Lana carefully put the pendant away before looking at the Elder of Wisdom.
"I'll remember this kindness."
The elder waved his hand casually, pretending that the matter was insignificant.
"There's no need to thank me. Just remember to bring Meow Meow some interesting things whenever you visit."
"Father!" Meow Meow immediately protested, her cheeks puffing up in indignation.
Her reaction made everyone laugh, and the atmosphere grew considerably lighter.
Soon afterward, the portal opened.
The familiar spatial fluctuations spread through the air, and a shimmering gateway appeared before the group. Beyond it lay the path back to Earth, the world they had been separated from for so long.
Several people from the human settlement were already waiting nearby.
When they learned that the portal had opened and that they would be allowed to leave first, their faces filled with astonishment and relief.
