They continued forward, the forest growing denser around them. The air grew colder, and the sound of their horses' hooves echoed softly between the trees. After some time, they came to an open space where the sunlight finally broke through the canopy, casting a faint glow over the clearing.
Teren frowned, sensing something different in the air. "Kael... this place feels strange. Are we really on the usual path?"
Kael didn't respond immediately but nodded quietly, his eyes fixed ahead. They pressed on, and after a while, they reached a spot that seemed oddly familiar to Kael. He stopped suddenly, and Teren followed suit, halting his horse.
In front of them stood a massive stone wall, towering higher than anything either of them had ever seen before. The stone was ancient, covered in thick green moss that seemed to have taken over much of the surface. Teren took a few steps forward, stunned by the sheer size and strength of the wall.
"Kael... what is this?" Teren asked, his voice filled with awe and confusion, unable to look away from the immense wall.
Kael stood still for a moment before gesturing toward the lower part of the wall. "Look here, Teren."
Teren approached, following Kael's motion. At the base of the wall, there was a small gap, just big enough for a person's head to fit through. Cautiously, Kael crouched down and peered through the gap.
Beyond the wall, he could see the open sea, stretching far into the distance. But what struck them both most was what lay far off in the distance—a giant ice wall, towering over everything in its path, blocking the view of the sea. It was as if there was a boundary, something much bigger and more mysterious beyond it.
Teren stepped back, his eyes wide. "Kael... what is that? An ice wall? Where did it come from?"
Kael took a deep breath, his expression serious. "It's not just an ordinary wall. There's something much larger beyond it, something that's been hidden for a long time."
Teren stepped back slightly, his confusion growing. "Why are we the only ones who know about this? And why did you bring me here?"
Kael looked at him with a determined expression. "Because I think this isn't just about us. It's about the world we know—and the one we don't."
Kael kept staring at the ocean beyond the gap. A cold breeze blew through the crack, rustling the leaves around the moss-covered stone wall.
He turned to Teren, who was still standing frozen in disbelief.
Kael spoke quietly, "Explaining everything would take forever, Ren. But you'll understand… little by little. Let me just tell you this much."
Teren swallowed hard, still silent.
Kael continued, "Beyond that wall… there's a civilization. Far bigger, older, and crazier than anything we've ever seen. It's called Planet Earth. And the people living there… they call themselves humans."
Teren snapped his gaze to Kael. "Humans? But… aren't we humans too?"
Kael shook his head. "We're called Terras. We live on the planet Ticonic. Since long ago, we've been sealed here. We live simple lives, no machines, no tall buildings. But out there—on Earth—their technology is far beyond ours… and they're the ones who built this wall."
Teren took a slow step back, trying to wrap his head around what he'd just heard.
"So you're saying… they're the ones who locked us in here?" he asked.
Kael nodded. "That's what I believe. And that ice wall… it's probably the final barrier. And that ship I saw back then… it's likely a patrol ship. From the world's elite. Not just anyone can leave. Only scientists and top officials."
Teren scratched his head, confused. "This is insane, Kael… I don't even know if I should believe you—"
Kael patted his shoulder with a crooked smile. "I know it sounds crazy. But you saw it with your own eyes, didn't you? And this… this is only the beginning."
A sharp voice rang out from behind them, firm and commanding.
"Hey! You two! What are you doing here?!"
Kael and Teren immediately turned around. Instinctively, Kael stepped back and raised his bow, quickly nocking an arrow. His eyes darted around, trying to locate the source of the voice.
Two figures emerged from behind a large tree—both dressed in dark clothing, wearing unfamiliar gear that looked nothing like anything they'd ever seen in Ticonic. One of them carried a long, sleek metal weapon that gleamed faintly in the filtered sunlight.
The one with the rifle spoke again, his tone cold, "This area is restricted. Which village are you from?"
Kael narrowed his eyes, his heart racing. He could tell these men weren't ordinary guards.
Teren swallowed nervously, glancing at Kael. "K-Kael…"
Kael whispered without looking away, "Don't panic. Our horses are close."
The second guard, a bit shorter and younger-looking, stepped forward. He looked serious, despite his youth. "We won't hurt you… if you answer honestly."
Kael kept his bow drawn. "We were just hunting. We didn't know this area was off-limits."
The first guard stepped closer, his weapon still lowered but ready. "Hunting? All the way out here at the edge of the world? Don't lie. You saw the wall—and you were spying beyond it."
Kael gritted his teeth. "And if we were? We're not going to tell anyone."
"It's too late for that," the guard replied, eyes narrowing. "You're coming with us."
Teren shifted anxiously. "Kael… should we run?"
Kael whispered quickly, "If we can."
Without hesitation, Kael took a sharp breath—swiiish!—his arrow flew straight, hitting the guard with the gun right in the arm. The man screamed and stumbled back, dropping his weapon.
"RUN!" Kael shouted, grabbing Teren's arm and pulling him.
They sprinted toward their horses, tied not far from the clearing. Kael was the first to leap onto his saddle, then gestured for Teren to do the same.
Behind them, one of the guards yelled, "DON'T LET THEM ESCAPE!"
Teren glanced back—the second guard was drawing a strange device from his belt, glowing with a sharp red light. But Kael had already kicked his heels into the horse's sides.
Thud, thud, thud!
Their horses bolted forward, hooves pounding against the soft forest floor. Leaves and branches slapped against their faces as they charged through the narrow path. Somewhere behind them, a high-pitched whine rang out—something fired—but it missed.
"KAEL! WHAT WERE THOSE GUYS?! ARE THEY GONNA CHASE US?" Teren shouted over the thundering hooves.
Kael glanced over, eyes narrowed. "I DON'T KNOW! BUT WE NEED TO REACH UNCLE ELRO'S HOUSE BEFORE NIGHTFALL!"
They rode faster, wind whipping past their faces, the sound of the forest blurring around them. The guards' voices faded into the distance… but Kael knew they wouldn't just let this go. They had seen something they weren't meant to. And now, someone out there would want them silenced.