The expedition caravan moved steadily
eastward as dawn painted the sky in shades of gold and crimson. Three reinforced carriages rolled along the ancient trade road, escorted by academy guards and protected by several discreet formations placed by Headmaster Rudra himself. The atmosphere among the group was a mixture of excitement and tension. Even the most talented students understood that this journey was unlike any training mission they had undertaken before.
Krishak sat near the front of the lead carriage, with Lunafang resting beside him. The silver wolf's ears twitched constantly as he absorbed the unfamiliar scents carried by the morning wind. Through their soul bond, Krishak sensed Lunafang's curiosity and eagerness.
Across from them, Professor Devika
studied a weathered map covered with handwritten notes. Her eyes shone with barely concealed anticipation. To her, the expedition was a chance to uncover botanical treasures and fragments of forgotten alchemical knowledge. To Krishak, it was something far greater.
The Starlit Ruins were one of the few ancient sites on Earth where traces of the old cultivation civilization remained intact. Though modern scholars regarded the place as mysterious and dangerous, Krishak suspected that the ruins were once part of a much larger network. If his guess was correct, what they found there could accelerate his plans by years.
The journey lasted four days.
As the caravan left populated regions behind, the roads grew narrower and rougher. Towering mountains rose on the horizon, their snow-capped peaks gleaming beneath the sun. Dense forests blanketed the valleys below, and the ambient spiritual energy gradually became richer and more active.
The students spent their evenings reviewing maps, discussing possible dangers, and refining combat strategies. Dev focused on close-quarters tactics. Ishita studied known formation patterns. Ananya organized medicines and healing supplies. Raghav trained with Skyrend, while Lunafang and the hawk continued their friendly rivalry.
Krishak observed quietly, offering occasional advice but revealing little of his own expectations.
On the fourth evening, the caravan came to a halt at the edge of a vast canyon.
The Starlit Ruins lay beyond.
The sight was breathtaking.
At the center of the canyon, half-hidden by mist and overgrown vegetation, stood the remains of an ancient stone complex. Broken towers reached toward the heavens like the bones of a forgotten giant. Crystalline structures protruded from the earth, reflecting starlight even before the sun had fully set. Massive pillars inscribed with symbols unknown to modern scholars marked the outer
perimeter.
The air was dense with spiritual energy.
Even from a distance, Krishak could feel the ancient power slumbering beneath the ruins.
Raghav stared in awe. "It feels like the entire place is alive."
Professor Devika whispered, "Incredible."
Headmaster Rudra's expression remained serious.
"Do not let its beauty distract you.
Ancient sites are often as deadly as they are valuable."
The expedition established camp on a plateau overlooking the canyon. Defensive formations were activated around the perimeter, and guards took turns maintaining watch.
After dinner, the group gathered around a projected map while Rudra explained the plan.
They would enter the outer ruins at dawn and proceed cautiously. Ishita and Rudra would examine active formations. Dev and Krishak would take the lead in combat situations. Ananya would remain centrally positioned to provide support. Raghav and Skyrend would scout from above where possible.
Their primary objectives were to map the outer structures, collect resources, and assess the condition of the inner ruins.
No one was to separate from the group.
When the briefing ended, the students dispersed to rest.
Krishak remained awake, standing at the edge of the plateau with Lunafang beside him.
Above them, the night sky glittered with countless stars.
The ruined complex below seemed to resonate with that celestial light. Thin lines of silver radiance pulsed across broken walls and shattered pathways, as though the site was breathing in harmony with the heavens.
Lunafang let out a low growl.
Krishak narrowed his eyes.
Deep beneath the visible ruins, he sensed something vast and ancient.
It was not hostile.
But it was aware.
For the briefest moment, a distant pulse echoed through the spiritual energy of the canyon, like the heartbeat of a sleeping giant.
Krishak's expression remained calm, though his mind sharpened.
This was no ordinary ruin.
It contained a legacy far older and more significant than the academy realized.
He rested a hand on Lunafang's head.
"Tomorrow," he said softly, "we begin uncovering Earth's forgotten history."
The silver wolf raised his head proudly, moonlight reflecting in his eyes.
Far below, hidden beneath layers of stone and time, ancient mechanisms stirred in response to Krishak's presence.
The Starlit Ruins had been waiting.
And at dawn, their secrets would begin to awaken.