As they left the restaurant around four P.M., Kathmandu's vibrant streets faded away behind them. They headed east, following the winding Araniko Highway.
Rolling hills, villages, and forests zipped by. Nagarkot's stunning views were calling. Ayush, ever the tour guide, rattled off a list of sights to see in Kathmandu and the Himalayas. He threw in tidbits about cultures and delicacies like he was auditioning for a travel show.
The highway merged with B.P. Highway, leading them to Dhulikhel's ancient temples. They took unmarked roads that led deeper into the wilderness. The Hidden Valley Road unfolded before them, showcasing waterfalls, forests, and secluded villages.
The sunset? It painted a dramatic orange glow across the cloudy sky. Ayush parked the Land Cruiser at a village house that surprisingly had a hidden underground parking area. Who knew villages had secret parking spots?
Then, they began hiking. Ryan followed, his large backpack weighing him down like a bad decision. The Hidden Valley Trailhead loomed ahead at 2,200 meters. Five hours of trekking awaited them. Just what Ryan wanted.
Steep climbs tested his endurance. Each slip sent a curse toward Fen under his breath. Because clearly, it was Fen's fault he decided to go hiking in the first place. After all, who wouldn't want to suffer through five hours of uphill trekking after a nice meal?
It was bitterly cold. The temperature hovered around -8 to -12 degrees. Ryan was bundled up in a thick, insulated jacket, heavy snow pants, a balaclava covering his face, insulated gloves, and waterproof hiking boots. Meanwhile, Ayush? He was just wearing snow pants, a parka with a fur-trimmed hood, and an insulated beanie.
Ryan blinked at Ayush in sheer disbelief. How was this guy not freezing? Did all Guardians have a secret power against the cold?
Perhaps all the Guardians had the endurance against the extreme cold? Ryan gritted his teeth. Maybe because of Mana? Or Divine power?
He gritted his teeth. Maybe it was Mana? Or some divine essence he didn't know about? In a moment of desperation, he tried to circulate his mana around his body. It helped a bit. But he felt stupid. Why hadn't he thought of this earlier? Now, he was waddling around in layers while Ayush looked like he was out for a casual stroll.
At 3,500 meters, Langtang Base Camp loomed ahead. Tents dotted the landscape, a stark contrast against the towering Himalayas.
Ayush led Ryan with ease through icy streams and rugged terrain. The winds howled, but they pressed on. Finally, they reached a secluded area, shrouded in thick mist.
Ayush stopped between two large rocks and stood silent. Ryan watched as a faint blue light appeared in Ayush's palm. It swirled like a mini tornado before Ayush hurled it to the ground.
When the blue light made contact, it exploded outward, forming something massive. A gate materialized. Not just any gate—it was 15 feet tall. The frame was made from a mysterious blue-black wood, polished to a dark sheen.
Intricate carvings of elemental symbols—water, earth, fire, air, and ether—intertwined across its surface, glowing with a subtle pulse. Dragon-shaped door knockers, made of dark bronze, sparkled with sapphire eyes.
The locking mechanisms? They looked like celestial bodies. The elemental seals displayed gemstones: aquamarine, emerald, ruby, topaz, and amethyst.
Ryan couldn't help but think: "Great, just what we need. A door that looks like it came straight from a fantasy novel."
Ancient inscriptions adorned the gate's header, pulsating with soft blue light. Ryan stood there, mouth agape. He had expected The Arena to be impressive, but this? It was grandiose.
"Seriously? The gate is already this magnificent. What's inside? A golden throne?"
Ayush chuckled. "Let's go inside, Ryan."
With that, Ryan stepped through the gate, totally mesmerized.
You know that feeling when you walk into a place that just blows your mind? Yeah, that was happening.
He scanned the surroundings, taking it all in.
"Breathtaking, right?" Ayush nudged him, a smirk on his face.
"Breathtaking? Try mind-blowing. Did someone drop a ton of cash on this place?"
Ryan shook his head, half-amused and half-incredulous. The sheer scale was hard to comprehend.
