At 12:15 noon, the final set of restraint rings on the portal finished preheating.
In the center of Pact Fortress's main hall, runes flowed across a massive alloy pedestal. Brimming magical radiance coursed through energy conduits and Magic Conducting Metal rails, continuously pouring into the curved metal arms above the device. The ring covered in runes and crystal structures had risen to the very top of the portal apparatus, while at the center of the cage-like structure formed by the ring, pedestal, and metal arms, a distorted space several meters in diameter was gradually taking shape.
That distorted space resembled a perfect sphere, seemingly filled with some crystalline substance. Light from afar bent across its surface, outlining all manner of bizarre illusions, making it look like a crystal-ball lens or an exceptionally smooth Metal Sphere. Yet it possessed no physical structure at all—the spherical surface was an anomalous optical phenomenon caused by folded space, and the shifting light and shadows actually outlined a "viewpoint" from another dimension.
Camil and Winsor Mapel watched the massive portal device, listening to the low humming reverberating through the hall. All Protection Systems had been activated, and the Psionic Singers, fully equipped and ready, had gathered beside the portal. A member of the Technical Personnel, clad in a heavy protective robe inscribed with Deep Sea Runes, approached the two commanders and reported that all systems were ready.
It was time to give the order, yet Winsor Mapel turned her gaze toward Camil beside her.
"You should give this order," said the Typhon Legendary Mage solemnly. "For the Defiers from a thousand years ago, and for the pioneers who fell upon the path of exploration."
Camil looked at Lady Windsor. He knew he should not refuse at this moment, so after two seconds, he gave a