Chapter 113: [112] Leaving
The massive extraction aircraft descended into the clearing like a mechanical dragon, its engines creating whirlwinds that scattered debris across the ruined settlement. The bay doors opened with a hydraulic hiss, revealing rows of seats and several academy medical personnel waiting with stretchers and supplies.
"All students, board for immediate transport back to Crimson Sun Academy!" an instructor’s voice boomed through a speaker system. "Priority seating for injured personnel!"
The freed civilians were loaded first, medical staff rushing to provide immediate care for the most severely wounded. Several students helped carry the unconscious victims aboard, their expressions grim as they witnessed firsthand the cruelty of the dark cultivators.
Levi stood near the edge of the clearing, watching the boarding process with Luna perched on his shoulder. The little beast was exhausted, her usual energetic squeaking replaced by occasional tired chirps.
Aldric approached him, ice crystals still clinging to parts of his silver hair from his earlier battles.
"You’re boarding, right?" the number-one student asked, though something in his tone suggested he already suspected the answer.
Levi shook his head slowly. "No. I’ll make my own way back."
Aldric’s eyebrows rose slightly. "The academy plane will get you there in two hours. Walking will take you at least three days, maybe more depending on the route. Why would you—"
"Personal reasons," Levi interrupted politely but firmly.
For a moment, Aldric studied him with those penetrating ice-blue eyes. Then he nodded slowly.
"I see. You’re not the only one. Several students choose to travel independently after assignments—it’s good training, and the academy doesn’t prohibit it." He paused, then added, "But be careful. This dimensional zone connects to several others, and not all the threats here are dark cultivators. There are natural predators, territorial beasts, and occasionally... other problems."
"I’ll be careful," Levi assured him.