"Heavens! Everyone! We might be witnessing a moment worthy of being recorded in the history of magic—the birth of an entirely new Spatial Spell!"
Yet, despite the astonishment in her voice, no one responded. Every gaze in the cavern—human and dragon alike—was fixed upon the slowly expanding golden halo. Even the slit pupils of the two massive dragons remained locked onto it without blinking.
A heavy silence filled the space. It was as if everyone feared that the slightest sound might disrupt the fragile miracle unfolding before them.
Under Karl's precise control, the golden portal, initially no larger than a human head, began to expand outward. Its growth was steady and clearly visible to the naked eye. Within seconds, it grew so large that everyone had to tilt their heads upward to follow its ascent.
At last, the upper edge of the portal nearly brushed against the dome of the cavern ceiling.
A colossal gateway stood before them.
Golden sparks danced along its circumference, flickering like living embers. Beyond it, the view was as clear as a polished mirror. The outskirts of Terra unfolded on the other side—dense forests swaying gently in the breeze, birds gliding through open air, their faint chirps carrying through the portal.
More astonishing still, a soft current of fresh air drifted into the cave. It carried with it the scent of soil and grass, crisp and alive, in stark contrast to the stale atmosphere underground.
Natasha subconsciously rubbed her eyes. Then she rubbed them again, slower this time, as if trying to confirm reality.
Her expression made her disbelief obvious.
This completely overturned her understanding of portal spells. Not only was this construct stable and fully visible, but it had also reached a scale far beyond conventional magical limits.
Karl lowered his hands slightly, raising an eyebrow as he assessed the situation.
He could feel it—the steady drain of Divine Power within his body. Maintaining a portal of this magnitude consumed energy at a consistent, controlled rate. It wasn't overwhelming, but it was far from negligible.
At the same time, he sensed the surrounding Chaotic Magic pressing against the structure. It resisted the portal's existence, attempting to distort or collapse it. However, for now, it lacked the strength to overcome the stabilizing force of Divine Power.
"Don't waste time," Karl called out, his voice firm and decisive. "Maintaining a portal of this size consumes a significant amount of my power. Move quickly!"
Geralt was the first to respond.
He glanced around briefly and muttered, "Hmm? Dandelion isn't here?"
Natasha gave him an annoyed look and lightly struck his shoulder. "That 'great poet'? I'll call him in a moment."
Geralt nodded, though his attention quickly returned to the portal. His eyes were filled with curiosity as he stepped forward.
He stood before the massive gateway, its shimmering edges crackling with golden energy. Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself.
Then, under the tense and expectant gazes of everyone present, he stepped forward and crossed the threshold.
The next instant, his boots touched solid ground on the other side—the soft soil of Terra's outskirts.
He paused.
There was no distortion. No dizziness. No disorientation. Not even a trace of discomfort.
The transition felt… natural.
As if he had simply walked through a doorway.
Geralt stood there for a moment, clearly surprised. Then he turned around, facing the cave, and raised his hand.
"Everyone! Come through!" he shouted. "It's completely safe!"
With that confirmation, the tension in the cavern eased slightly.
The Tia Sisters exchanged glances before following him. They moved cautiously at first, but once they passed through without incident, their apprehension vanished.
Next came Milgatabrek, carefully holding the green dragon egg in its claws. It gave a low, commanding growl, signaling the young dragon Midac to follow.
Despite its immense size, Milgatabrek passed through the portal without difficulty, emerging smoothly under the open sky of Terra.
Borchi watched as his companions disappeared through the gateway. After a brief hesitation, he stepped forward and followed.
Finally, it was Natasha's turn.
But instead of heading directly toward the portal, she walked toward Karl.
Her expression turned serious.
"Your Excellency Karl," she said, her tone measured, "I need a moment to speak with Nedamir—to say goodbye."
She paused, then added, "And I'll bring that 'great poet' along as well. Please wait a moment."
Karl gave a slight nod.
With a thought, he adjusted the portal. The massive gateway rapidly contracted, shrinking down into a smaller opening—just large enough for a single person to pass through at a time.
Natasha exited the cave.
Karl didn't bother listening to what she discussed with Nedamir. He had no particular interest in their conversation.
From a distance, however, he could see Nedamir's reactions clearly.
As Natasha spoke, the king repeatedly glanced toward the cave. His expression was filled with awe—and something close to reverence. At one point, he even bowed slightly in Karl's direction, performing a formal gesture of respect.
Karl observed this silently.
It seemed the king was rational enough.
After all, the dragon hunt he had initiated had ended in heavy losses. Those driven purely by greed had paid the price for their arrogance. As for those who survived and retained some sense, Karl had ensured they received treatment.
If Nedamir still harbored resentment, it would only prove him a fool.
Organizing a dragon hunt in the first place had been an act of reckless arrogance. The resulting chaos and loss were consequences of his own decisions.
Eventually, Natasha returned.
Behind her came Dandelion.
He stared at the portal with wide-eyed curiosity, clearly about to ask a question—
But Natasha abruptly kicked him from behind.
"Oh! Natasha, that's rude!" he exclaimed, stumbling forward. He clutched his lute in one hand while rubbing his backside with the other, grimacing as he staggered toward the portal.
Without further delay, he passed through to Terra.
Natasha then turned back to Karl.
This time, under his slightly puzzled gaze, she lowered her head and gave a formal bow.
"My apologies, Your Excellency Karl."
She straightened and offered a composed smile—one that blended sincerity with a subtle hint of confidence.
"There is a matter I took the liberty of discussing with Nedamir," she continued, "and I acted on your behalf without prior permission."
Karl's expression shifted slightly.
An immediate apology suggested the matter carried some weight.
Yet Natasha's demeanor remained calm and assured. It didn't seem like she had done anything that would harm his interests.
He considered for a moment before replying, "What is it?"
Natasha spoke clearly.
"When I was in Terra, I noticed that you constructed a temple. Inside it, there is a statue—one that bears a resemblance to you."
She paused briefly, observing his reaction.
"I assume that temple serves a purpose beyond mere architecture. It likely holds significance that I do not fully understand."
Karl remained silent, allowing her to continue.
"So," she said, "when I spoke with Nedamir, I made a proposal."
Her smile deepened slightly.
"I asked him to construct a similar temple within his kingdom—modeled after the one in Terra. Furthermore, I requested that he guide his people to perform appropriate acts of worship."
Karl listened carefully, saying nothing.
Natasha continued, her tone steady.
"In return, I offered him something of value. If his kingdom ever faces a crisis beyond its ability to resolve… he may contact me."
She met Karl's gaze directly.
"And I will relay his request to you."
The implication was clear.
She had established a structured exchange—faith and influence in return for potential divine intervention.
A calculated move.
Not reckless.
Not careless.
But deliberate.
And, perhaps, advantageous.
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