A Gate is an ancient, magical portal that allows for instantaneous travel between distant locations.
Gates are powerful magical portals, circular in shape and adorned with intricate symbols that resonate with magic. When activated, their centers shimmer like liquid light or a mirrored surface, creating a passage between locations that would otherwise be inaccessible. Gates serve as bridges across vast distances, making them invaluable for travel, escape, and exploration. While many have fallen into dormancy, their lingering magic suggests that they are still connected to forgotten pathways across the realm.
The origins of the Gates remain a mystery, but their presence across the kingdom of Ithaka suggests they were built by an ancient civilization with advanced magical knowledge. The carvings and runes inscribed on them are linked to celestial magic. The Gates may have once been widely used for travel, but over time, their magic weakened or was deliberately sealed away. Some theories suggest they were created by Starmages or celestial beings, given their connection to Kiara’s grimoire and the eight-pointed star symbolism.
The first appearance of a Gate occurs when Kiara stumbles upon a hidden underground chamber beneath the Academy of Magic. This dormant Gate is surrounded by statues of armored warriors, all marked with eight-pointed stars, a symbol tied to Starmages. Though inactive, the Gate emits faint magic, suggesting it still holds power. The chamber itself responds to Kiara’s celestial magic, hinting that the Gate may require a specific magical lineage or key to function.
The second appearance occurs in the Temple of the Gods, where Lucian and Kiara encounter an active Gate. Unlike the dormant one beneath the Academy, this Gate is fully functional. Upon stepping through, they are instantly transported across the kingdom, confirming that Gates were once used for long-distance travel.