As Mitchell made his way deeper into the cave, the weight of his thoughts felt lighter. The shimmering possibilities that awaited him outside invigorated his spirit, and he couldn't help but think about the academy he hoped to attend. Memories of laughter shared with Ange and her family lingered in his mind, adding fuel to the fire of his determination. He had already decided to commit to this path of growth.
Finding a small spot where the cave's ambient light glinted off the jade communication slip—a mystical artifact that facilitated instant communication between him and his new friend—Mitchell took a deep breath. He could feel the weight of important words ready to spill forth as he activated the slip. He focused on the energies that connected him to Ange. The slip glowed a vibrant green, pulsing gently with a life of its own.
"Ange," he called through the slip, the sound resultantly echoing into the ether between them. After a moment, her voice came through, clear and warm, like a ray of sunlight piercing the clouds.
"Mitchell! I was just thinking about you!" she replied. He could hear her excitement ripple through her tone, a refreshing wave.
He was silent for a few seconds before saying what he wanted to say.
"I have something important to tell you," he said, his heart pounding slightly. "I've decided to seek out an academy for cultivation training."
Ange stayed silent for a moment, clearly taken aback by his revelation. "An academy? That's amazing! Are you sure you want to do it?" Her voice was tinged with encouragement, but there was that trace of concern that only a good friend would convey.
"I am. I feel like it's the next step I need to take. I've been reflecting a lot, and I believe that refining my skills with formal teachings and being among others would be beneficial." Mitchell could hear the excitement grow in her tone.
"Wow! I think it's a perfect idea! You'll be able to learn and grow so much faster. I've heard of a few places that offer incredible training. When do you want to go?" Her eagerness was palpable, sparking a smile across Mitchell's face.
"I want to go as soon as possible, but I need to figure out where exactly to apply. I believe there's a cycle for admissions, and I want to prepare for it," he explained, the blood pumping through his veins as he spoke.
"You're not going alone, are you?" she asked pointedly.
Mitchell paused, contemplating his words. "I... I would like for you to join me, if you're up for it. I think going together could make the experience even better—and safer."
"Of course! This sounds like an adventure that we should share. I can't wait to tell my parents about this! We'll be training side by side!" she exclaimed.
"Let's meet in my house soon then. We can discuss everything in detail and plan this out," he suggested.
"Absolutely! I'll be there before you know it"Ange replied, her cheerful energy filling the air around him.
They exchanged goodbyes before Mitchell silenced the communication slip, a faint grin plastered across his face. He felt lighter somehow, buoyed by the thought that he was not alone on this journey. Having Ange by his side gave him a sense of camaraderie, which would prove invaluable in the challenges ahead.
After a few hours, during which anticipation swelled in his chest, he heard a light knock at his door. Mitchell quickly moved to open it and was met with the beaming face of Ange. Her hair caught the sunlight filtering through the trees, framing her features in a golden hue. The moment felt electric—a precursor to the adventure they planned to undertake together.
"Hey, you!" she waved and Mitchell gave a curt nod at her.
"Hey! I'm so glad you're here," he said, returning the wave. It felt comforting, grounding him as they both acknowledged the weight of the decisions they were about to make.
"I've been thinking about what you told me. How do you want to approach this academy quest?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. They made their way to sit in an open area near his home, surrounded by rising tendrils of grass and the fragrant scent of wildflowers.
"I've heard that some academies focus on particular aspects of cultivation. We need to identify what aligns best with our visions and strengths," he replied thoughtfully.
"Right. I might want to explore something related to healing—a path that focuses on restoration," she mused, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns in the grass.
"That would complement my interests as well. It's very strategic to have that balanced approach," Mitchell said, a burgeoning sense of excitement filling him as they talked.
"Then let's choose from this five academies."
"-The divine pavilion, it was formerly the number one academy in the whole continent but after their 3 year war with their long rival they reduced to the fifth.
-the mystic dragon sect, the specialize in training of all those who have a dragon bloodline.
-the lunar burial sect, the have the most cosmic background and also train those with cosmic power.
-yin yang sect, they train those who have the yin yang properties.
-the divine Padoga, the have the most powerful warriors and train those with both the cosmic and those with beast powers. The former arch rival of divine pavilion.
Divine pavilion also trains both cosmic and beast like bloodline but after their fall and reputation, they are no longer the top academy."
"Let's make a plan. We should gather information on possible academies we can enter. What's first on the agenda?" Mitchell suggested.
"Divine Padoga". Ange answered .
"Let's go hunting then! I need to gather resources to sustain us while we prepare. We can use the time to talk about our strengths, gather supplies, and mentally gear up for our upcoming journey," he said enthusiastically.
Ange nodded in agreement. "Great idea! And besides, I could use the practice. It'll be fun to hunt together again."
After a quick preparation, Mitchell and Ange set out into the deep woods surrounding his cave.
The hunt commenced in earnest, a blend of focus and silent communication allowing them to work seamlessly together. With a combination of her agility and his emerging powers, they quickly took down a couple of nimble rabbits and collected herbs that would serve both as sustenance and ingredients for potential potions.
"Did you ever think we'd be doing this again?" Ange laughed breathlessly, wiping her brow as they returned home.
"Honestly? No. This adventure seemed unattainable before," Mitchell answered while tracing the outline of a thunder rabbit with his fingers, a sense of pride swelling in his chest.
When they arrived back at Mitchell's home, he couldn't help but shake his head at the reality of their situation—it was surreal. "Okay, I'll prepare the game while you talk to your parents," he suggested.
Ange nodded vigorously, her brows furrowing slightly. "Right. I'll handle it. I hope they're as cool about this as you are."
As she walked toward her family's home, Mitchell resumed setting the fire and preparing the game for cooking. The air began to fill with rich aromas, combining with the earthy scent of the evening, making it a peaceful backdrop to their growd journey.
After dinner and animated conversation about their plan, Ange turned to her parents. "Mom, Dad, I want to tell you something important. Mitchell and I are planning to go to a cultivation academy together!"
Her parents exchanged looks of surprise, but her mother's face soon broke into a warm smile. "Ange, that sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Are you sure you're ready?"
"Yes! It'll be a chance to grow and learn. We'll be together, and Mitchell is very determined. I really want to do this," Ange asserted, her voice brimming with excitement.
"We trust your judgment. Just ensure you're ready for the commitment," her father added, his tone solemn but supportive.
Once the evening wound down and the parents expressed their enthusiasm, Mitchell couldn't help but feel buoyed by Ange's determination and support. They began preparing for the time when the academies would commence admissions once more, reflecting on everything they could do to maximize their preparation.
"We'll research everything we can about these academies and their requirements. We'll train and practice what we've learned, and hone our skills while we wait," Mitchell suggested, adrenaline pumping through him.
"Sounds like the perfect plan. I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else, you know that," Ange replied.
Mitchell gave her a small nod and didn't say anything.
As the night fell and stars shimmered across the vast sky overhead, Mitchell felt a sense of belonging wash over him; he truly was ready to forge a path toward excellence, with someone by his side. Each day would bring new challenges, but the prospect of growth felt invigorating. Together, they would wait and prepare, looking to the future with hope and determination, ready to claim their destinies as they embarked on a shared journey full of unexpected wonders.