Journey to the Ruins
Several groups of students left the academy the following morning.
Kael traveled with Leon and several other advanced students.
The road north passed through dense forests and abandoned villages.
Leon walked beside Kael with his usual confident expression.
"You caused quite a mess back at the academy," he said.
Kael shrugged.
"They started it."
Leon chuckled.
"I suppose they did."
After two days of travel, the ruins finally appeared on the horizon.
Massive stone structures rose from the ground like broken giants.
Ancient towers stood half destroyed, covered in vines and dark moss.
Seraphine studied the ruins from a distance.
Her expression turned serious.
"These ruins are older than the academy itself."
Kael felt the abyss energy inside him react slightly.
Something here was connected to his power.