CHAPTER 400: JOURNEY

Elias took a deep breath and nodded excitedly, "If it really is as significant as you say, Orion, then this will help us a lot. We can perform the best during that damn test."

Emilia softly spoke, "But we don’t have much time, it’s best we move before others."

Orion nodded, recognizing her insightful point, "Exactly. That’s precisely why we must act before the others. We don’t know how long they will take. So by the time they are prepared, it’s best if we can already start looking through the ruins."

Sylvia smiled lightly, her expression both determined and confident, "Then we must immediately start our preparations. With something of this scale, the faster we move, the safer our expedition will be."

Arya and Emilia exchanged enthusiastic glances, excitement clearly bubbling within their eyes. Arya confidently proclaimed, "We’re ready to go whenever you say, Brother Orion! We’ve rested enough, it’s time for some adventure."

Emilia nodded, her hand tightly holding her spear, "Exactly! Let’s do our best!"

Orion looked at them warmly, nodding slowly with approval, "Very well then. We will set off today at sunset. Finalize all of your preparations by then. Gather all the necessary equipment, potions, and cultivation resources you think you’ll need."

"Kale, Elias, and Felira, double-check our information with Uncle Edgar and Magi. Sylvia, Arya, Emilia, Nyss, coordinate supplies and inform Grandma Selene in case we need something else."

The entire group immediately responded positively, each member’s face glowing with determination and excitement for their upcoming adventure.

As Orion watched their interactions, his expression softened. Internally, he quietly acknowledged the value and strength of this camaraderie. More than any individual strength, this unity was precisely what would allow them to surpass others.

With one final, confident glance around the room, Orion nodded, smiling faintly yet warmly, "Then let’s get to work. We leave at dawn in two days."

The rest of the group nodded excitedly at Orion’s words, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Swiftly, the gathered friends dispersed, each filled with thoughts of what to do next, quickly exiting Orion’s home to prepare for the upcoming adventure.

Soon, Orion found himself alone, sitting cross-legged upon his meditation mat, Orion exhaled softly, closing his eyes briefly to collect his thoughts.

Before long, a gentle knock echoed through the room, breaking his quiet contemplation. He opened his eyes calmly and called out in a clear yet gentle voice, "Come in."

The door opened slowly, and Rina entered first, her usual cheerful face held a hint of nervousness. Fiora followed closely behind, her eyes filled with a similar expression.

Orion immediately sensed their anxiousness as he inwardly thought, ’Did they get in some trouble?’ Despite that, he softly asked, "What’s up? Something you two want to discuss?"

Rina took a deep breath before stepping forward, her voice firm despite her initial nervousness, "Master, Fiora and I wish to accompany you on this trip. Training alone within the mansion won’t help us grow as much as real experience will."

Orion exhaled a sigh, ’So it was just this,’ a soft smile formed gently at the corners of his lips as he looked at their earnest expressions. He asked with a slightly playful tone, "Are you truly prepared for something like this?"

Fiora swiftly moved forward to stand resolutely beside Rina, her eyes shining brightly with newfound confidence. Her voice was strong yet respectful, "Yes, Master. You have seen our strength in the past few days. We can stand our ground well enough."

Seeing their stubborn expressions, Orion chuckled softly, his expression relaxing into a gentle, approving smile. "If that’s truly your wish, then I’ll naturally accept it. Make sure you prepare well and wear suitable armor. In fact, I should get myself a proper set of armor as well. I don’t want to get naked mid-battle. Though I might not be able to use it after my transformation."

At his words, both Rina and Fiora immediately brightened, their eyes shimmering with excitement and anticipation. They enthusiastically nodded, unable to suppress their joy, quickly turning and hurrying off to make their preparations.

Watching them depart energetically, Orion stood slowly from his meditation mat. He briefly stretched before calmly heading out of his room, seeking out Eldric and Selene to inform them of their departure and request additional armor and supplies.

The following hours flew by as the entire estate buzzed with preparations.

Eventually, the scene softly changed as the soft, golden-orange hues of sunset bathed the Helstorm Estate. Three spacious, well-prepared carriages lined up outside, each harnessed to the kingdom’s fastest, most resilient mana beasts, ready for their long journey.

