Soon after the mid-years, it was time for the yearly field trip our Academy organizes to bolster extracurricular exposure for the students. To be honest, this was going to be the first major event in the Academy that wasn't impacted by any outside forces.
The notorious bad luck field trip was still far off. This was a normal field trip with no dramatic events or dire consequences. However, there was always the possibility of unexpected entanglements, as hinted at by the novel's readers. The narrative mentioned a black market deal involving an Ancient-grade artifact that was sighted by the protagonist.
Being the pragmatic golden goose he is, Lucifer ignored the event, deeming it more trouble than it was worth. And he would be somewhat correct, as it involved two
An Ancient-grade artifact is immensely valuable. A person who reaches
As we prepared for the trip, I couldn't help but think about the implications of the novel's plot. This field trip, though seemingly mundane, had the potential to become a pivotal moment if the right conditions were met. For now, though, it was just another step in our journey, a chance to learn and grow outside the confines of the Academy.
"Everyone, please enter the bus," Nero announced. "Feel free to sit anywhere you want."
We were boarding a massive mana-powered, sleek white bus that could house all one hundred first-year students of Mythos Academy.
The bus had two floors and was constructed from durable, enchanted metals capable of withstanding
The interior of the bus was nothing short of luxurious. The seating arrangements, reminiscent of first-class airplane seats, were made of fine leather. The seats were arranged in two rows, with two seats on each side. In front of each seat, a polished oak table held an assortment of snacks, adding a touch of indulgence to our journey.
I walked past rows of students settling in, finally reaching the back where the other Class A students were gathered. The rear of the bus had a spacious seat that could accommodate five people, and then the seats directly in front could house four more, making enough space for nine people.
There were only eight of us in Class 1-A, and the bus had exactly one hundred and four seats in total for the four professors and one hundred students.
Rather than sitting with someone random who might feel uncomfortable, I decided to invite Rose. I gently tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention.
"Come sit with me," I offered with a smile, extending my hand.
She looked at me in surprise, her brown hair rustling as she tilted her head and smiled. "Sure, Arthur!"
I guided her to the back seats, where we settled on the left side, with Rose taking the window seat. The seats were incredibly plush, the fine leather adding a touch of luxury to the journey.
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Cecilia and Ian found their spots on the two-seater on the right side, while Lucifer, Seraphina, Rachel, Ren, and Jin took the spacious back row designed for five.
As we settled in, I couldn't help but notice the excited chatter around us. Students were buzzing with anticipation, eager to see what the field trip had in store. The bus started moving, the soft hum of the mana engines a comforting reminder of the technology safeguarding our journey.
I introduced Rose to all my classmates before we continued on the trip, engaging in lively conversation. As we chatted about our expectations for the field trip and shared stories from our winter break, the mood lightened, and laughter filled the air.
Despite the pleasant atmosphere, I could feel a burning crimson gaze on my back. I knew exactly who it was without turning around. Cecilia's intense, almost fiery eyes were locked on me, likely because of her annoyance at me rejecting her advances almost successfully.
We were heading from Mythos Academy to Nimran, a city renowned for its spirituality and guidance. Nimran attracted many who had reached a bottleneck in their strength, offering enlightenment and a chance to break through their limits.
The city was under the jurisdiction of Ian's family, the Viserions, and the
"Is Tiamat still alive?" Luna's voice echoed in my mind.
"Yes," I responded.
"Hmm," she hummed before going silent, leaving me with a tug of irritation.
Luna was keeping a lot of important information about the past from me. While I understood it was because I wasn't strong enough yet, the constant denial of access to this knowledge was frustrating.
Soon, we reached the Academy's teleportation gate, a massive, shimmering archway that seemed to hum with energy. It stood at the edge of the campus, an intricate lattice of glowing runes and arcane symbols etched into its surface.
We lined up in front of the gate, the professors ensuring everyone was accounted for. The air around the gate crackled with anticipation as we stepped closer.
The space around us began to warp, the scenery of the Academy grounds bending and twisting. For a brief moment, it felt like we were being stretched and compressed simultaneously, a dizzying sensation that made my stomach lurch. The light intensified, enveloping us in a blinding white glow.
When the light faded, we found ourselves in a completely different place. The temperature was warmer, the air carrying a faint scent of salt and sea. We had arrived in the South, but we were still some distance from Nimran. The teleportation gate had transported us to a remote outpost near the coast, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills.
Our bus was waiting for us, a sleek, white vehicle gleaming in the sunlight. It was time for the final leg of our journey.
We boarded the bus, and as we settled into our seats, I couldn't help but marvel at the change in scenery. The South was lush and vibrant, a stark contrast to the more temperate climate of the Academy. The bus rumbled to life, and we set off on the four-hour ride to Nimran.
The landscape unfolded before us in a breathtaking panorama. Verdant fields stretched out under the clear blue sky, dotted with wildflowers and the occasional grazing animal. The distant mountains loomed, their peaks shrouded in mist. The road wound through small villages, where people paused in their daily activities to watch the bus pass by.
Inside the bus, the mood was a mix of excitement and quiet anticipation. Conversations ebbed and flowed, punctuated by the occasional laugh or exclamation. I glanced at my friends, seeing the same eagerness reflected in their faces.
Lucifer was gazing out the window, his verdant eyes taking in the scenery with a thoughtful expression. Seraphina was flipping through a book, her brow furrowed in concentration. Ian and Cecilia were engaged in a quiet conversation, their heads close together. Rose was leaning against the window, her eyes closed, a serene smile on her lips.
The hours passed quickly, the landscape gradually shifting as we drew closer to Nimran. The villages grew larger, the architecture more intricate and ancient. We finally crested a hill, and there, nestled in a lush valley, was Nimran.
The city was a blend of old and new, with towering spires and domes rising above the modern buildings. The streets were bustling with activity, colorful market stalls lining the roads. The air was filled with the hum of life, the distant sound of bells ringing, and the scent of incense wafting through the air.
We had reached Nimran, the place where I would get my Ancient-grade artifact.