After escaping the plateau, we followed the Rift core's guidance deeper into the wilderness. Hours of arduous trekking eventually brought us to an astonishing sight—a lush oasis that abruptly replaced the desolate Rift landscape. Dense forests and clear rivers wove together in perfect harmony, and at its center stood a resplendent city on a hilltop, shimmering in gold and green.
"This is…" I stared in disbelief. "How is this possible?"
"A surviving civilization," Suella said quietly, her eyes wary. "To maintain such prosperity in a place like this… these people aren't ordinary."
"Are we going in?" I asked cautiously, curiosity and caution battling within me.
"We have to," she replied, slinging her bow over her back. "The Rift device's clues might be here."
Arrival at the Gates
