"Blhaaaa—bahha!" I doubled over, vomiting the moment I stepped out of the Space Portal. My father chuckled, already unfolding a towel. Without missing a beat, he handed it to me.
"I told you," he said, smirking.
"No, you didn't," I muttered, wiping my mouth, still dizzy from the spatial rift.
"Well," he shrugged, "I gave you hints. It's your first time traveling through a Space Portal. That feeling of nausea and disorientation—it's normal. Your body is adjusting to being ripped across space. You'll get used to it in three or four trips. Even I threw up the first three times."
I felt like an idiot. I knew this would happen. I had read about it in novels—especially in the one featuring Jon Walkers at Zareth Academy, the most prestigious Hero Academy in all of Gaia. When Jon and his classmates used a Space Portal for the first time, nearly every student vomited—even the elite heirs of noble houses. But not Jon. He passed through without a problem, confused as to why everyone else was retching. Everyone assumed he was an experienced traveler, but the truth was he had a system—an inner aid that supported him in every situation.
I had deluded myself into thinking I was like him. I even tried to resist vomiting. Now, all I felt was shame.
After cleaning up, I joined my father in the car. We were headed to the Fourth District, known as WoodStrp, where this year's Foundation Ceremony would be held. As with many traditions in Gaia, the dates and locations for the ceremony rotated throughout the Kingdoms.
As we drove through the district, Father began to share what he knew. "WoodStrp is the most spiritual and culturally rich district of the kingdom," he explained. "According to family records, these people were among the first settlers here, over two hundred years ago. Unlike most others in the kingdom who worship the Lord of Light, they revere Mother Kali, goddess of both destruction and creation. They believe that once, a saintess here could hear the voice of Mother Kali in her dreams—and those dreams often came true. But for decades now, no one has heard her voice."
This wasn't written in any history book. It was something Father had uncovered from old family diaries.
Upon arriving, Father met with various officials and the Lord of WoodStrp himself, who wielded stone-based magic to aid his people. As the meeting ended, Father joined me where I was sitting on the temple stairs. I observed the joyful, serene expressions of the townsfolk.
"They look happy," Father remarked.
"Yeah," I nodded. "I don't know why, but I feel... peaceful here."
Father smiled, clearly pleased.
My eyes wandered, and I caught sight of a peculiar statue in the distance—a horse-mounted figure holding a sword in his left hand. In the other, he held a severed, horned head. The statue was ancient and headless. What struck me most was the name inscribed at its base: Lucifer.
"Who is that?" I asked, pointing.
Father squinted toward the statue. "No one really knows," he admitted. "The people here say it predates their settlement. Just a name: Lucifer. Some believe he fought in the first great war against the demons and other species."
Before I could ask more, an elderly woman approached from the temple. Her voice rang out, weathered yet firm. "He was betrayed by his own people. He ended the war, but the God of Death cursed him. Wherever he went, death followed. Some say he was death himself."
I blinked, unsure if she was talking to me directly. Before I could respond, Arthur stepped forward.
"Old woman, that's enough history. The king of this country is present—"
"Stop, Arthur," Father interrupted gently. Then, addressing the woman with a warm smile, he said, "Greetings, Lady Adeline Blackheart. It's been a long time."
Adeline chuckled. "I'm doing well, Your Majesty. Look at me—still young at heart." Her eyes turned to me. "So this is Liam? Seven years and already a fine young man."
I flushed at the compliment, trying to act modest.
"Liam," Father said, "meet Lady Adeline Blackheart. She's the mother of my friend Max and visited you as a baby—before you fell into a deep slumber."
I bowed slightly. "Nice to meet you, Lady Adeline."
She laughed. "Just call me Grandma, little one."
Her eyes were dark, and though her hair was now nearly white, hints of its original red remained.
"What did you mean earlier?" I asked. "When you spoke about Lucifer?"
"Oh, that," she said wistfully. "It's from an old history book I read back when I became the Saintess of this temple."
"But I thought the previous Saintess couldn't hear Mother Kali anymore," I said, glancing between her and Father.
"It's true," she nodded sadly. "It's been over twenty years since I last heard her voice."
Arthur, looking startled, muttered, "Wait—you're Adeline Blackheart heart? The Heart of Heaven? The most beautiful woman in all Vineta? The one known across the world?"
Even I was shocked. The Heart of Heaven was legendary.
Father shot Arthur a glare to stop embarrassing everyone. Adeline chuckled softly. "Yes... That title. It's been a long time since I heard it. Back then, I was beloved. But after one vision... even my own son believed I had gone mad."
Her smile faded as she turned to leave. Father remained silent, a shadow crossing his face. Eventually, we left WoodStrp and returned to the castle.
This time, I didn't vomit after using the Space Portal.
"Wow," Father said proudly, "you're a fast learner. I'm proud of you, son."
As the castle came into view, I turned to him with a question still lingering in my mind.
"Father... why did she say everyone hates her now?"
He sighed, his expression grave. "When she was still Saintess, she spoke prophecies from Mother Kali—many of which came true. Her final prophecy was terrifying: that a Fourth Great War was coming. That the Kingdom of Vineta would fall. And that a savior would be born from thunder and storm... a boy destined to walk beside Death."
My eyes widened in shock. "So why would people hate her for warning them?"
"Because no one wants to believe their home will be destroyed," Father said softly. "Especially not now, when demons are at their weakest. People thought she lost her mind. And after that, Mother Kali never spoke to her again. A new Saintess never appeared. That's why, son. And don't tell your mother we met Adeline Blackheart."
I was confused. "Why not?"
"Just... don't. Promise me."
I smirked, an idea forming. "Only if you give me something in return."
Father raised a brow. "Oh, my son is blackmailing me now?"
"Let me into the family vault."
He chuckled. "Done."
"Deal," I grinned.
When we arrived, Mother and my little brother Alex greeted us. Alex looked utterly drained—no doubt from another one of Mother's exhausting tea parties.
I told them about everything I saw in WoodStrp—well, almost everything. I left out the part about Adeline, per our agreement. After dinner, we each retired to our rooms, my mind still spinning with ancient prophecies, forgotten heroes, and the whispers of a goddess long silent.