Following an hour long drive, the trio arrived at a golden security gate at the centre of a tall white wall. Mr Gremzor signalled the men in black suits at the entrance, they nodded and opened the gate, allowing them to enter.

The road beyond the gate led to a large concave building surrounded by numerous trees and vehicles.

"This building is somewhat out of place for Bracken." Logan said.

"Hence its seclusion on the outskirts of town." Nathan said.

They exited the vehicle and strolled towards the entrance of the building.

"High Councilman Gremzor, it is an honour to welcome you." a gentleman of short stature said as he exited through the large glass door.

"Roygal, it is good to see you again." Mr Gremzor said.

Logan found the gentleman's name to be odd, however, he thought that it would be rude to remark on it, seeing as Nathan's expression had not changed in the slightest.

“Greetings to you, Master Gremzor and guest.”

Nathan nodded. “Roygal.”

“Hello.”

"The guards in Lanexia have been notified of your arrival, they should have all of the documentation at the main gate." the gentleman said, walking down the marble steps towards them.

"Thank you for your efficiency Roygal, you serve Altherion well." Mr Gremzor said, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

"You are too kind High Councilman Gremzor." the gentleman said.

From the moment they arrived, Logan could not stop staring at the unusually short man, not due to his height specifically, more so his clothing. He wore a tight fitting burgundy tunic, with distinct patterns embroidered on the left shoulder and sleeves. It seemed otherworldly, yet modern, he could not identify its origin.

‘It’s vastly different from the men at the gate, why is he dressed like that? Also...’

"What is he wearing, and what is Altherion?" he whispered in Nathan's ear.

Nathan chuckled. "It's an attendant's uniform." he said.

“Logan, please lower your head.” Mr Gremzor said.

“Pardon?”

“There is no need to worry, it is standard procedure.”

Logan nodded then lowered his head.

“Pardon me.” the attendant said as he approached.

He placed his hands on Logan’s temples and muttered words that he did not understand. Logan felt a sense of warmth around his head as the tips of the attendant’s fingers shone with a golden light.

The attendant stepped back. “It is done.”

“Thank you Roygal.” Mr Gremzor said.

“What was that about?” Logan said.

“It will make things easier once we get there.” Nathan said.

"This way gentleman, if you please." the attendant said, pointing to his right.

Logan followed his hand and noticed a circular platform a few meters away from the building.

As they approached, Logan glanced at a large white sign with various writing on it. Despite not having seen the letters before, he had a vague understanding of what it said.

‘Keep clear for arrivals and departures... Why does it feel like that's what it says?

He turned to Nathan to ask, but decided against it when he noticed his smug expression.

Nathan walked to the right of his father, and he signalled Logan to stand on his left.

"Are you ready High Councilman Gremzor?" the attendant said, standing beside the platform.

Mr Gremzor nodded.

The attendant activated the platform causing the metallic frame to glow.

Shortly after, a large translucent ring appeared above the platform, pulsating with intense purple light.

Logan's heart raced, his hands trembled, and he felt his stomach churn in response to the ring’s vibration.

"Are you all right?" Mr Gremzor said.

Logan nodded slowly with widened eyes.

"This is your first encounter with a portal, it is acceptable to feel…strange.”

‘A portal…an actual portal. What the heck is going on?’

"Where does it lead?”

"Towards answers, I hope." Mr Gremzor said then smiled.

"Your luggage will be awaiting you at the Gremzor residence." the attendant said.

"Thank you Roygal." Mr Gremzor said.

Mr Gremzor lightly pat Logan on the back.

"Shall we?" he said, gesturing towards the portal.

Logan nodded hesitantly.

"You have nothing to fear, just… don't hold your breath." he said as they walked through the pulsating ring.

The purple light faded, and the intense vibration ceased. Logan opened his eyes and immediately spewed his breakfast onto the metallic platform.

"I warned you not to hold your breath." Mr Gremzor said.

Logan held his stomach.

"If it will make you feel better…Nathan had the same experience after exiting his first portal.”

Logan glanced at Nathan, he shrugged.

“Greetings High Councilman Gremzor, It is an honour to welcome you.” an attendant said as he approached.

“Greetings Tysel, it is good to see you.” Mr Gremzor said.

“Greetings Master Gremzor.”

Nathan nodded.

“Here, please take this.” the attendant said, handing Logan a glass filled with blue liquid and a towel.

“That’s kind of you, thank you.”

Logan glanced at Nathan, then gulped down the liquid following his nod of affirmation.

‘It’s sweet... Wow! That’s incredibly fast acting.’

After cleaning his mouth with the towel, he took a look at their surroundings.

‘Is it the same building as before?’

Logan shook his head after noticing the differences, namely, the location of the platform, and the fact that no cars surrounded the concave building.

Following a brief conversation with Mr Gremzor, the attendant collected the items from

Logan, bowed, and headed towards the building.

"Where are we?" Logan said.

"On the outskirts of Lanexia, the capital city of Rohu." Mr Gremzor said.

Logan’s brow wrinkled.

Mr Gremzor chuckled. "Do those names seem strange to you?"

Logan stared at them with a puzzled expression, he had an idea of what Mr Gremzor referred to, however, it was hard to believe.

‘There’s no way right?...’

