Planet Jura – 10 Kilometers from the Imperial Capital
BZZZZT—
The spatial portal activated with a deep hum, its shimmering energy forming a swirling vortex before several individuals stepped through. Step… step… Their boots pressed against solid ground as they emerged cautiously, their eyes scanning their surroundings with growing astonishment.
"Oh…?"
For many of them, this was the first time stepping onto this planet. While they had heard extensive descriptions from the Shadow Swords, detailing what to expect, nothing could have truly prepared them for what their eyes now beheld.
By all accounts, this portal—positioned near the Imperial Capital— was supposed to be built in the heart of an arid desert, surrounded by towering, desolate mountain ranges. It was meant to stand atop the ruins of the older one, the one that had been obliterated years ago during the Great Serpent Empire's invasion.
