Eventually, we arrived at the entrance to a large hall, filled with clearly scientists and engineers handling the large device in the middle. It was basically two tall pillars on an elevated platform. Black, with silver lines, going up and sometimes turning left or right, to circle around.

All the machinery seemed to be hidden underneath the floor. The slight humming noise was ever-present and was coming actually from everywhere.

The species of the aliens varied, and they didn't pay too much attention to us.

- Stay here for a moment. I need to talk with the chief engineer. Other participants should be here soon. The gate will be opened as soon as they arrive - informed Katri Xel Avakadaisu.

So we stayed, and watched as the strange alien kept moving forward until they reached another creature, and the two of dem started talking in a language none of us could understand..

- At moments like this, I really regret not spending more points at the 'Linguist' class - said Will.

- Yeah - Boris agreed.

- We can't trust them, and should keep our guard up - said Nobuo. - After all, this might be a trap.

- You think we shouldn't go through that thing? - asked Nil, as he discreetly gestured towards the middle of the hall.

- One person should go, and check if it's safe - the samurai continued.

- That's a good idea - Boris agreed. - So, who is going?

The eyes of a few of my friends moved to me.

-Fuck you guys - I said immediately.

- I'll go - declared Will. - We might need Peter if it's really a trap.

- What's a trap? - I heard a familiar voice of Adam Silvas.

He and the hunters from the Hungarian gate just entered the hall, led by another alien of similar species to the one who brought us there. I watched more of them coming in followed by the assistants, people from other gates, and more. Meanwhile, Will quickly explained what we were talking about.

- It's a good idea - he summarized after hearing everything.

- Please gather closer! - Katri Xel Avakadaisu shouted to us.

At the same moment, the humming sound accelerated, and a few electric discharges shot from one pillar to the other.

We started moving, with William at the frontline, followed by the rest. I actually wasn't too keen on being among the first people to cross.

As we got closer more electricity started firing between the pillars. It quickly became so frequent, that basically a blue field was created between them. It was moving like a wave and eventually turned into darkness. The humming got very loud.

- The portal is ready! - informed Avakadaisu as we got closer.

Then the alien just walked off, straight towards it. Probably expecting us to follow, but there was a bit of hesitation before Will took the first few steps, and we started moving after him.

I dropped the anchor on the ship, watching as our guide vanished. Then I glanced around at others. I noticed Vikram, very nervous and sweating, surrounded by the other assistants.

- Ok guys, let's go! - Will shouted, picking my attention, and I watched him vanishing in the portal. His head popped out shortly after. - Come!

When everybody got a confirmation that the travel was safe, we all started moving and crossing to a different world one by one. Eventually, my turn came and I got to the other side.

I got out in a similar portal on the other side, although it seemed to be located outside. I couldn't really tell even though I emerged in a wide area surrounded by buildings, because above me were several layers of construction with many passages and shafts leading inf different directions. It was kile we were inside some massive. construction. So big, too was completely obscuring the sky.

Strange-looking vehicles were flying everywhere, buzzing and humming with their engines, which actually was barely hearable with the noise generated by the portal machine. Aliens of different shapes and colors were walking all around with intent, not even paying attention to us. It was actually very busy there. I even noticed a few Furuli soldiers armed with guns. They, on the other hand, were closely paying attention.

- This way! - said Avakadaisu, leading us to the side.

The whole crowd followed, and when the last person crossed to this strange world, the portal immediately turned off, and the loud humming stopped, which made the vehicles in the sky more noticeable because of the noise they were making.historical

We were taken to a parking spot, with many of the small ships looking kinda like cars, with short, bent wings. All painted grey.

- Please board those - we were instructed. - You approach them from behind, and they will open for you. You don't need to pilot them. They will take you to the right place.

The alien, after saying those words, just approached one of the vessels and boarded it just like it was explained. Inside there were few spots, so more people could get inside. Other aliens, who led the other groups, also started instructing us how to board those machines. I used the chaos, to get into the one Avakadaisu was in, joining Will, Boris, and Nobuo.

The door closed as the last spot was taken by Ki'rai, who jumped in.

- Where are we going now? - asked William.

- We will be flaying to the royal arena, located in the military district, where everything is already prepared. Ixan ambassador is already waiting for you there, with Zor'xal himself - said the alien. - I hope you can humiliate him in front of the Imperial official.

- Are you a girl or a boy? - Ki'rai suddenly asked, looking carefully at the alien, as she was standing on her sitting spot.

The machine was quite steady, and also sie was very agile, sot that was quite easy for her.

- I'm a woman - said Avakadaisu. - You?

- I'm a girl too - said Ki'rai.

- You are very cute. Small, and sweet.

- And you are strange.

The conversation between them was quite awkward for me, to I just started looking through the window and the architecture of the city. I wasn't able to see any streets and people just walking outside, and the structure we were inside seemed to be just everywhere.