Chapter 16: Journey to Frhosien

Four days had passed since the monster attack, yet the investigation had stalled. The creature that ambushed the banquet had been identified as Vandeergo

However, the postmortem report revealed something disturbing—

It was already dead before the attack. The leading theory suggested that someone had experimented on the corpse and reanimated it, using it as a puppet.

The mystery remained unsolved, and whispers of necromancy or forbidden magic spread among the Citizens.

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"You sure this will keep me warm? It looks kinda thin."

Ray muttered, holding up a black high-collared button-up shirt and a navy-blue tailored coat with silver lining.

"Yes, it will! I personally enchanted it with my magic!"

Yana huffed, crossing her arms. Ray eyed the coat skeptically, rubbing the fabric between his fingers.

"It doesn't even feel insula—"

Before he could finish, Yana snatched the hot pan from the stove with a glare.

"Chill out, Hottie!! I love the outfit!"

Ray blurted out, hands raised in surrender. He wasn't about to risk getting whacked by that frying pan. Yana smirked.

"Yeah, yeah. Now vanish before I actually crisp you alive."

Ray wasted no time in grabbing his coat and making a swift exit.

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The students had gathered in front of the Valorian University's southern gate, where eight grand caravans awaited them. These weren't ordinary transport wagons—they were massive, nearly the size of small houses on wheels.

Each caravan was divided into eight small rooms, each room containing four single beds. There were six restrooms per caravan, ensuring comfort during the long journey. Though they lacked kitchens, dining areas, or showers, they were no less luxurious than a mobile inn.

Eight professors stood by, each assigned to a caravan, preparing to oversee the journey.

"Alright, listen up!"

Professor Archwood called out.

"We'll be taking attendance now. Once called, step forward and receive your room receipt. No switching allowed—unless you want to sleep outside with the Fox And Oxes."

The students lined up, murmuring amongst themselves as the professors checked names and handed out room assignments.

Ray glanced at his receipt-7Da. First bed of the fourth room in seventh caravan.

"Guess we're not picking roommates,"

Shin grumbled beside him, checking his own assignment. Ray and Aeon shrugged at the same time.

Once everyone received their room slips, the students climbed into their designated caravans. The interiors were cozy, the beds covered in thick blankets, and lanterns hanging from the wooden walls cast a warm glow inside.

With a sharp whistle, the drivers signaled the start of the journey. The massive caravans rumbled forward, rolling out of the university gates and onto the winding roads of Valoria.

After passing through the bustling markets and towering walls of Valoria, the caravans finally left the kingdom behind.

The scenery changed almost instantly. Outside the walls, there were Rimon trees. Their vibrant orange and purple crystalline leaves drifted gently to the ground, mixing with the red-yellow foliage, creating a mesmerizing autumn tapestry.

Beyond the trees, only a handful of tents dotted the land—small encampments of travelers or traders who preferred life outside the kingdom's walls.

The caravans soon approached a colossal bridge, an architectural marvel made entirely of Giant Hollow Ashwood. Its deep purplish-grey structure stretched across a vast canyon, its hollowed-out core allowing for a natural suspension system, making it both lightweight and sturdy.

As the wheels of the caravan rumbled across the bridge, Professor Vladimir, seated near the window, cleared his throat and began his lecture.

"Archwoods! I mean ASHWOODS!! are like Redwoods, but much more baha laga,"

he started, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

"Unlike Redwoods,Arch..ASHWOODS have purplish-grey wood, and their trunks are nearly twice as thick. Not only that, but they're about sev...No Four times taller, reaching heights that rival even the tallest towers in Vanarina.. Vanarina or Valerina?"

The students murmured in awe, peering out the windows at the majestic trees. Professor Vladimir continued, taking a Very, Very, VERYY DEEP BREATH.

"Their leaves are a unique ash-grey with a subtle purple tint, and they produce Ashwood Nutz, which are incredibly rare and—stupidly, not very nutritious."

A few students chuckled.

"BUT THE REAL MARVEL—"

He added dramatically,

"Is the bark! While the wood itself isn't particularly hard compared to other timbers, the bark is sturdier than iron or steel! And THAT—"

He clapped his hands together—

"Is why we call them... MUSCLE TREES!"

The entire caravan erupted in laughter.

Well, almost everyone. Ray, as usual, remained completely unfazed, his expression as stiff as ever.

The bridge crossing ended as they officially left the Kingdom of Valoria. Guards patrolling the borders waved as the caravans passed, and the students leaned out the balcony to wave back.

Their journey continued across an endless field, stretching as far as the eye could see. Unlike the lush forests or crowded city streets, this land was mostly barren, with only a few scattered creatures.

Here and there, mini goblins twirled around in their usual mischief. The goblins had two distinct variants—some had greenish skin, while others had a reddish-grey complexion.

Suddenly, one of the goblins threw its hands in the air and screeched,

"BATATAAA!!"

Then, to everyone's amusement, it broke into a ridiculous dance, flailing its arms and hopping in circles.

Seeing this, Professor Vladimir—without missing a beat—stood up and mirrored the goblin's moves.

"Vaaaataaaaataaaa!!!!"

The entire caravan exploded into laughter. The goblins themselves froze, looking utterly baffled at being imitated.

Ray sighed, rolling his eyes, and quietly made his way to his room.

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Inside the dimly lit cabin, Ray paused at the doorway. Mizuko was sitting on his bed, casually sipping on boba tea.

"...Uhh..."

Ray blinked. Mizuko glanced up.

"hm hm?"

Ray pointed at the bed frame, where 7Da was clearly marked.

"That's my... bed."

She followed his gaze and then immediately shot up at lightning speed. Her face flushed red as she practically teleported to her own bed, 7Db.

"S-Sorry...!"

she stammered, unable to meet his gaze. Ray said nothing. With a sigh, he unbuttoned his coat and shrugged it off.

Mizuko stole a glance. Then another. Then another. Her breath hitched.

Ray was always covered head to toe—loose uniform, long sleeves. But now... now he was wearing a fitted black shirt that clung to his frame, highlighting every contour of his athletic build. His pants, slightly tighter than usual, only emphasized his lean, toned legs and that Gyatt!!!!

Mizuko swallowed hard, feeling her face burning. Thinking,

"Why does he have to be so... ridiculously attractive?!"

Just when she thought it couldn't get any worse, Ray reached up, gathering his Green strands of hair and tying them back with a hairband.

Snap! His neck cracked slightly as he rolled his shoulders, easing tension.

That was the final blow. Mizuko's nose started bleeding. Her eyes spiraled. Ray, noticing her dazed expression, casually handed her his handkerchief. Mizuko, again in her mind.

"Nonononononooo I dislike him!!!"

Before he could say anything, she bolted out of the room. Ray blinked, watching her disappear.

"....?"

Shaking his head, he tossed his coat onto his bed and lay down, staring at the ceiling.