This was not just a venue. It felt like a monument.
The Arena of Elements sprawled out like a living tapestry, each thread woven with purpose. Five towering spires rose high, each one embodying a distinct elemental force. Surrounding these spires were smaller buildings, each a hub of activity—labs, elemental temples, and spaces for study.
The Fire Tower dominated the landscape, its vibrant scarlet stone radiating warmth. Flames, phoenixes, and salamanders danced across its surface, bringing the tower to life. Curved ramps and balconies formed a network, reminiscent of flickering tongues of fire.
Across the arena, the Water Tower shone in aquamarine hues. It felt alive, adorned with delicate sea serpents and mermaids. Cascading fountains and misty veils surrounded the structure, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.
The Earth Tower stood firm and unyielding. Its rugged granite surface bore the weight of history, etched with images of mountains and ancient trees. Vines and moss clung to the walls, merging nature with stone. Lush gardens and greenhouses flourished nearby, a testament to the life within.
The Air Tower soared with slender grace. Its silver-white spire seemed to float, adorned with wind-swept curves and feathery patterns. Delicate bridges and airy walkways connected the buildings, inviting exploration.
The fifth tower, the Aether Tower, shimmered with an ethereal glow. Almost translucent, it reflected the colors of its counterparts, a canvas of swirling patterns hinting at celestial wonders. This tower overlooked the expansive combat arena below.
The arena itself was a focal point. About 300 feet in diameter, its polished obsidian floor mirrored the colors of the towers. Tiered seating surrounded it, capable of holding thousands. Elemental symbols glowed softly, illuminating the space with a mystical aura. Winding pathways connected the towers, lined with lanterns that flickered with elemental themes.
Students wandered through this vibrant setting. Their simple attire—flowing pants and tunics—was elevated by luxurious fur collars. Each uniform was transformed to reflect elemental specialization.
Fire students wore fiery reds and oranges. Water students donned calming aquamarine. Earth students embraced earthy browns and greens. Air students dressed in sky blue, adorned with cloud designs. Aether students shimmered in radiant whites and silvers.
Amidst this energy, Ayush's voice cut through the chatter. "... housed approximately 1,000 students, aged 15-25, with a balanced gender distribution."
Ryan felt the pulse of excitement around him. They walked toward the Aether Tower, passing students lost in their pursuits. Some read thick tomes, others floated above the ground, while a few tossed fireballs playfully. Black-clad instructors moved among them, guiding and observing.
The air buzzed with laughter. Giggling female students filled the atmosphere with life. It was a stark contrast to Ryan's expectations. He had imagined a serious place filled with older students, a realm of quiet focus.
Amidst the bustling student body, extraordinary creatures roamed freely. Mystical elemental beasts, born from primal forces, mingled with the students.
Some soared high in the sky. Their ethereal forms glided effortlessly on wind currents. A dragon, crafted from living flames, danced among the clouds. Its fiery mane shimmered brightly. Nearby, a winged serpent, woven from shimmering water droplets, left a glittering trail.
On the ground, students interacted with their elemental companions. They exchanged gentle pats and words of affection. A group of freshmen watched in awe as a small, luminescent earth elemental crafted miniature sculptures from pebbles and dust. Nearby, an instructor supervised a student trying to tame a restless air sprite.
For Ryan, this was surreal. It felt like he had stepped into another world, another dimension. His mind struggled to absorb all these magical sights. He thought, "I only ever saw all of this in fantasy movies..."
Then, Fen stepped out from Ryan's shadow. He appeared larger than the last time Ryan had seen him. Ayush bowed and greeted Fen. "Greetings, Lord Fenrir."
"Thank you, Ayush," Fen replied, acknowledging the greeting telepathically. "Well done on bringing us here. When will we meet Eryndor?"
"He is waiting for My Lord inside the Ether tower. Let me guide you there."
"Alright." Fen nodded.
As they walked toward the Ether tower, students glanced and whispered among themselves. Their stares lingered for a moment before they returned to their activities. Ryan felt a flutter of nerves. It was like going to college for the first time all over again.