The Hidden Gateway

Chapter 32: The connection tree

Nina thought she had seen all the wonders this portal world had to offer, but the surprises kept coming. One day, as she wandered through the vivid landscape, she found herself in a field of shimmering numbers that floated in the air. Each number was large and seemed to glow with its own light, hovering and shifting in patterns she couldn't understand.

At first, Nina was intrigued, reaching out to touch one of the numbers. But as her fingers brushed against it, the number flared brightly and then began to chase her. Alarmed, Nina pulled back, but the number pursued her, its movements becoming more erratic and aggressive.

Panic set in as more numbers joined the chase, all of them closing in on her. The once enchanting landscape now felt threatening and claustrophobic. Nina ran, her heart pounding in her chest, as she desperately searched for a place to hide. The numbers seemed relentless, their pursuit growing more intense with each passing moment.

Just when she thought she couldn't run any further, Nina stumbled upon a massive tree, its branches twisted and ancient, reaching up to the sky like the arms of a giant. The tree was unlike anything she had seen before, its bark a deep, rich shade of purple that seemed to shimmer in the light. It radiated a sense of power and protection, and Nina felt an inexplicable pull toward it.

As she approached the tree, a deep, soothing voice echoed in her mind. "Come here," it whispered, urging her to follow. Startled, Nina looked around but saw no one. The voice seemed to come from the tree itself, or perhaps something within it.

Out of the shadows stepped a majestic lion, its mane flowing like liquid gold. The lion's eyes were kind yet filled with an ancient wisdom, and it beckoned her with a gentle nod. "You must trust me," the lion said, its voice warm and reassuring. "These numbers are not what they seem. They seek to confuse and trap you."

Nina, still terrified, hesitated for a moment but then nodded. She had no other choice. The lion, whose name she would soon learn was Nialk, led her to a hollow within the tree. The interior of the tree was spacious and filled with a soft, comforting glow. The moment she stepped inside, the numbers outside seemed to lose interest, drifting away as if they had never been chasing her at all.

"You're safe here," Nialk assured her, his voice soothing the fear that still gripped her heart. "But remember, the portal world is not without its dangers. You must always be vigilant."

Nina sat down on the soft, moss-covered floor of the hollow, her breath still coming in ragged gasps. "Why were they chasing me?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"The numbers represent the chaos of your mind," Nialk explained. "They are drawn to your fears and doubts. The more you let these emotions control you, the stronger they become. But this tree," he gestured around them, "is a place of balance. Here, you can find clarity."

Nina nodded, though her mind was still reeling from the experience. She had never imagined that something as simple as numbers could turn into such a nightmare. "Will they come back?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"They will," Nialk said, his tone serious. "But only if you allow them to. You must learn to control your fears, or they will consume you."

Nina felt a shiver run down her spine at his words. She didn't know if she was strong enough to face whatever darkness lurked within her. But for now, she would stay a little longer in this haven, try to enjoy the wonders of this world, and find the strength she needed to confront the challenges that lay ahead.

With Nialk by her side, Nina began to explore the area around the tree. She found that the tree was not just a place of refuge, but a gateway to even more breathtaking wonders. There were flowers that sang soft melodies, streams that sparkled with colors she had never seen before, and creatures that seemed to be made of pure light. It was a world of beauty and magic, a stark contrast to the harsh reality she had left behind.

But even as she marveled at the beauty around her, a part of her knew that she couldn't stay here forever. The real world was still waiting for her, with all its pain and hardship. Yet, for now, she would enjoy the peace this world offered, and perhaps, in time, she would find the strength to face the darkness that awaited her.