The transition between worlds was never easy. The swirling vortex of colors and light bent the very fabric of reality, pulling them through time and space. The trio felt themselves being torn apart and pieced back together as they crossed from the World of Spirits into the World of Light.
When they emerged, Orin's breath caught in his chest. Before them stood a landscape bathed in golden light, as if the sun itself had chosen this world as its home. The air was fresh, the sky impossibly blue, and the land stretched out in fields of soft green. It was a paradise.
But there was something unsettling about it.
"Orin, are you sure about this?" Kai's voice was cautious, his eyes scanning the horizon. "This place feels too perfect. Like it's hiding something."
Orin's gaze hardened, his senses on high alert. "I know it seems that way. But this is where I'm from. It's where the Nexus began."
The gentle sound of footsteps approached from behind them. A figure emerged from the golden light, tall and graceful, his features soft yet noble. He wore a cloak of shimmering gold that caught the light with every step.
"Orin Lightheart," the figure spoke, his voice both kind and commanding. "I've been expecting you."
Orin's eyes widened as he recognized the man before him.
"Prince Aurelius," Orin said, his voice almost a whisper.
The Prince of Light, the ruler of the World of Light, stood before them, his eyes gleaming with a wisdom and power that Orin had always admired. But now, something about his presence felt different, almost distant.
"I see you've brought friends," Aurelius said, his gaze flicking briefly to Kai and Nyron. "I take it there's more to this visit than a reunion?"
Orin nodded, his heart pounding. "There's more than you know, Aurelius. The Nexus is back. It's manipulating the worlds, and we need your help."
Aurelius' expression darkened. "The Nexus… I had hoped it was just a myth. But it seems that hope was in vain."
Kai stepped forward, his arms crossed. "We need allies. And you're one of the strongest warriors in the Nine Worlds. Will you join us?"
Aurelius' eyes flicked to the distant horizon, his face contemplative. "You don't understand the gravity of the situation, Orin. The Nexus is just the beginning. The Primordials are awakening, and with them, a power that none of us can control."
Orin's pulse quickened. "Then we fight. Together. We can't afford to sit idly by."
Aurelius turned his gaze back to Orin, a slight sadness in his eyes. "And what will it cost us, Lightheart? What will it cost to stop them?"
Orin swallowed hard. He didn't have an answer. The price of power was never clear. But if they wanted to win, they would have to be willing to sacrifice everything.