The portal's darkness rippled, the edges crackling with energy that made reality strain from whatever was forcing its way through dimensional barriers.
Then a figure stepped through.
It wasn't the massive entity Warren's mind had been preparing for.
Loryn emerged from the gateway, his gaunt frame wrapped in dark robes. The ancient mage's skeletal features showed no particular emotion as he surveyed the courtyard.
His vacant gaze meticulously evaluated each individual in attendance.
"Loryn," S observed, popping another slice into his mouth. "Punctual as always."
The ancient mage inclined his head in acknowledgment but offered no verbal response.
His focus had already reverted to the analysis of tactical placements, meticulously assessing distances and calculating their positions.
Behind Loryn, the portal continued widening.
The fifteen-foot gateway expanded with violent force, reality tearing further as invisible hands ripped space apart with increasing aggression.
