Chapter 47: V city

As Aduke traversed the threshold of the Ethergate, she braced herself for the expected onslaught of pressure or disorienting waves.

However, to her astonishment, she found herself engulfed in neither darkness nor discomfort.

Slowly, she opened her eyes, finding Erica and Shalom gazing at her with concern etched on their faces.

Sensing her distress, Erica approached Aduke, her voice filled with genuine worry.

"Aduke, are you okay?" she inquired, noting the uneasy expression that contorted Aduke's features.

Aduke, realizing her initial disorientation had caused her to adopt a crouching posture, quickly straightened herself, feeling a flush of embarrassment color her cheeks.

"No, I'm fine," she responded, her voice laced with slight embarrassment.

"I just had different expectations for the experience."

Taking a moment to gather herself, Aduke surveyed her surroundings with wide-eyed wonder.