The week passed in a blur of training sessions and classes. Professor Vale hadn't eased up on the mountain climbing, though I was gradually getting better at managing the ascent.
Professor Valerius had proven surprisingly supportive when I approached him about the Paradise expedition.
Earlier that week, during one of our training sessions, I had gathered my courage to approach Professor Valerius about the Paradise expedition.
The mory was still fresh in my mind.
It had been just after our morning practice. We'd spent two hours working on controlling Lunacy's ntal pressure field, leaving ntally exhausted but satisfied with the progress. The purple aura had finally started responding more naturally to my commands.
"Professor," I'd called out as he was gathering his notes.
"Could I ask you sothing?"
He'd looked up, adjusting those perpetually sliding glasses. "About the essence channeling technique? You're still pushing too hard on the secondary flow-"
"Actually," I'd interrupted, pulling out the expedition notice from my pocket, "it's about this."
I sent him the permission docunt needed for the paradise exploration.
His eyes had scanned the docunt quickly, that familiar analytical expression crossing his face.
"Ah, the Exploration Club's expedition. Derek ntioned they were planning sothing." He'd glanced up at with sudden interest.
"Though he didn't ntion they were inviting first-years."
I'd shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. "They're offering spots to juniors who et the requirents. We need instructor approval and..."
"And you chose to ask rather than my brother?" A slight smile had played at the corners of his mouth.
"Wise choice, considering Vale would probably make you climb that mountain blindfolded just for asking."
"I thought about asking Professor Marcus," I'd admitted, "but since you've been working with on essence control..."
"You figured I'd have a better understanding of your capabilities." He'd set down his notes, giving his full attention. "Tell , why do you want to go? And don't give the standard answer about 'valuable experience.'"
The question had caught off guard. I'd prepared argunts about training opportunities and practical experience, but sothing in his expression told he wanted the truth. Or at least, as much of it as I could safely share.
"I need to understand Paradise better," I'd said carefully. "Not just from books or lectures, but firsthand. The politics, the territories, the way different factions interact. And..." I'd hesitated before adding, "I need to know if I'm ready to face it again."
"Again?" His eyebrow had risen slightly. "Ah yes, your first visit. The one that left you with that interesting ability of yours."
My heart had skipped a beat, but his tone remained casual.
His words just now suggested that the academy or atleast the professor had already made a background check on !
'How Scary!'
I thought, reminding myself to be careful once again!
"The seniors organizing this are experienced," he'd continued. "They know the safe zones, the evacuation routes. It's probably the best way to reintroduce yourself to Paradise."
He'd picked up a pen, twirling it thoughtfully between his fingers. "Your essence control has improved significantly. The ability to maintain steady output under stress is crucial in Paradise's high-density environnt."
"So..." I'd prompted when he fell silent.
"So, yes, I'll sign your permission form." He'd scrawled his signature with a flourish. "On one condition."
"What condition?"
"When you return, you tell everything you observed about how Paradise's essence density affects your ability. The data could be valuable for our training sessions."
I'd nodded quickly, perhaps too quickly, but he'd just smiled that knowing smile of his. "Good luck, Levi. Try not to let Paradise change you too much this ti."
Sothing about the way he'd said it made wonder just how much he'd guessed about my first Paradise visit. But he'd already turned back to his notes, clearly dismissing .
Now, standing outside the cafeteria days later, I couldn't help but wonder if he'd had ulterior motives for approving the expedition. Professor Valerius never did anything without multiple reasons, and his interest in my abilities had always seed a bit too keen.
But those were concerns for another ti. Right now, I had an expedition to prepare for.
***
Saturday evening found approaching the cafeteria with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. I'd packed and repacked my gear three tis, making sure everything was perfectly organized. The dual kusarigama hung at my sides, their familiar weight sohow reassuring.
The cafeteria had been transford for the expedition briefing. Tables were pushed together in a large U-shape, with maps and equipnt spread across their surfaces. The seniors from the Exploration Club were already there, checking lists and sorting through supplies.
