Aric, filled with anticipation, looks at Elda. "Elda, my items and equipment are all here. It's time to go to Starshade. But how do we get there?"
Elda smiles mysteriously. "Let's go to Portal 5½, Aric."
Portal 5½ is inconspicuously situated in the bustling heart of Arcana, Eldoria's magical city. To the untrained eye, it appears as an ordinary alleyway between two unassuming shops—Whispering Wands and Moonlit Elixirs in Mystic Market. Only those who know the secret can access the portal.
They weave their way through the lively market, the sights and sounds creating a sensory overload for Aric. Eventually, they reach the narrow alleyway. Aric, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, follows Elda closely.
Elda stops in front of a seemingly mundane wooden door, slightly weathered and adorned with an intricate brass handle shaped like a dragon's head. She whispers an incantation under her breath and taps her wand three times on the dragon's head handle while uttering the incantation, "Aperio Veritas." The door glows with a soft, ethereal light and swings open, revealing the portal within.
"Welcome to Portal 5½," Elda says with a twinkle in her eye. "This secret and highly mystical gateway connects the ordinary world with the magical realm of Starshade Isle. Hidden in plain sight, it serves as a discreet entry point for wizards, witches, and magical creatures traveling between worlds."
They step through the door into a small, circular antechamber lined with ancient runes that pulse with a gentle, magical glow. Floating orbs of light illuminate the room, and the air is filled with a faint hum of magic. At the center of the antechamber stands the portal itself, a grand archway made of enchanted stone. The arch is covered in carvings of mythical creatures and celestial patterns, and its center shimmers with a swirling vortex of colors—blue, purple, and silver—indicating the gateway to Starshade Isle.
"Wow," Aric whispers, gazing at the portal in awe. "This is amazing, Elda."
Elda smiles. "It's time for you to step through, Aric. But first, let me introduce you to the Portal Keepers."
A group of dedicated Portal Keepers, skilled wizards and witches tasked with maintaining the security and proper functioning of the portal, approach them. They ensure that only authorized individuals pass through and that the portal remains hidden from the non-magical world. The leader of the Portal Keepers, a stern-looking wizard named Thad, nods in acknowledgment as Elda introduces Aric.
"Welcome, young Aric," Thad says. "You are about to embark on a great journey. Remember, the portal is protected by powerful wards and enchantments designed to prevent unauthorized access and repel any malicious entities."
Beside the portal arch stands a life-sized statue of a majestic griffin. The griffin is enchanted to come to life and defend the portal in case of a threat, adding an extra layer of security.
"Good luck, Aric," Elda says softly. "Trust in yourself and your abilities. You were chosen for a reason."
Aric nods, clutching his new wand tightly. "Thank you, Elda. I'll make Moonshadow Glen proud."
With a final glance back at Elda, Aric steps through the portal. The sensation is both exhilarating and disorienting, as if he is being pulled through a tunnel of light and color. The world around him swirls and shifts, and for a moment, he feels weightless.
When the swirling finally stops, Aric finds himself standing at the entrance of Starshade Academy. The grand gates, adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes, stand before him, welcoming him to his new home.
Taking a deep breath, Aric steps forward, ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.