Upon having traversed the luscious greenery, the two would find themselves greeted by a large stone gate. Carved into the stone above them was a single word: Eladia. With a press of the girl’s hand, a low rumble resonated through the air, vibrating under Leonardo’s feet as the massive stone goliaths swung open. This display further attested the claim of magic. Further evidence was shown once the gates slammed shut after having been walked through, making Leonardo an avid believer.

  The serene quiet of the jungle was now replaced by the somewhat crowded but bustling high street. The town’s architecture was unlike what he had seen before, close to that of medieval time. A long cobble stone street stretched along the horizon, lined with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to intricately woven fabrics. The architecture was foreign to him- a mix of wood and stone that felt medieval yet elegant in its craftsmanship. The air was fresh, carrying the faint aroma of baked breads, and herbs.

  The people’s attire ranged from simple linen to extravagant golden laced gowns. Yet unlike his world, the divide between rich and poor was almost non-existent. The rich shopped at wooden stalls, barely held up by nails, laughing easily with merchants with clothes that were patched and worn.

  Shifting his gaze to the signs of the buildings, Leonardo’s eyebrows would furrow, confusion creeping on his face. Thought their language was familiar, the letters on the buildings were foreign. Evangeline quickly caught wind of Leonardo’s confused squints and informed him,

  “Oh, you’ve noticed. Our world’s alphabet is different, but our languages seem identical. it’ll be easy to learn.”

  Her words were meant to reassure, yet instead of relief, they pinched the boy’s heart with anguish. Her phrasing declared his inability to return home. Which left an unsettling and strange feeling in his chest.

  “Ah... actually,” he hesitated, his voice faltering, “I don’t actually plan on staying. Can I… go back?”

  Evangeline at first didn’t respond at all. Walking silently, each second clawing at his nerves, “sorry…” The girl sighed. “Were yet to find a way for people to travel back.”

  Leonard’s breaths became heavier with every draw, barely managing to put a foot ahead of the other while walking. This couldn’t be real.

  Evangeline would then turn, her gaze softening as she noticed his pale face “Wait Leonardo are you ok?”

  “I’m fine…” he murmured, though his voice betrayed him. Those would be the last words spoken before the two arrived in front of a large, Victorian-style building. It was spacious, with a towering spire spiralling out of the roof. Even in this strange world, the house stood out.

  Evangeline, noticing Leonardo’s visible unease, quickly invited him inside. She led him to what seemed to be the living room before leaving to fetch something. The space was both grand and cluttered, adorned with glass chandeliers, plush, expensive couches, and a piano. A large painting of a wizard dressed in comically cliché robes hung on the far wall, adding an almost whimsical charm.

  When Evangeline returned, she placed a glass of water on the table in front of him and settled into the seat across from him.

  “I can’t imagine how it must feel to be stripped from your home,” she began, her voice gentle. “But I’m here to help. Ask me anything.”

  Leonardo hesitated, the glass trembling slightly in his hands. “Why?”

  Evangeline tilted her head. “Have you ever heard of King Arthur and Camelot?”

  “How does this have any relevance—”

  “Have you?” she interrupted, her tone firm.

  “Yes.”

  “This will take a moment to explain,” she said, leaning back in her chair. “The story is real. Now, the spot in the river where you fell—”

  Leonardo’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Wait, how do you—”

  “It’s simple,” she assured him. “They are tied of a prophecy, and so many have come before you in the same manner.”

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  “So, I’ve been dragged against my will because of prophecy?”

  “You weren’t dragged here against your will; howeveryou fell into that pond, is the reason for this.”

  His thoughts soon tracked back to his time before he had arrived, a bitter twitch erupting as he recalled the face of “however you fell into the pond”.

  “You have a point. So, indulge me in this prophecy.”

  “In simple terms, the portals were made by my predecessor in hopes that one day, as prophercised a foreigner to this world will wield an ancient power and vanquish the demons who are stealing our world.”

  “Ok. So what happened to King Arthur. But please, make it short… I’m feeling faint from taking this all in.” He said, resting his forehead against his palm.

  “Camelot was once the most powerful kingdom in the world, ruled by Arthur. However, he was betrayed, and under his nose demon’s were set free into this world.”

  “Who betrayed him?” Leonardo asked, leaning forward.

  “Sadly, one of his own—a demon called Mordred. Mordred used ancient magic to open a gateway, allowing his kind and their leader, the demon king, to enter our realm. Ever since, they’ve wrought destruction, trying to claim the continent for themselves.”

