The transition was gentle. A brief warmth brushed his skin, like stepping through sunlit air. For a second the world felt neither here nor there. Then solid ground pressed under his feet again.
No nausea. No twisted feeling. Just a clean shift from one place to another.
"That was..." Leo blinked, steadying himself. "Nothing like the Crescent Bay gate."
"Told you." Iori's voice came from beside him, amused. "Commercial gates prioritize capacity and distance. Leisure gates prioritize experience. You pay for the difference."
They stood inside a similar chamber with polished wood floors and soft golden light from wall sconces. Through an arched doorway Leo spotted the Tidebeak lounge. Warm lamps, comfortable chairs grouped for quiet talks. Beyond the large windows, the ocean waited.
"Welcome to Tidebeak," Iori said.
