It was the tenth day of travel.
After entering the dwarven tunnel on the third day, the journey had turned into a monotonous glide through endless stone and mana-lit paths. The magical lamps embedded in the walls gave off a steady blue glow, casting long shadows that shifted as the vessel moved forward. The view hadn't changed in days.
Noel stood at the front of the ship, hands resting on the railing. Elyra was beside him, her long braid gently swaying with the wind generated by the vessel's motion.
"This is it," she said, eyes fixed on the faint light ahead. "We'll be arriving soon. Are you excited for the tournament?"
Noel let out a short breath, not quite a sigh.
"Hmm. I'm not sure. Should I be?"
"It's a chance to face the best students from all of Vaelterra. Isn't that something? All the top academies, gathered in one place."
