Kennon took a step towards the portal, and then he was inside it. Despite his step still having him meters away. At the same time it felt like he had been inside to portal for multiple meters and had just taken a step deeper.

  His mana sight told him he was in the middle of a storm. His stomach wanted him to fall over and heave. But his feet didn’t obey. In fact his feet didn’t seem to be there? Or his stomach. He started to panic, his breathe quickening, but he couldn’t breathe either, he didn’t have lungs!

  But still he felt himself move forward. Almost as if he was being dragged. He willed himself to take a step with his missing legs, and things got easier.

  Then he was out.

  The man was still helping him along. Though he looked drained somewhat. He noticed the same with the healer helping Bev. Had they actually dragged them through? They were in the exact same posture as when they entered.

  Before he had time to think any more his stomach caught up to him and he started to dry heave. The same was true of Bev.

  The man with him simply helped him to his knees and laughed, “System favored or not they’re still human!”

  Hermis simply shook her head and said, “It happens to everyone the first time. Given your condition I’m surprised you didn’t pass out.”

  Kennon’s helper said, "Believe it or not he took the last step on his own.”

  The healer said, “Same for this one. They are made of strong stuff. Are you sure we can’t recruit them?”

  Hermis said, “No, the contract was clear. Take them to Aithgard, then leave the region. Still, I see the appeal.”

  Kennon kelt on the cold, green grass. And looked around.

  They were in a forest. A blessedly normal forest with mana levels even lower than those of the portal when they first entered.

  He tried to stand. But his body refused. Now that he was safe, the parts of him that had been pushing him for the last two months decided to take a break. Kennon thought he really might pass out. But there were a few things left.

  “We need food, and we need to set up our tent.” Bev said. Her voice was strong and hoarse.

  “Of course. We will be staying here till you recover.”

  Time didn’t seem to be moving right. He had eaten in what felt like seconds. Yet getting to sleep felt like it took hours. Even though he knew it was mere moments.

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  All that mattered was that they were safe.

  Kennon woke to birdsong. His sister at his side. Another day in Colville.

  Then he remembered where they were. They were out! They were safe!

  They were with complete strangers.

  Kennon felt his mood sour as he realized that they may not be as safe as he thought. They’d been given a meal. And healing. And this Hermis seemed to know Margie. But two months ago the peaceful church of the system murdered the only family they had. He wasn’t about to trust them with their secrets. They had to be careful. Not give too much away.

  But they also needed to get knowledge from these people. They knew things. Most importantly they knew where they were and where they were headed.

  The unstable portal that took them into the portal realm was a strange thing. Margie said it sent them extremely far away. Far enough no one would think to look for them here.

  She had never shown them where it was on a map.

  Kennon got up and stepped outside their tent. Bev at his side.

  They were still in pain. Bruised and battered. Kennon noticed a cast on his arm. It wasn’t there when he went to sleep.

  As soon as they stepped out Hermis flashed to their side and said, “Good you are up! Eat. Let Pico, our healer take a look at you. Then we can talk. I assume you have questions.”

  Kennon thought that sounded like a great idea.

  He looked around and finally got a good look at the Colville expedition. Their team was made of twelve people. Eight women and four men. A quick identify showed they were all level ten or under except for Hermis. And they were from all three combat classes.

  The only non combat class was Pico the level seven healer.

  It was odd to be reminded that level ten was considered an achievement for most. He had almost forgotten with how quickly they were leveling. He guessed that explained why they called them “system favored.” though he didn’t really know what that meant.

  There were several tents set up. A runic campfire. And there was a large cart, covered in crates. With a harness laying nearby big enough to hold a Bull ant. He supposed that was probably exactly what it was for. Though the ant was nowhere to be seen.

  They sat next to the campfire, and Kennon smelled a delicious stew simmering in a pot hanging above the woodless fire.

  In moments Kermis put a bowl and spoon in their hands and nodded to the pot. They started eating eagerly.

  It wasn’t beast meat. And didn’t have the rejuvenating properties of beast meat. But it was so good to eat something other than fruit or jerky that Kennon didn’t care. They tore into their food like they hadn’t eaten in months. And didn’t stop till they polished off the third bowl.

  The rest of the team had joined them by the fire at that time. And Pico said, “Glad you have an appetite. Now, may I examine your wounds?”

  Pico - level 7 healer - wishes to see your physical status. Only health related information will be shared. Do you agree?

  Kennon froze at the message. He had heard healers did this. Healers had done this check on him before. Or so he had been told. He didn’t have the system then so he hadn’t been given an option to refuse.

  There shouldn’t be any reason to refuse. Especially from Pico’s point of view. But what if this revealed the growth system? Well. it wasn’t like he had a choice.

  Accept.

  Thank you for sharing my journey. To help me walk it I have a set up. It is 20 chapters ahead and releases at the same time as the Royal Road chapters.

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