The day had finally arrived.Stronghold Academy hummed with anticipation as students and instructors gathered around the Nexus, a towering construct of swirling energy that dominated the center of the city. The air buzzed with excitement, and even the normally composed Benji wore a small, barely perceptible smile as he stood with his unit—John, Anne, Alex, and Gordon—ready to embark on the long-awaited journey to Mira.This wasn't just any trip; it was the start of the Bender League Tournament."Alright, everyone, listen up!" Klaysher's voice cut through the noise as he stood near the Nexus, his posture commanding as always. The Nexus itself stood like a monument, pulsating with raw power. Encased in a towering arch of solid stone and engraved with symbols of old Bender knowledge, it was a structure of both beauty and purpose. One of its many jobs: to connect the Bender cities through dimensional portals.Behind Klaysher, the portal to Mira shimmered faintly, a swirling vortex of energy. It wasn't as simple as stepping through a door—traveling through a Nexus portal was like being whisked through the very threads of space, linking one city's heart to another.John gazed at it, feeling a mix of awe and nerves. "So, that's our way there, huh?" he muttered under his breath.Anne, standing next to him, crossed her arms. "What, you scared?" she teased, though the excitement in her voice betrayed her own apprehension."Please," John scoffed. "I've faced worse than a glorified energy gate."Alex, always light-hearted, smirked. "This is nothing. I heard the portal to Skyshear is like getting spun in a tornado. This? This'll be easy."Gordon, however, seemed to have a bit more on his mind. "Can't wait to see what Mira's got in store," he said, stretching his arms. "But first, let's hope we don't get scrambled on the way."The group shared a quick laugh before turning their attention back to Klaysher, who was giving final instructions."Now, the portal will take us directly to Mira's Nexus. It's not like ours," Klaysher explained, his voice booming with authority. "Mira's Nexus is more... abstract. Think of it like stepping into an environment shaped by their unique Bender abilities—plants, rocks, rivers. A living, breathing ecosystem. Once we arrive, we'll head straight to the tournament grounds."John raised an eyebrow. "A living Nexus? How does that even work?"Anne nudged him. "Mira specializes in manipulating the environment. I bet their Nexus is some kind of forest or something.""Correct," Benji interjected, stepping forward with his usual composed demeanor. "Mira is known for blending nature with their energy manipulation. Their Nexus adapts and responds to the people who pass through it. It's a place of constant change.""Sounds... trippy," Alex commented, earning a chuckle from the group.As the last of the teams gathered, Klaysher motioned toward the portal. "Unit 92, you're up first."Benji gave his team a nod, his expression steady. "Let's go. Stay close, and whatever happens, don't stray from the group."With that, they approached the swirling vortex. The energy was palpable, a soft hum that grew louder the closer they got. John could feel the pull of it, like the Nexus was calling them forward."Here goes nothing," he muttered before stepping into the portal, his body instantly enveloped in light.The sensation was unlike anything he had felt before. It was as if the world dissolved around him, and for a brief moment, he existed in a place between spaces—weightless, floating in a sea of energy that buzzed with life. He could feel the presence of the others, but they were like distant echoes in this strange in-between realm.Then, just as quickly as it had begun, it was over.John felt solid ground beneath his feet again, the world coming back into focus. He blinked, adjusting to the sudden shift in surroundings, and what he saw took his breath away.Mira's Nexus was unlike anything he had ever imagined.They stood at the edge of a vast, lush forest, the trees towering high above them with leaves that shimmered in hues of green and gold. The air was fresh, tinged with the scent of pine and wildflowers. Streams of crystal-clear water ran alongside a winding path that seemed to lead deeper into the forest. Everywhere he looked, the environment pulsed with life, as if the Nexus itself was breathing."Whoa," Alex said, his usual playful tone replaced by genuine awe. "This is... incredible."Anne stepped forward, touching one of the trees. "It's alive," she whispered, her eyes wide. "You can feel the energy in everything."Gordon grinned, looking around with eager eyes. "This place is a paradise for Benders. I can already feel the energy surging here."Benji, ever composed, nodded in agreement. "This is Mira's Nexus. It's as much a living entity as it is a place. Be mindful—this environment can change based on the energy you project."John frowned. "So, if we're not careful, we could mess this place up?""Potentially," Benji said, his gaze scanning the surroundings. "But it also means that it can be a reflection of who we are as Benders. Mira's people are deeply connected to nature, so this Nexus mirrors that connection."As the group took in their new surroundings, Klaysher and the rest of Stronghold's contingent arrived behind them. The other units looked around in awe, just as Unit 92 had, marveling at the beauty and energy of Mira's Nexus."Alright," Klaysher called out, his voice cutting through the quiet. "We've arrived. From here, we'll head to the tournament grounds. Stay sharp—this is only the beginning."With a shared look of excitement and determination, the students of Stronghold Academy followed Klaysher deeper into the forest, their steps light with anticipation.