The Gate shimmered one last time, its unstable energy condensing into a steady, swirling vortex.
Chevie stepped through, the remnants of the rift's energy brushing against his skin like a cold, electric wind.
He emerged into the familiar heat of the Kaelith Empire, his team close behind.
Lira Wynne, the sharp-eyed Aurion Federation representative, was the first to speak.
"Well, that was… intense." Her tone was light, but the exhaustion on her face betrayed her weariness.
"Intense doesn't even begin to cover it," Kieran Thorne, Virelia's representative, grumbled as he adjusted his glaive. "I still feel like my bones are buzzing."
Elias Kreed, the Zekros Union mage, adjusted his glowing gauntlets and let out a dry chuckle. "Buzzing bones? At least yours are still attached."
Chevie smirked faintly but stayed silent.
The hum of residual energy still pulsed in his chest, a reminder of the chaotic battle inside the dimension.
At the edge of the Gate site, a group of Kaelith soldiers stood at attention.
Their crimson armor gleamed under the harsh sunlight, and their leader—a stern-faced officer with a sharp gaze—stepped forward.
"Welcome back," the officer said briskly. "General Vorran is waiting for your report."
Lira sighed. "No time to catch our breath, huh?"
The command center in Drakoria was as imposing as ever, its walls lined with maps and displays tracking Gate activity across the Kaelith Empire.
General Rael Vorran stood at the head of the room, his presence commanding as always.
Chevie and his team stood before him, their report delivered in meticulous detail by Lira.
She recounted the unstable energy in the rift, the entity they had fought, and the strange lingering resonance that defied explanation.
Vorran listened in silence, his expression unreadable.
When Lira finished, he turned his attention to the group. "This entity—did it exhibit intelligence? Coordination?"
"It didn't feel random," Elias offered. "Its attacks were precise, almost… purposeful."
Kieran nodded in agreement. "It wasn't just lashing out. It was testing us, learning from us."
Vorran's gaze shifted to Chevie. "And you? What's your assessment?"
Chevie hesitated for a moment, then met the General's gaze.
"It wasn't just an anomaly. The energy felt alive, like it was tied to the dimension itself. Whatever it was, it wasn't natural—and it's not gone."
The room fell silent.
Vorran's piercing eyes bore into Chevie, but the young Gatewalker held his ground. Finally, the General nodded. "Noted."
He motioned to an attendant, who stepped forward carrying a tray with four items.
"Your efforts in stabilizing the Gate and returning with this information are commendable. These rewards are a token of the Empire's gratitude."
Chevie's eyes widened as he saw what was on the tray. Each item was tailored to its recipient—a shimmering glaive for Kieran, a set of advanced energy gauntlets for Elias, and a bow reinforced with Aetherium for Lira.
For Chevie, there was a sword—a katana with a sleek, black blade that seemed to hum faintly with restrained power.
Its hilt was wrapped in deep blue fabric, and intricate runes glowed faintly along the length of the blade.
"Aethergear Tier 4, High,"
Vorran said as Chevie took the sword.
"Forged from materials harvested from a Bronze Gate. Use it well."
Chevie's fingers curled around the hilt, the weight of the blade familiar yet invigorating.
He could feel the energy coursing through it, resonating with his own Aetherium.
"Thank you, General," he said simply.
As the team dispersed, Chevie lingered near the command center, examining his new weapon.
The katana felt alive in his hands, its energy a perfect match for his own.
He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't notice Captain Selene Alvara approaching until she cleared her throat.
"Admiring your prize?" she asked, her tone light.
Chevie glanced up, startled.
Selene's crimson armor was polished to a mirror shine, and her expression carried a hint of amusement.
"It's… impressive," he admitted.
Selene nodded. "The Kaelith Empire takes pride in its craftsmanship. But a weapon is only as strong as the one wielding it."
Chevie smirked. "Is that an offer for lessons?"
"Not quite,"
she replied. "But I do have a proposal. You're heading back to Avenridge, aren't you?"
"That's the plan."
"Before you leave, why not see what the Kaelith Empire has to offer? A tour, if you will. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."
Chevie hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. Lead the way."
Drakoria was a city of contrasts, its towering spires and sprawling markets a testament to the Kaelith Empire's might.
Selene led Chevie through its bustling streets, pointing out landmarks and sharing tidbits about the city's history.
"The Kaelith Empire values strength above all else," she explained as they passed a training ground where soldiers sparred with glowing weapons.
"Gatewalkers here are trained to fight from the moment they awaken. It's not just a skill—it's a duty."
Chevie watched the soldiers with interest, noting their precision and discipline.
"And the other nations? How do they compare?"
Selene's lips twitched into a faint smile.
"Aurion focuses on research and innovation, always seeking to understand the Gates. Virelia's Gatewalkers are explorers, adept at navigating the unknown. Zekros blends technology with Aetherium, creating some of the most advanced equipment we've seen. And Elthera… well, they do their best with what they have."
Chevie raised an eyebrow. "That's one way to put it."
Selene laughed.
"No offense intended. Every nation has its strengths. But here in Kaelith, we believe in proving ourselves through action."
Their tour took them to the bustling markets of Sable Reach, the Kaelith gladiator arenas, and the towering gates of the imperial palace.
Chevie couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale and ambition of the Empire.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the city in hues of gold and crimson, Chevie and Selene returned to the command center.
The day had been enlightening, but the questions raised during the mission still lingered in Chevie's mind.
"What do you think it all means?" he asked as they stood on the observation deck, overlooking the city.
Selene tilted her head, considering. "The rift? The entity? I think it's just the beginning. The Gates are unpredictable, and every discovery raises more questions than answers."
Chevie nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt of his katana.
"I need to know what's out there. What's waiting for us."
Selene placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then keep pushing forward. The answers will come—if you're willing to seek them."