The air between the two fighters was thick with tension. Orion aimed his gun for a direct kill, his golden eyes locked onto Vex. But unexpectedly, he tossed the gun toward Vex instead and smirked.

  "That was entertaining. I got to move my body a bit. Thanks, Vex."

  Vex lowered his spear, letting out a breath as Orion turned to leave, heading back toward the others. Just as he was walking away, a portal—similar to the one they had all fallen from—suddenly tore open in the air.

  Before Orion could react, someone fell straight through, landing directly on top of him. A cloud of dust rose from the impact. Coughing, Orion quickly recognized the person and immediately panicked. In a split second, he teleported his mask and cloak into his alternate space.

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  The person scrambled to their feet, brushing off dust while bowing slightly. "I’m so sorry! Are you alright?"

  Orion quickly stood up as well, shaking his head. "It’s not a problem, First Legion Commander."

  As the dust settled, the others finally got a clear look at the newcomer—a stunning young woman with long silver-white hair and striking blue eyes. She looked around, her gaze landing on Orion. Her eyes widened in shock.

  "Orion?! You’re here too?!"

  Before Orion could say anything, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug.

  Everyone stood frozen in surprise.

  Orion, however, was struggling. "Commander... I can’t breathe...!" he wheezed.

  Celia quickly let go, flustered.

  Lysara stepped forward, her curiosity piqued. "Orion, could you introduce us to your friend?" she asked sweetly.

  Orion sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, sure. Everyone, meet Celia. She was the First Legion Commander of the military unit I used to serve in."

  As everyone turned their attention to Celia, Nyx suddenly spoke up. "Orion, why do you wear a mask when you have such a handsome face?"

  Orion flinched, caught off guard.

  Celia, now curious, turned to face him. "Mask? What mask?" she asked, confused.

  Before Orion could come up with an excuse, the ground beneath them rumbled violently, cutting the conversation short.