Safe Haven: Haverix

The woman led the group briskly outside the auditorium, her movements purposeful and precise. It was clear she was someone who valued efficiency.

"My name is Grace," she began, her voice steady yet commanding. "I am one of the year-four students in Verdemire. Please try to keep up—we have a lot to go over, and very little time to do it."

Without waiting for acknowledgment, Grace set off at a quick pace, weaving through the bustling streets that branched out from the Omniscarium. The students hurried to follow, their footsteps echoing on the cobblestone paths. As they moved deeper into the city, Alex noticed the gradual shift in the architecture.

At first, the buildings around them were sleek and modern, with tall spires of magically reinforced stone and shimmering glass that reflected the glow of arcane runes embedded in their surfaces. The air buzzed faintly with magical energy, a hum that seemed to permeate the city itself. But as they continued, this urban magic gave way to something different—something alive.

The spires transformed into flowing spirals, their structures appearing to have grown rather than been built. Vines curled around wooden beams, and the soft glow of bioluminescent moss illuminated windows and doorways. Finally, the group entered an area where the buildings seemed to emerge directly from nature itself: great trees twisted and bent to form houses, their trunks hollowed out yet alive, their branches forming canopies over walkways.

The lush environment was mesmerizing. Vibrant gardens and greenhouses dotted the streets, overflowing with exotic plants that pulsed faintly with magical energy. Parks teeming with vibrant flowers and tiny glowing insects lined the way, and the scent of fresh daisies mingled with the crisp tang of freshly cut grass. Alex felt a strange serenity as they passed through this natural oasis. Everything seemed to fit together perfectly, as though the land and the magic within it were in perfect harmony.

After what felt like a journey through an enchanted forest, the group arrived at a massive tree, its trunk wide enough to fit a small house. Embedded in its bark was an emerald green portal that shimmered with energy, its surface swirling in mesmerizing patterns. Occasionally, the portal pulsed a rhythmic thrum that reminded Alex of a heartbeat.

Grace stopped just short of the portal, turning to address the group.

"Welcome to Haverix," she said, gesturing toward the glowing portal. "Our college of Verdemire lies beyond this gate. This is the only connection between Verdemire and the central city. While most of your time will be spent in the college grounds, you'll also have opportunities to explore the university as a whole."

Her gaze swept across the group, making sure she had their full attention. "Crafters will have their classes in the heart of the university, but for the rest of you, electives will take you to other colleges. You'll get two electives every semester, so choose wisely. Additionally, jobs and apprenticeships are available if you're fortunate enough to secure one. These can be valuable experiences—don't overlook them."

Without further explanation, Grace turned back toward the portal. "Let's continue. Keep moving."

She walked forward without hesitation, stepping into the glowing gateway as though it were an ordinary door. The confidence in her stride left no room for doubt, though Alex hesitated. He watched as the rest of the group began to follow her, one by one disappearing into the swirling green light. His hesitation didn't last long—he didn't want to be left behind. Summoning his courage, Alex stepped into the portal.

The sensation was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was as though his entire body melted into the swirling energy, his bones dissolving and his sense of direction evaporating. For a moment, he felt weightless and disoriented, his awareness scattered. Then, with a sudden snap, he felt whole again. His feet touched solid ground, but the disorientation hit him like a wave.

He staggered to the side, his stomach churning violently. Before he could regain his composure, a bucket was thrust into his hands by Grace, who stood nearby with a knowing smirk.

"Don't worry," she said as Alex emptied his stomach into the bucket. "You'll get used to portal travel eventually. By your second year, it'll be second nature. For now, take a moment to recover. We've got five minutes before the next group arrives."

Alex wasn't the only one affected—several other students were pale and unsteady, their first experience with portal travel leaving them shaken. Grace handed out water and waited patiently, though her smirk lingered as she observed their reactions.

Alex, accustomed to bouts of sickness from his past, recovered surprisingly quickly. After rinsing his mouth with the water Grace had provided, he stood and looked around, trying to orient himself.

They were in a clearing atop a hill on the edge of a vast swamp. Towering trees surrounded them, their heights dizzying and their forms otherworldly. Some twisted in impossible ways, while others floated gently in mid-air, defying gravity. The canopy above was alive with strange birds whose calls sounded like music, and faintly glowing insects flitted about.

Curious, Alex wandered to the edge of the clearing and peered into the distance. On one side, the swamp stretched endlessly, shrouded in mist. On the other side, however, was an unsettling sight—a sheer black void that seemed to cut through the landscape like a blade. It was as though the swamp had been severed from the rest of the world. Alex shivered and quickly stepped back, unwilling to contemplate the nature of that emptiness.

By the time the rest of the group had recovered, Grace clapped her hands to gather their attention.

"It's time to move," she announced. "The next group will be coming through shortly. We're heading to your dorms now. Try not to fall behind—and whatever you do, stay on the path. The swamp is not as friendly as it looks."

Her warning sent a ripple of unease through the group, but no one dared ask questions. Grace turned and began leading them down a narrow, winding trail, its edges lined with glowing moss. The path seemed precarious, barely wide enough for two people to walk side by side, and the thick vegetation surrounding it seemed alive, pulsing faintly with magical energy.

As the portal behind them shimmered once more, Alex glanced back to see the first student from the next group stepping through. He turned his focus forward, determined to keep up. The swamp ahead was full of mysteries, and he knew this was only the beginning of his journey in Verdemire.