The stone gates lit up, their ancient surface glowing with a deep blue radiance as the passage between worlds stabilized.
A moment later, Damian emerged with Linda and Twenty flanking his sides, while hundreds of humans followed closely behind. Many of them instinctively slowed as they stepped through the gate, their eyes widening at the sight before them.
Tens of thousands of soldiers stood waiting across the vast courtyard, dressed in white and purple robes and armor, every single one of them kneeling with their heads bowed toward Damian.
"Welcome Back, your Majesty!" Their joint voices thundered across the palace grounds, shaking the air and startling everyone who had just arrived except for Damian.
The humans exchanged nervous glances, some instinctively stepping closer together as the sheer scale of the army finally sank in.
