The air is still heavy with unease.
The massive Gates remain — dark, metallic, glowing faintly like something alive. Their presence feels ancient… watching.
From the eastern hills, the Army of Lumisgrave arrives — armored in silver and blue, flags bearing the Kingdom's crest fluttering in the wind. Behind them, the Research Division — robed scholars, engineers, and arcane analysts — hurry down with scrolls, scanning instruments, and enchanted device
Captain Virell (a strict but respected army officer) rides ahead, standing firm before the panicked crowd.
> Captain Virell (shouting): "Clear the square! Citizens, back away from the Gates immediately! I repeat — move back now!"
Some obey. Others hesitate, eyes locked on the monolithic structures.
> Old Man (to his son): "Did you see them rise from the earth? No dust… no shaking… it was like they've always been there…"
Son (shaken): "But why now? Why today?"
Researcher Alia, a young expert in ancient languages, steps toward the Gate, holding a hovering device glowing with runes.
> Alia (to her team): "The readings are unstable… it's emitting arcane frequencies we've never recorded before."
> Researcher Dain (cautiously): "Don't get too close. That thing
A mother grips her child's hand tighter as soldiers guide people away.
> Mother (worried): "What do you think they are? Some kind of weapon?"
Soldier (gently): "We don't know yet, ma'am. Please, for your safety — stay back."
One brave villager calls out to a general from the crowd.
> Villager (yelling): "Will you destroy them?! Before something comes out?"
Captain Virell (grimly): "We won't act until we understand what we're dealing with. The Researchers are investigating."
🎓 Researchers Talk Among Themselves
Lead Scholar Renn, older and wise, walks slowly around the nearest Gate, hands behind his back, voice low but steady.
> Renn: "The symbols match no known dialect… but they hum like a heartbeat. These gates weren't made by us… they weren't made for us."
> Researcher Alia (anxious): "Sir, I… I think these are entrances…
Though trained and armed, even seasoned soldiers refuse to approach the Gates directly. Their hands tremble on sword hilts. One whispers to another:
Soldier 1 (quietly): "I'd rather face a dragon than walk five steps toward that thing."
Soldier 2 (nodding): "Feels like it's watching us… inside our heads."
As the sun begins to lower again behind the mountains, Captain Virell raises his hand.
> Captain Virell (commanding): "Set perimeter wards! No one touches the Gates. Researchers, you have full authority inside the zone. Everyone else — go home, stay inside, await further orders."
> Alia (loudly to crowd): "Please leave this area. We will investigate everything. But for now — stay away from the Gates."