The journey continued peacefully through the morning, with the academy caravan gradually leaving the familiar territories surrounding Arcadia behind. The road stretched between gentle hills before beginning its slow ascent toward the northern mountain range, where the landscape became increasingly wild and untouched. Tall trees stood on either side of the road, their branches swaying gently beneath the passing breeze, while occasional streams flowed down from the distant mountains and disappeared beneath the dense vegetation.
Inside the carriage, the students had settled into their own conversations, and the initial excitement surrounding the expedition had begun to fade into the comfortable boredom that usually accompanied a long journey.
Luca sat beside the window, quietly watching the scenery pass by.
Aurelia sat across from him, occasionally glancing outside before returning her attention to the conversation taking place between several students.
