The Golden Highlands

The countess said, "Since you'll be trying fire magic for the first time, I'll guide you. Don't practice in the front yard. Come with me to the backyard."

Ranav and Paramita followed her. It was Ranav's first time coming this way. The backyard was an open clearing, enclosed by a sturdy wooden fence.

"There are only two known forms of Tier-0 fire magic," the countess explained. "You can either conjure a flame on your palm or create a fireball to attack." She raised her hand, and in an instant, a small controlled flame flickered to life on her palm. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she formed a fireball that hovered in the air before dissipating.

Ranav mimicked her actions, channeling his mana to summon fire in his palm. However, the flame immediately flared up uncontrollably, licking upward as if trying to escape.

"Control your fire," the countess instructed calmly. "Along with your mana, send your willpower into the flame. Mana is difficult to control since it interacts with world energy to form spells. But your willpower… that listens to you completely."

Ranav tried again. At first, he failed several times. The flames either vanished too quickly or flared too wildly. But after some concentration, he finally managed to keep a gentle fire burning steadily on his palm.

Encouraged by his success, he attempted the next step. He formed a fireball and juggled it a few times. Thanks to his prior experience with creating lightball, handling the fireball came almost naturally to him. After practicing for a while, he decided to stop.

The countess nodded approvingly but warned, "Fire is a volatile element. You need more practice to control it precisely. Always remember, fire and darkness are two elements that must be handled with care. A slight miscalculation can lead to disaster."

After finishing their training, they returned to the lounge. The countess briefed Ranav about the preparations for the next day. They would be camping overnight in the Golden Highlands, and Kulbir had already made the necessary arrangements. She also informed Usha to come to the estate the following morning so they could depart together. However, for security reasons, Paramita's participation was yet to be disclosed to her. She would find out tomorrow.

After dinner, Ranav planned to meditate, but Jessica intervened.

"You need to sleep," she insisted. "Without proper sleep, the effects of Regenesis weaken in every use. You must be at full strength during the expedition."

Ranav sighed but followed her advice. He also double-checked his storage ring, ensuring that they had enough food and clothing. Just in case of an accident, he wanted to be prepared. He made a mental note to buy a strong, durable tent for future expeditions.

The next morning, after breakfast, Ranav and Paramita stepped out of the dining room and found Usha, Rita, and another girl sitting in the lounge, chatting with the countess.

"Good morning, Usha, Rita," Ranav greeted them.

"Good morning, Ranav," they responded in unison.

The countess turned to Ranav and Paramita and said, "Get ready quickly. Everyone is waiting for you."

Ranav and Paramita rushed to their rooms to prepare. Ranav put on his travel clothes and packed his backpack, ensuring he had all his essentials. When he came downstairs, Paramita was already waiting.

"Mom, I'm bringing my communication device with me," Paramita informed the countess.

The countess nodded. "Alright. I've already briefed Usha and the team about your inclusion in the expedition. Kulbir knows what to do, and Batu Khan is familiar with the terrain."

Outside, Midnight and Lucky were waiting, saddled and ready for the journey. After bidding farewell to the countess, the group mounted their horses and set off.

The team consisted of nine people. Usha and Batu Khan led the group, as they had prior experience traveling to the Golden Highlands. Rita and the new girl Amanda followed behind them.

Rita, despite her youthful appearance and slim build, was younger than Usha but already married with a child.

Amanda, on the other hand, was a 17-year-old graduate from White Mayura Academy. She had applied to join the Mage Association and was waiting for the membership list to be published. She aspired to become a teacher at a magic school. Her above-average height, long legs, big bosoms and curvy figure made her an attractive presence despite her spotted face.

Ranav and Paramita rode side by side on Midnight and Lucky. Ranav carried his backpack despite Paramita's offer to store it in her storage ring as it contained only some light clothes.

Kulbir and two knights, Sachin and Akash, rode at the rear.

Curious about the team's capabilities, Ranav asked Jessica in his mind, "Analyze the strength of this group."

Jessica quickly assessed them and replied, "Usha has a deep green mana core. We know from our previous encounter that she can use fire magic. She is skilled in strategy and scouting, but based on her past injury, she might not be a front-line fighter."

"Rita has a green mana core and can use both earth and air magic. Judging by her physical fitness, she is likely a capable combatant."

"Amanda has a deep cyan core. She applied to become a member of Mage Association, meaning she can use all six primary elements. Given her confident posture, she is likely a skilled mage."

"Batu Khan is an experienced knight. Kulbir, Sachin, and Akash are trained knights with strong close-combat abilities."

After listing their strengths, Jessica paused and then asked, "Why are you suddenly analyzing them? Aren't we heading to a relatively safe place?"

Ranav replied seriously, "I know. But we should always be prepared for the unexpected. Bandits or chevage beasts could attack at any moment. I don't believe anything is truly safe in this world... or in any world."

His words trailed off as a shadow crossed his face. The painful memory of Sarah's death on their wedding day resurfaced.

Paramita's cheerful voice broke his reverie. "Ranav, look at the landscape! It's so beautiful."

Ranav lifted his gaze and was met with a breathtaking sight.

They were travelling along a narrow, muddy path. Trees on both sides had just sprouted new leaves, their fresh green hues glowing under the sunlight. After enduring the long winter, the forest was coming back to life with newfound vitality. Wildflowers bloomed along the roadside, their colorful petals swaying gently in the breeze. Butterflies flitted from flower to flower, and birds filled the air with their melodic songs.

Up ahead, a magnificent sight greeted them. A vast mountain range stretched across the horizon, its peaks shimmering under the sunlight. The golden hue of the rocks and the way the sunlight reflected off them made the mountains look almost ethereal.

Ranav's eyes widened in admiration. "Wow... So this is why it's called the Golden Highlands."

The sight was mesmerizing. The warm glow of the mountains, combined with the freshness of spring, made the journey feel like stepping into another world.