One by one, they stepped through the portal.
The cool, familiar scent of fresh-mopped floors and cafeteria pizza filled their lungs. They were standing in the middle of the school library—books neatly shelved, windows casting golden morning light through the blinds.
Outside the window, kids played on the playground like nothing had happened.
Jake's eyes widened. "This… is so weird."
Reggie checked the time on a nearby wall clock: 9:47 AM.
They had vanished around 8:45 AM. An hour ago.
He turned to the others. "We're going to slip back into class. Business as usual."
Vanessa looked down at herself. "Are you sure no one will notice anything?"
Reggie activated a scanner display on his Dimenswatch. "Phantom Bands are functioning at 98.6% concealment. You'll be fine."
"Reggie," Isabella asked softly, "what if something comes through from the other side?"
He paused. "I locked the portal frequency. Nothing comes through unless I open it."
Jake exhaled. "Good."
They exited the library just as the bell rang for third period. The halls were crowded again. Laughter. Locker slams. The smell of pencil shavings and dry-erase markers.
Everything was normal.
But they weren't.
Each of them carried a secret. A power. A memory.
And while the rest of Hollow Creek Elementary went on with their ordinary lives, five students had returned with the knowledge of other worlds… and the tools to go back.
Jake clenched his fist. Mythatrix dormant beneath his shirt.
Remy touched his hoodie, where the Arcanodrive pulsed softly.
Isabella and Vanessa shared a knowing glance—twin flames barely suppressed.
And Reggie?
He smiled to himself as Myrren whispered in his ear.
> "Welcome back, genius. Now the real adventure begins."