When Myths whisper back

The glowing door pulsed—soft at first, then violently, like a heartbeat clawing its way into reality.

Felix stood frozen, eyes wide, memories clawing at the edges of his mind. This door… this was from the book. This wasn’t supposed to be real.

Students gathered, drawn by whispers—inaudible yet inescapable, curling into their ears like misted echoes of forgotten names.

Even those inside the mansion spilled out, lured by the unnatural radiance.

Then, he arrived.

The blonde guardian stepped forward, weapon drawn, voice firm but quiet. “Everyone inside. Now.”

---

Students obeyed instinctively. All except two figures—the silver-haired woman and the bulky man—remained outside, their gazes locked on the door, unmoving even as the wind whispered past.

Inside, tension choked the room.

“That door,” the blonde man muttered, “it’s real. The one our parents spoke of in stories.”

“The Prismatic Portal,” added the curly red-haired woman, her voice haunted. “A myth… a warning. No one knew how it worked. Only that someone once saw it. Long ago.”

Sora stayed silent. This mansion… it felt familiar.

Lisha stepped forward, holding an old, dusty journal. “I’ve read about this before,” she said smoothly. “In a journal from someone who lived here… they called it the Prismatic Portal. It leads to a void that once held the balance of this world. But the crystals were displaced. That’s what brought the abominations.”

Gasps and silence filled the room. The guardians listened intently.

“They need to be returned,” she continued. “If we want to weaken the threats… we start there.”

Felix looked at her; her gaze mirrored his own understanding.

---

The guardians deliberated. The blonde man—Ray—furrowed his brows. How could they enter a place unknown to even him, along with stranded kids from the forest?

“Do you all know how to fight?” he asked, dead serious.

“We know the basics,” Caleb answered.

Milo added, “We just fought some—uh—random plant monsters in a maze—”

Ray cut him off sharply. “YOU FOUGHT WHAT NOW?”

“Here we go again,” Lisha muttered under her breath.

“Plant monsters?” Elara blinked. “Adults always overreact.”

The red-haired woman, Sofia, looked astonished. “You fought plant-type monsters on level one?”

“You’re practically set for combat,” Ray said, pride in his voice.

“You just need some shaping,” Sofia added. “Those plant monsters rank D to E, depending on health.”

The students gasped, impressed by themselves. Arjun chimed in, “Believe me now, Sir Ray?”

Ray grinned at him. “Of course. Fine swords, though they still need sharpening.”

“Going through that portal might be a hassle. Right, Sofia?” he added.

Lisha and Felix rested their heads on their hands. He’s going to use them to fight and gain experience… let’s hope no one dies.

Sofia nodded but thought otherwise. It’s a win-win: students gain experience, he profits—but hopefully not at a fatal cost.

---

Outside, the bulky man spoke to the white-haired woman.

“I think he’s trying to help the village using the kids, right, Maddy?” Magnus asked, worried.

“Yup,” Maddy replied, arms folded. “His expression gives it away… makes me want to slap that smug face. But he’s never manipulated anyone.”

She added, “He won’t get them killed. Don’t worry.”

“Hmm… my ears hurt from all this whispering,” Magnus grumbled.

“Same. But what can we do? They’ve only just started splitting up,” Maddy sighed.

---

“Alright, form lines and state your blessings,” Ray instructed sharply.

The students obeyed. When Lisha stepped forward, Ray remembered her words.

“You knew about this before we even approached the door, didn’t you?” he asked quietly.

Lisha smiled faintly. “Let’s just say… I’ve been here longer than you think.” She added, “Enchantress.”

Ray’s expression shifted subtly, but he said nothing.

Those who stayed behind received small, glowing devices.

“Use this if danger arises you can’t handle—just click the button, place it outside. It acts as a barrier. And don’t play with it,” he warned.

---

The guardians positioned themselves in front of the glowing door, each choosing a group to accompany. Maddy reached for the handle—but Sora spoke.

“Wait—what if it takes too long? Wouldn’t we need food or first aid?”

Sofia nodded. “We’ve packed medical supplies and—”

“I HAVE FOOD!” Milo interrupted, holding up a stuffed bag proudly.

Ray blinked. “What…?”

“This will satisfy our hunger!” Milo declared, as if saving the day.

The guardians exchanged glances. “Huh… this one’s weird. Funny, though.”

Sora sighed. “Here he goes again with random food hoarding…”

“I took them while being chased by—”

“MONSTERS!” Felix shouted, jumping in.

All students nodded quickly. “Yeah, monsters! Totally legit.”

The guardians didn’t challenge it—yet their eyes lingered a moment longer, suspicious but patient.

Ivy stepped forward. “We should enter the portal. If we delay, the village might be attacked, and we need to restore balance.”

Sofia opened the door.

The whispers ceased. Beyond, a swirling void of violet and obsidian mist awaited, eerily reminiscent of when they were first transported. Four portals hovered within: four paths.

Felix exhaled. “I guess I’m not going back…”

Sofia’s group stepped through first; the door pulsed soft blue.

“They’re still visible,” Magnus said. Reassured, his group followed; the portal glowed green.

Maddy’s group entered next—red hue. Ray’s group last—yellow.

Lisha, Arjun, and Felix exchanged glances. This wasn’t just a portal.

This was separation. Fate. Trial.

They crossed the threshold into the swirling void, eyes flicking to the four paths: Blue, Red, Green, Yellow.

The yellow portal mirrored the sky, green resembled a cave, blue resembled the ocean, and red… hell itself. As the book described.

No words were needed. Each stepped into their respective path after a final look at one another.

All any of them could hope for now… was to return alive. Perhaps with nothing more than a few scars to remember it by.

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