Derek looked up as I entered, offering a quick nod. "Early again, huh? Good habit for Paradise." He was thodically checking ergency teleport anchors, each one glowing with a soft blue light.
I was scanning the room, trying to decide where to sit, when a flash of white hair caught my eye. Lyssandra stood near the equipnt table, examining an essence stabilizer with intense focus. 'Of course she'd be here,' I thought. 'Paradise ans power, and power ans opportunities.'
Her presence made sense the more I considered it. Soone of her caliber wouldn't miss a chance to explore Paradise, especially under relatively safe conditions.
Still, I made a ntal note to keep my distance. The last thing I needed was her sharp eyes noticing anything unusual about my essence usage.
More students began filtering in as senior Jin called for attention. "Alright, everyone gather round. We've got a lot to cover and not much ti."
The final count was thirty-two participants - twenty-five juniors and seven seniors. Looking around, I recognized faces from various classes. So, like , were trying to appear calm and collected. Others couldn't hide their excitent or nervousness. Experience more tales on empire
"First things first," Sara began, her red hair tied back practically. "This isn't a ga. Paradise is dangerous, even in the 'safe' zones. You follow our instructions exactly, or you'll be sent back imdiately. No exceptions."
Kris stepped forward, holding up various pieces of equipnt. "Each of you will carry an ergency teleport anchor. These are last-resort options - they're expensive and the academy only gave us enough for one per person. Use them only if your life is in genuine danger."
"You'll also each get an essence stabilizer," Vyse added. "These help prevent essence overload in high-density areas. Keep them activated at all tis unless specifically instructed otherwise."
The briefing continued with detailed explanations of ergency protocols, communication thods, and basic Paradise survival skills. I found myself taking ntal notes, comparing their information with my own experiences.
"Tonight, we'll stay in the Governnt Stronghold on the other side of the portal," Derek explained. "It's safe, well-defended, and will give us a chance to acclimatize to Paradise's essence density before heading into the wilderness tomorrow."
"Questions so far?" Jin looked around the room. When no one spoke up, he continued, "Good. Grab so food now - you'll want a full stomach before we cross over."
The next hour was a flurry of activity. We were divided into smaller groups, each led by a senior. Equipnt was distributed, checked, and double-checked. Simple but hearty food was served - nothing too heavy, but enough to keep us energized.
I found myself in Derek's group, along with four other juniors. To my mild discomfort, Lyssandra was also assigned to our team. 'Great,' I thought. 'Just need to be extra careful with my essence control.'
"Last equipnt check," Sara called out. "Teleport anchors?" A chorus of confirmations. "Stabilizers?" More nods. "Communication crystals?" Each group leader held up a glowing crystal.
Finally, we gathered our bags and ford up to head to the academy's Bliss Portal. The walk there was quieter than usual, everyone was lost in their own thoughts about what awaited us.
The portal chamber was impressive - a circular room with essence-reinforced walls and elaborate defensive arrays carved into the floor. The portal itself pulsed with a steady blue light, its surface rippling like disturbed water.
"Rember," Jin addressed us one last ti, "stick with your groups, follow instructions, and don't try to be heroes. We're here to learn and explore, not take unnecessary risks."
Governnt officials waited on our side of the portal, checking permits and identification. Each group was processed thodically, marking our official exit from Earth and entry into Paradise.
When our turn ca, I felt the familiar tingle of essence checking spells washing over . I kept my own essence carefully controlled, maintaining the appearance of a normal student. The officials nodded, marked sothing on their tablets, and waved us forward.
Standing before the portal, I took a deep breath. The last ti I'd crossed into Paradise, I'd been desperate and alone. This ti was different - I had a plan, a purpose, and most importantly, experience.
Derek gave the signal, and as one, our group stepped into the rippling blue light. The familiar sensation of reality bending around us took hold, and we began our journey into Paradise.
This ti, I promised myself, things would be different.
'Just don't let them see what you really are,' my inner voice warned as the portal's light enveloped us. 'Don't let them see the demon behind the mask.'
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