Orion and his companions climbed aboard, excitement etched clearly upon their faces as they left the estate behind, venturing towards the distant ruins.

Even with swift mounts, the journey was going to be arduous and lengthy due to the kingdom’s expansive territory. They would need to travel for three days to reach the edge of the kingdom.

Finally, as twilight descended, painting the sky in gentle purples and vibrant reds, Orion signaled for the group to halt their carriages in a wide-open clearing alongside the official kingdom road.

Trees lined the perimeter, casting comforting shadows as the group quickly disembarked and stretched their tired limbs.

Without delay, they began setting up camp. Orion methodically erected his own spacious tent, while the others coordinated similarly.

Fiora and Rina swiftly assembled a tent for themselves, quietly exchanging excited whispers as they worked.

Arya and Emilia cheerfully paired up, Arya’s laughter echoing warmly amidst the soft rustling of fabric. The others, Sylvia, Nyss, Elias, Felira, Kale, and Magi, each smoothly set up individual tents, the area soon becoming a tidy, well-organized campsite.

Orion and the group teased Elias and Felira to make them set up a single tent, but it seemed like Felira was too shy for it. The group exchanged a good chuckle before finishing setting up the tents.

As night firmly enveloped the land, the group gathered once more at the center of the camp, illuminated by the gentle glow of a campfire.

The flickering flames danced merrily, casting warm shadows across each of their faces. A pleasant aroma wafted through the cool night air as the group took simple yet nourishing meals, filling bowls and plates on their own.

Seated comfortably around the fire, the group relaxed, the weariness from their long travels momentarily forgotten amidst the cheerful, lively atmosphere.

Elias, after having his fill of the meal, stared at Magi for a second before hesitantly asking, "Orion, is it the right choice to take Magi with us? I have been meaning to ask this, but..."

Orion chuckled and nodded, "But he’s too weak? Yeah, I know, he’s weak as fuck haha."

Magi softly groaned, "Boss, you don’t need to be so blunt."

Orion turned his head towards him, "Then tell me, how strong are you?"

Magi stared speechlessly at Orion and just shook his head, "Yes, I know I’m weak. But I have my own reason for going there."

The group looked at each other as Orion smiled and shook his head. Kale changed the topic softly, "Does anyone else feel a sense of anticipation? I feel like I will get lucky during this trip."

Elias nodded enthusiastically, his voice animated as always, "Absolutely! Who knows what kind of treasures or secrets might await us there? Imagine how much stronger we could become!"

Sylvia, calmly sipping her soup, gave Elias a mildly amused look, "Always getting stronger with you. Still, I must admit the possibility of uncovering ancient secrets is intriguing."

Nyss said with a thoughtful voice, "Just remember, treasures are often protected by equally powerful dangers. We shouldn’t underestimate what awaits us."

Felira quietly agreed, softly adding, "That’s true. Though with Orion and everyone here, I think we’ll be fine."

Elias softly muttered, "Yeah, like last time when we survived with a hair’s breadth of chance."

Orion’s lips twitched as he heard Elias’s words, but he decided to ignore him and nodded in agreement as he spoke, "Indeed. Whatever awaits us, we’ll face it together. I trust all of your strengths, and more importantly, I can handle most things now. And since there won’t be restrictions on treasures, then this will be even safer."

Fiora and Rina exchanged confident glances, their eyes reflecting resolve and readiness. Fiora spoke gently yet firmly, "We’ll support you fully, Master. Trust in us."

Arya giggled lightly, her eyes sparkling playfully, "Right, right! This will definitely be an unforgettable adventure! You also brought Rina and Fiora, it will be even more fun haha."

Emilia nodded with quiet enthusiasm, her spear resting gently beside her, "Indeed, we’re ready. Hopefully we can find some challenges."

Elias chuckled happily, stretching out comfortably by the fire, "Then we’ll show the whole academy exactly what our club is made of."

Laughter and easy conversation filled the air, the gentle night breeze carrying their voices softly into the surrounding darkness.

Orion quietly observed his friends, happiness filling his heart. Despite the potential dangers ahead, he felt an undeniable sense of peace and warmth for now.

[Master, for how much they are speaking, how will they react once they know of your true strength? At your current level, you can most likely fight all of them alone and still win.