knights nearby, and moved when they were far. Outside the alley, things seemed frantic. Those damned knights were running around. Looking for us. But after some time, we could finally see the gate.

I think they didn't expect us to be there, because there were only two knights. Rancher went out from a different alley than ours. Those two knights went for him. That's when we moved. As planned, all of us ran for the gate. But sir Anthor went back. He jumped those knights from behind, and with Rancher, they slashed their legs and ran to the gate. Fortunately we were all able to get out without any casualties.

Thinking they wouldn't come for us outside the city, we walked slowly. But I think it was too early to take breaths of relief. Those wretched knights came back on horses.

But after walking, the forest wasn't too far. We ran. As fast as we could. I think it was the fear of being killed. But we were able to keep our distance from those knights before we entered the forest. As we got deeper, the forest became dense and the knights had to abandon their horses. But still, without magic, we couldn't do anything against them, but run.

Further in the forest, Rancher shouted, "Vencil, get ready the teleportation artefact!"

"It'll take time!" He replied.

We all felt doom. It was our last hope. If it also failed the same as our magic, then it would be our last day. But fortunately or not, it worked, because I'm here to give this report. Maybe it worked because it was self-contained.

Because of the bushes and trees, our speed dropped, and they were onto us. Two mages fell behind. I could only hear their scream. I did not look behind. I admit. I was too scared.

Even after running in the forest for sometime, the knights didn't leave us. They kept chasing. That was when I heard Sir Anthor scream, "Move on! I'll stop them!"

When I looked behind, there were two other people beside him. Rancher and Lukvir. Sir Anthor shouted, "Go! I'll stop them!"

But they didn't listen. Rancher yelled, "It's my fault! I'll stay!"

But it was only their voices that I could hear. I never dared look back. I could only look at Vencil running ahead with the artefact in hand. Trying to activate it. 

"Is it working?!" I asked.

"I don't know...It's taking time."

That's when I was sure that that day was my last. I could hear screams of those who stayed behind. But finally Vencil exclaimed, "It's starting!"

Without thinking of the deceased, we all felt relieved. But we still couldn't stop. After a few yards, finally, Vencil stopped. He extended his hand and the portal opened. We ran into it. Wiksel shouted, "Close the gate."

But Vencil insisted, "Wait for Anthor!"

We waited at the gate. But we couldn't see Anthor anywhere. After some time, one of those knights came running through the bushes. Frantically, Wiksel took the artefact from Vencil's hands and started closing the gate.

"Wait!" Vencil screamed. He pointed his finger at that knight. Sir Anthor was behind him. He had finally killed that bastard, but it was too late. Before Sir Anthor could jump in the gate, the gate closed