On top of the ship's barrier Akasha sat down cross-legged. Luna was seated on his lap and Elysia was right next to the both of them. As the ship made its way through the vast expanse of space Akasha simply observed his surroundings in silence. He slowly zoned out everything he was solely focused on the space around him.
After some time, he began to subconsciously enter a state of enlightenment. He began to hear voices, they were vague, and he could hardly make anything out. He concentrated more and more on these voices and the more he did, the deeper his enlightenment went.
"....space.... i....s"
".....spac.....e"
"....SPACE IS EV....."
The more he heard the voices the more he was drawn towards them. Seeing that Akasha was in a state of enlightenment the ladies smiled, but didn't disturb him. They both already expected something like this to happen. Comprehension is something Akasha would never find difficult, he only needs enough time.
While Akasha was cultivating, Raven and Elara both went to cultivate also, but before they could start Elara said something
"Hmm, wouldn't this trip be the perfect opportunity to get closer with Lyria?"
"Yea you are right... Let's go introduce ourselves."
After Raven said that they looked around the ship and spotted Lyria standing observing the passing space. Seeing this the girls smiled then approached her.
"Hey Lyria, how's everything going?" Raven said getting Lyria's attention. When Lyria turned around and saw the two ladies she smiled and responded.
"Raven and Elara? Umm, things are going okay, I guess. This whole experience feels so surreal, don't you think?
"Yes, I'm actually happy we can finally get some action." Elara added
"Hehe, yes although this is amazing. I'm more excited to see what that secret realm has in store." Raven said while giggling
"Eh? You're not worried at all?" Lyria asked with a tone of surprise.
"Why should we be?" Elara asked with geniune curiosity.
Hearing this Lyria was a bit taken aback so she looked at Raven, who was looking with the same questioning face.
"W-well this will be the first time we experience the real world. I'm sure there will many other people just as talented as we are. Aren't you a bit worried at all?" She asked
"Hehe that's what makes it exciting!" Raven said as the blood pools in her eyes begin to glow slightly.
"Yes, I want to fight and push myself past my limits." Elara casually added.
Hearing the two girls Lyria was left speechless. It seemed these two women were a bit crazy. Without knowing what to say she was left looking at the two with a contemplating look. Seeing this Raven laughed and spoke
"Haha Lyria you're cute! Don't worry though we can stick together and watch each other backs."
Elara nodded in agreement hearing Raven
"We were actually about to cultivate; do you want to join us?" Elara asked
Taking a moment to gather herself Lyria nodded while saying
"Sure, why not?"
While the three girls were heading to start their cultivation session, the other students were doing the same. They all wanted to take advantage of this time to bolster their strength more. In three months, they will get their first taste of real action, when one mistake could cost you your life.
------
Three months later the warship had finally completed most of the journey. The instructors began to slowly wake up all the students from their cultivation sessions. Once they all were up and standing facing the instructors Riona spoke out.
"We will be approaching our destinations in about one hour. Just to remind you all, this secret realm will welcome talents and monsters from all over the Galaxy. You must do your best, but above all things your safety is most important. Compete when you can, but don't die a pointless death." She said while looking over all the students.
As if noticing something she looked towards Liora then asked
"Where's Akasha?"
Hearing this the other students noticed he was missing too and started looking around.
"That guy truly come and goes as he pleases." Jovian muttered while shaking his head.
"Haha it would be good if he somehow fell off the ship." Kael said while laughing, but his laughter was cut short when he felt three cold glares on him. He immediately shut his mouth and gulped
*Gulp*
'The fuck is wrong with those two? and even Vice Dean Liora?'
While he was thinking this Liora spoke to Riona
"He's cultivating, don't worry though i'll brief him on everything when the time comes." She said calmy. Riona nodded before continuing
"To better maximize your efforts, we thought it would be best if you were put into two teams of five. You will stay together and watch each other's back. Know when to fight and when to retreat! Now team 1 will be
Akasha
Raven
Elara
Jovian
Lyria
and team two will be
Kael
Luke
Lucas
Krax
and Ethan" Hearing the arrangements no one complained and all nodded their heads. Seeing this Riona sent them away while they got ready for the last hour of their journey.
Meanwhile above the ship Akasha had finally opened his eyes. He spent the whole three months in a state of enlightenment. He initially planned to raise his rank by a minor stage, but he unknowingly started to comprehend the rule of space.
[Looks like you're finally finished.] Luna said feeling his movements as she was still seated in his lap. Hearing this Elysia snuggled closer to Akasha while saying
"Welcome back Akasha~"
"Haha, hello ladies. How much time do we have left before we reach the secret realm?" He asked
[There's about an hour left. How did your cultivation go?] Luna replied before asking
"Well, I wanted to reach the middle stage, but I instead raised my comprehension of the rule of space quite a bit." As he said this he stood up holding Luna in his arms and then said
"You can remove the concealment now. I'm going to spend some time with the others before we reach out destination." Hearing this Luna nodded then snapped her fingers.
*snap*
As she did this the concealment was undone and he was back inside of the barrier. He looked around and noticed Raven, Elara, Liora and
"Lyria?" He said under his breath
[Hehe, it seems the girls are making your job easier.]
"Akasha, you like her too?" Elysia asked from the side
"Haha, it's more like she's interesting. I planned to get closer with her and see what happens" He said while shrugging then he made his way over.