"Good. Less surprises." Albel had a large enough group of people he'd asked to come. Too many more than that would be a hassle. But Yuri was strong, could take care of himself, and was stubborn anyway. So, Albel would let him take care of himself.

Albel shrugged. "The portals lead to different worlds -- as well as Crystallis, presumably. This world is linked to my own. This world... created my world," he admitted in the end.

"So that is why we are staying here -- until we get there."