Parker took a deep breath, then nodded, signaling that he had finally agreed. "Alright, I'm in. No matter what, you're my hunting buddy, Kael. I can't let you go alone."
Kael looked at Parker with deep gratitude. "Thank you, Parker. I don't know what we're going to face, but I believe we can do this together."
Parker then pulled out a thick book from his bag. "I brought this. This book contains a map of Terra Infinita… and some notes about history and geography that might help us. I'm not entirely sure, but there could be clues in here."
Mira leaned over, curious. "What kind of book is that, Parker?"
Parker opened the book, revealing a very detailed map. "This book belonged to my father. He used to be a geography and history researcher, and he had a lot of information about our world—and maybe even about Earth. I don't know why he kept this hidden, but it might be a clue."
Kael stepped closer, examining the map filled with ancient letters and unfamiliar symbols. "So, this book could show us a way out of the wall?"
Parker nodded slowly. "Maybe. I can't guarantee anything, but there are places marked here that seem connected to the outer lands. Some of our friends in the palace might know something too, but we have to be careful. If they find out we know about Earth, they won't stay silent."
Teren scoffed. "Exactly. We can't make careless moves. If the kingdom finds out, they'll come after us."
Kael stared at the book with determination. "We have to find a way out. We have to see the world beyond. I'm sure this isn't just about my father—it's about our future."
Parker closed the book and placed it beside Kael. "We'll start this journey together. Whatever happens, we face it side by side. If this gives us answers, then we need to be brave enough to find them."
Mira touched Kael's arm, sensing the heavy burden he carried. "We'll look out for each other, Kael. We won't let you lose hope."
Teren gave a faint smile, though there was worry in his eyes. "We're all in this fight, like always. But this time, we do it carefully."
With preparations becoming more solid, they knew the journey ahead would be dangerous. But together, they felt stronger—united—ready to face whatever lay beyond the limits of their world.
That night, they infiltrated the royal grounds. With Parker's help, they disguised themselves in the uniforms of palace guards—dark brown cloaks with leather belts marked with the royal emblem. They kept their heads down, hair covered by hoods to avoid recognition.
They led their horses slowly along a narrow, mossy path—one known only to a few. Parker walked ahead, alert and focused.
As they passed a curved corridor near the armory, Parker raised a hand, signaling them to stop. He heard faint voices behind the stone wall.
"I heard they've already breached three villages in the north… They're searching for a way into the heart of the kingdom."
"Those soldiers… they're not from here. They carry weapons that can burn through metal and crush stone."
Parker turned to Kael and Teren, his face tense. "They're talking about forces from beyond. From Earth."
Kael clenched his fists. "So they've really begun to move..."
Mira swallowed nervously. "What will they do to our people?"
They continued forward, slipping through a back alley until they reached a stairway leading to the watchtower. From the top, the view was clear. Teren pointed toward the far edge of the palace wall.
"Kael… Look there."
Atop the wall stood several figures wearing sleek, black vests—nothing like the armor of Ticonic's guards. One of them held a long metallic rod glowing with a pulsing blue light—a weapon from Earth.
One by one, the kingdom's soldiers emerged from their posts, staring up at the mysterious intruders. A sense of unease spread among the ranks.
Then, one of the black-clad figures spoke through a loud amplifier, his voice deep and commanding.
"People of Ticonic... this land will be explored by a force far greater than you can imagine. Your world is not the only one. Prepare yourselves... or step aside."
Kael growled softly. "That's a threat. They're planning to take over Ticonic."
Teren stared blankly. "This isn't just about your father anymore, Kael. It's about all of us."
Parker tightened his grip on the old book containing the Terra Infinita map. "We need to move faster—before our world is conquered from within."
Meanwhile, at the heart of the Ticonic Kingdom, King Elmir stood tall on a high balcony, staring into the hazy distance. His eyes narrowed as the morning fog slowly parted, revealing the silhouettes of foreign figures beyond the outer wall. A royal advisor rushed to his side.
"Your Majesty… the guards have reported unidentified troops breaching the outer zones. They possess technology far beyond ours."
King Elmir said nothing at first. His jaw tensed. "Take me to the war chamber. We must prepare our defenses."
But far from the grand palace, out on a barren stretch near the northern border, Kael, Parker, Teren, and Mira found themselves surrounded by soldiers from Earth. Dressed in sleek black uniforms with no visible insignias, their faces were cold and expressionless, eyes hidden behind high-tech visors.
Kael instinctively reached for his bow, but one of the Earth soldiers swiftly aimed a glowing blue weapon and fired a pulse at the ground near Kael's feet. A small explosion sent him stumbling back.
"Don't resist," said the squad leader, voice filtered through a metallic helmet. "You are not prisoners. You are specimens."
Parker gritted his teeth. "We're not specimens. We're citizens of Ticonic!"
The soldier ignored him. They were forced to stand, then shackled with strange metallic cuffs that seemed to suppress their natural Terra energy, rendering them physically weaker.
A large helicopter with an alien design landed nearby, its turbines kicking up massive gusts of wind. The door slid open, revealing a glowing interior filled with blue lights and transparent screens.
Kael glanced at Mira and Teren. Both were silent, tension in their eyes. He whispered, "I swear… we'll make it back. I'll find a way."
Parker nodded slowly, his hand brushing against the book of Terra Infinita still hidden under his belt.
They were ushered into the helicopter and locked inside a glass containment cell at the rear. The aircraft rose, the land of Ticonic shrinking beneath them—the only world they had ever known.
Through a small window, Kael watched as clouds thickened outside. Snow and blinding ice soon filled the view.
A screen lit up in the cabin, displaying the words:
DESTINATION: EARTH – SECTOR: ANTARCTICA
Kael clenched his fists.
Their journey toward the truth had just begun.