  Leonardo frowned. “And Arthur just let that happen?”

  “Oh, no. King Arthur didn’t go down without a fight. He used the last of his life- and the power stored in his blade- to create barriers around the major cities, protecting the remnants of his kingdom. Those barriers still stand today, keeping the demon king’s influence at bay.”

  Leonardo let the information sink in before declaring, “That’s a lot. But, I can assure you, I am not the one you’re looking for. There are probably multiple portals right?”

  “There are two portals,” she clarified. “One in Britain, where I assume you’re from, and another in Japan. And you’d be surprised not a lot of pass through.” She explained

  An exasperated sigh escaped the boy’s lips, as he let his face rest on his hand. The gravity of the situation felt even heavier, the world HAD to be going through a crisis,

  “So, how do I prove it.” He said, his voice tinged with resignation. “How do I prove to whoever your predecessor is, that I am not the one.” He shrugged.

  “Don’t worry,” Evangeline replied with a chuckle. “To qualify you need a very rare trait of mana, holy magic. It’s an old prophecy so we usually help whoever passes to get acquainted into the world. You’re actually my first “client” so yay!”

  Leonardo let out a low energy, “Yay!” in return. Learning about the world, was both terrifying and interesting. For now, he resolved to try his best to accept his life.

  “Ok so how do we get started?” The boy asked, taking a sip of his water.

  “For formalities sake let’s check your mana.” Evangeline responded before calling out,

  “Lady Alana!”

  Moments later, a large lady in fancy gown would wobble into the living room. Nested under her right arm, would be a large ball glass orb resting on top of a stand, while her other clutched a thick book. She plopped her equipment onto the table and sat beside Evangeline.

  “Ah, so you’re the one I’m testing, your name?”

  “Leonardo Welt.”

  “What a fine name, Leonardo, would you please funnel your mana into this ball here, and we can get started?” she asked cheerfully, her grin warm and encouraging.

  However, the boy was lost, turning to Evangeline for support. However, she averted her gaze, her pupils dropping to the ground.

  “Don’t worry honey,” Alana giggled. “I’m a specialist when it comes to you otherworldly folk. You must’ve noticed a deep feeling, coursing through your body, when you first arrived?”

  “How-?” Leonardo began.

  “Well, everyone feels it,” She interrupted. “Most people in this world struggle to learn magic at first, since your born always feeling it, it’s harder to extract that sensation. But in your world, it’s locked away, as told to us by my predecessors, so it’s new- almost like a pulse.”

  Leonardo nodded slowly. “I see.”

  “Good. Now, I want you to focus on that sensation, and lead it towards hands, and touch the ball.”

  Taking a deep breath, Leonardo clasped the orb. He glanced nervously at the two women before closing his eyes and concentrating. At first, it felt ridiculous, but as he focused, the strange, foreign sensation grew stronger. Slowly, he pushed it outward.

  The room fell silent. Leonardo furrowed his brow in concentration, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Evangeline leaned forward in anticipation, her excitement palpable, while Alana observed him intently.

  Then it happened. The orb radiated a pure golden light, illuminating the room. In response to this, Evangeline and Alana would scream in unison, their disbelief echoing through the room.

  “Did I leak out too much mana!? Am I going to die?” Leonardo yelped, recoiling slightly.

  Alana was the first to regain her composure. She flipped open her book, sliding it across the table and pointing to a passage. “Read this,” she said, her voice trembling.

  Leonardo squinted at the text; his voice steady as he read aloud. “Orb guide… red is fire… golden light is holy magic. Ah. I see.”

  “Do you know what this means, Leonardo?” Evangeline stammered, her voice rising with excitement. “You might be our world’s saviour!”

  Before Leonardo could respond, she turned to Alana. “Lady Alana, he—” But the woman was gone.

  “She must’ve gone to tell my father,” Evangeline murmured, her eyes narrowing in realisation.

  “Father?” Leonardo flinched, his reaction one of confusion rather than alarm.

  Without another word, Evangeline grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward the door. However, their hurried pace came to an abrupt halt as a man appeared in the doorway.

  He was tall, clad in a long purple robe tied at the waist with golden fabric. Stars adorned the robe’s hood and sleeves. Thick, gold-framed glasses perched on his nose, giving him an air of both eccentricity and authority. His sharp gaze flicked from Evangeline to Leonardo.

  “Ah, you must be the potential hero,” The man said, his voice warm yet measured.