Outside the golden realm, cold wind continued sweeping across the mountain path while the massive portal pulsed quietly between the cracked stone pillars.
Golden light moved slowly across its surface now instead of blue. Every few seconds, faint waves of energy spread outward from the entrance before vanishing into the surrounding fog.
Arnold was still standing in the exact same position.
His coat shifted lightly under the wind while his eyes never left the portal for long. Even after all this time, his posture had not relaxed even slightly.
Cole walked back toward him and after much hesitation he spoke. "Sir, how long do you plan to remain standing there?"
"I'll wait," replied Arnold without looking at him.
Cole sighed heavily afterward.
The answer sounded exactly the same every time.
