The last three carriages finally entered the forest near the Academy. This was the only route to the main city, so it couldn't be avoided.
Starshine City, where Arin currently was, had quite the reputation in the Ainsley Kingdom. It wasn't just home to Greenfield Academy, one of the best in the Kingdom, but also boasted several Mana Caves, making the city even more popular.
Arin scanned the forest, noticing that the path they were on was clear of trees, while the left and right sides were densely wooded.
"I guess they cut down the trees to make a path for the carriages," Hector muttered.
That was exactly what the Academy had done, knowing the trees would grow back quickly.
With the speed at which the carriage moved, combined with the greenery around them, it made for a scenic journey.
After a while, the carriages exited the forest, and the students were greeted by the sight of a vast meadow. The green grass swayed gently in the breeze, prompting murmurs from the students.
"Ahh, I missed this view."
"I know, right? It's so refreshing."
"Wish I could see this every day!"
"Shut up... Miss Riya is staring at you."
In the distance, a large wall loomed with a black gate, where the carriages were headed. It was the entrance to Starshine City.
Even though Greenfield Academy was outside Starshine City, it was still considered part of it. The Academy had simply been built in an open area some distance away.
As the carriages approached the gate, the students could see someone opening it for them. Clearly, they had been expected, so there was no need for questions.
The carriages slowed as they neared the gate.
Class 3C's carriage entered first, followed by Class 4A and Class 3A.
"Welcome," the guard said as he closed the gate behind them.
The carriages levitated into the city, greeted by its impressive sights.
"Ahh! It's been a while."
"I never thought I'd miss home. Haha."
"Do I even remember where my house is?"
"Your memory must be pretty bad, then."
Students who had grown up in Starshine City began chatting, while those from other cities took in the sights.
The road was paved, and carriages passed by occasionally. The city buzzed with activity, with people going about their daily lives. Numerous shops and taverns lined the streets, with people carrying swords and various weapons. Many of the citizens made their living hunting Beasts.
Children ran through the streets, playing games, while older ones nearing the age of 17 were training with their fathers or hired instructors, preparing to enter the Academy soon.
"Look! It's Academy students!" a girl exclaimed, pointing at the carriages.
"Wow! Another group? Some passed by not too long ago," a boy replied.
As expected, they were attracting attention from the people around them, though it was mostly admiration.
"Mummy! I want to be like them!"
"Don't worry, my boy. You'll be there soon."
Leon chuckled and nudged Arin's shoulder for the second time that day. "You know, to these kids, we're heroes."
Arin squinted at him. "What do you expect them to think?"
Leon frowned briefly, then shrugged. "I don't know, but I like the attention they're giving me. Hehehe."
Arin watched him for a moment before turning away. 'Maybe it will even be easier than I thought.....'
The carriage passed a large building, significantly bigger than the others. Almost everyone going in and out of it carried weapons.
Hector noticed Arin's gaze and guessed he wasn't from this city.
"That's the Adventurer's Guild," Hector explained. "I'm sure every city has one."
Arin just nodded, folding his arms. They were getting closer to Clearsky Forest.
After a while, they reached another large wall with a black gate. A guard, armored and armed, stood watch.
Without a word, he opened the gate, allowing the carriages to pass.
This time, they weren't greeted by a meadow, but by flat ground. Their attention shifted to the forest that was now visible in the distance.
The carriages levitated forward until they reached the edge of the forest and came to a stop.
Riya was the first to step down from the carriage. "Everyone, come down."
The students of Class 3A disembarked, joining the others from Classes 3C and 4A, who had already exited.
The Magic Theory teacher of Class 4A, a white-haired man, stood in front of all the students, with Riya and another female teacher from Class 3C behind him.
"This is Clearsky Forest," he began, "where your expedition will take place. I'll go over the rules now, though there aren't many."
He paused, making sure all the students were paying attention, then continued. "First, you can choose to go in with a partner or on your own. But groups of three aren't allowed. If you pick a partner, it's just the two of you."
He gave them a moment to absorb that before going on. "Second, your objective is to kill Beasts for practical training. Focus on Common Rank Beasts. If you encounter a Veteran Rank Beast, do not engage unless you're absolutely sure of your abilities."
The students murmured among themselves, but the man's voice cut through the chatter.
"Stay near the edge of the forest, where you're more likely to find Common Rank Beasts. If you encounter a Veteran Rank Beast at Grade 3 or above, do not engage, no matter how confident you are."
"That's good," a boy muttered. "If I can kill even a Grade 1 Veteran Rank Beast, I'll get to keep the Beast Core."
This thought was clearly on the minds of many students.
The teacher paused again before continuing. "Please, try to kill at least one Beast."
Arin scoffed internally. 'No need to beg. These students could take down a Veteran Rank Beast without much trouble.'
He knew the Academy often underestimated its students, but that would change soon, especially with what was coming.
"And finally," the teacher added, "tap your card three times if you're in trouble and need immediate assistance. Your teacher will come to you right away."
"Understood?"
"Yes, Sir!" the students responded in unison.
"Alright then, the expedition begins now!"
The students quickly moved into the forest, eager to begin.
Arin smiled as he stepped forward. 'Let it begin.....'
It was time for a showdown!