---
The portal hummed softly behind them as they stepped through its shimmering surface, leaving the familiar sights of Celestia city behind.
Dabi turned back for one last glance at the city, its golden spires still partially marred by destruction. Loira's hand rested lightly on his shoulder, her touch grounding him.
"We'll fix this," she said, her voice quiet but firm.
Dabi nodded, his jaw tightening as he faced forward. "We have to."
(Note: Loira opens the gate using the Aetherial core.)
The air around them shimmered, and the world blurred. Within seconds, they found themselves standing on an unfamiliar landscape.
The sky here was a swirling canvas of purples and greens, its hues constantly shifting as if alive.
The ground beneath their feet was a dark, reflective surface, like polished obsidian. Massive floating islands dotted the horizon, suspended in the air by unseen forces.
