A wooden carriage rumbled along a narrow path that could hardly be called a proper road.
The route cut through the heart of a dense forest, where towering ancient trees stretched high into the sky, their thick branches weaving together to form a natural canopy overhead.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, scattering patches of golden light across the uneven ground.
Four sturdy brown horses steadily pulled the carriage forward.
Every now and then, its wooden wheels struck rocks or deep ruts in the dirt path, causing the entire carriage to jolt gently before continuing onward.
Unlike the luxurious private carriages used by nobles, this was an ordinary passenger carriage meant for common travelers.
It was simple in design but sturdy enough to endure the rough forest roads.
Inside, nearly ten passengers occupied the wooden benches lining both sides of the carriage.
Among them sat a group of five young students from Arcadia Academy.