"Do not tell me that you are refusing to believe the obvious reality, especially after arriving here through a portal.”

Logan sighed. "We're not on Earth anymore are we?"

Nathan shook his head. "Welcome to Altherion, our home world." he said then grinned.

‘This doesn’t make any sense, but...logic went out the window a long time ago, so I shouldn’t be surprised anymore.’

Logan swallowed his disbelief and pondered a more pressing concern.

"Where is Altherion located?"

"It exists in a higher realm.” Mr Gremzor said.

Logan blinked rapidly.

"Higher realm...as in a different dimension?"

“Something like that.”

‘What’s next? Altherion is a fantasy world with mages and swordsman?’

"Father." Nathan said.

Mr Gremzor nodded." Let us proceed to the main gate, once you enter Lanexia, you can decide whether to believe us or not." he said, walking ahead.

"It's not that I don't believe you, it's just…" Logan said. Nathan pat him on the back and urged him forward.

"It's difficult to comprehend, I understand. Like I said in the car, it's better to show you. Come, let's get going."

“How are we getting there?”

Nathan glanced at his feet then grinned.

“Seriously?”

As they exited through the gate, Logan marvelled at the giant sequoia-esque trees lining a paved road on either side.

The paved road stretched for a few meters, then curved to the left. They continued walking after turning left at the curve, in the distance, a colossal structure awaited their approach.

Beyond a sprawling crystal blue lake, a gigantic grey wall with blue spired towers enclosed the city. Arched in the centre of the curved boundary, a majestic golden gate glittered against the morning sun.

Logan gasped at the sight, its outlandish design provoked a sense of wonder. He eagerly anticipated similar otherworld architecture beyond the gate.

The paved road broadened at the edge of the tree line, expanding to three times its width as it stretched onto a bridge leading to the city.

The bridge bustled with activity as a multitude of people tried to gain entry into the city. When their approach drew closer, they heard the clang of the gate echo as the gears for the double doors rotated on occasion.

They passed what appeared to be merchants and their escorts, queuing with their goods to trade. Logan tried his utmost not to stare at the appearance of the Altherian residents, many of which looked strange to him.

Their outward appearance resemble that of a human, however, they differed greatly in terms of height, body type and hair colour.

The merchants wore tunics and robes that matched the glamor of their wagons and carriages, or lack thereof. Their escorts varied from men and women wearing simple combat attire, to those wearing more robust armour. Although not the typical armour style he’d seen in media depicting fantasy worlds, he felt it similar enough to be recognisable.

‘Haha. So they have swordsman and mages with staffs after all... Ah, they have spears and axes too...’

As they continued along the bridge, Logan noticed that all of the wagons and carriages had a large animal, or some sort of beast harnessed at the front. Some he recognised, or could identify similarities to animals on Earth, while others were completely alien to him.

“Are those like...magical beasts?” he whispered in Nathan’s ear.

“They are similar, although, not all have that characteristic, some are just animals.”

Logan nodded and continued observing his surroundings.

"How is everyone so cool with us moving ahead of them like this?”

"They don't have a choice, their goods need to be inspected before they'll be allowed to enter. We aren't merchants, so it is acceptable to bypass the queue if we have a pass.”

"And we have such a pass?"

"Naturally. My father is a High Councilman, that in its self is an entry ticket into any city in Altherion.”

Logan narrowed his eyes.

"I've been hearing that term since this morning, what exactly is a High Councilman?"

Nathan sighed. "In order for me to tell you, I'll have to go into political jargon… I'd rather my father explain.”

"Please, you don't have to go into great detail. I'll ask your dad for an extended explanation later.”

Nathan sighed then nodded.

"It's an official position below the Supreme Order of Nava. The Nava govern Altherion, and the High Councilmen ensure that their decrees are adhered to.”

"That was…crass." a flat voice said.

Nathan shrugged. "He asked for a watered down explanation, I delivered it perfectly."

Logan turned around surprised to see Feyzana walking alongside them.

"When did she…no wait, what is she doing here?"

She grinned. "Greetings Logan, it is good to see you again." she said.

"Yeah you too, uhm…"

"Feyzana. Feyzana Ablysse, mentee of High Councilman Gremzor." she said with her fist against her chest.

"Feyzana…I apologise, I won't forget it again.”

She smiled. "That is all right, I did not present myself officially when we first met.”

Logan nodded.

“By the way, Nathan... I’ve been noticing the glances of the people we passed, their expressions seem to light up when they see you. Are you famous or something?”

Nathan shrugged.

“Do not let him fool you, he loves the attention.” Feyzana said.

"Are you certain that it is acceptable to be conversing with us prior to greeting your mentor?"

Nathan said with a raised brow.

Feyzana froze wide eyed, then rushed ahead of them towards Mr Gremzor.

"You seem to enjoy picking on her.”

"I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

When they reached the golden gate, a guard wearing emerald coloured armour approached them.

"Greetings High Councilman Gremzor, we have been expecting you.” he said.

“Greetings.” Mr Gremzor said.

“Open the gate!” the guard yelled.

A familiar and noisy clanging resounded as the double doors separated, despite it size, it opened swifter than Logan expected.

“Please enter when ready.” the guard said, gesturing towards the gate.