With the warmth of Elysia's acknowledgment lingering in her ears, Mira stepped towards the portal. She felt a rush of wind and a slight disorientation as the world around her blurred and shifted. When her vision cleared, she found herself in an entirely different setting.
No longer was she surrounded by the vibrant meadow and converging elemental forces. Instead, she stood at the entrance of a vast, desolate arena that stretched out as far as the eye could see. The ground was a matte obsidian, reflecting a dark, moody sky above dotted with ominous thunderclouds. Far in the distance, towering pillars of light pierced the heavens, marking distinct points in the arena.
Mira took a deep breath, sensing the distinct change in the atmosphere. The air was charged, not with elemental energy, but with anticipation. A palpable tension hung heavily, and the very ground seemed to pulse with a rhythmic beat akin to a giant heart.
