The journey back to the academy was quieter than Krishak expected.
During his first trip to the academy, he had carried anticipation and uncertainty. Though he possessed the memories of a supreme cultivator, this world was still unfamiliar, and his plans existed only as
ideas.
Now, things were different.
He had established himself as the top student of his year.
He had gained the trust of Headmaster Rudra and Professor Devika.
He had secured access to advanced facilities.
He had formed a strong bond with Lunafang.
And he had laid the first foundations of his own hidden school.
As the academy gates came into view, Krishak's eyes remained calm.
This was only the beginning.
Throughout the journey, Lunafang had been unusually energetic.
The silver wolf had benefited greatly from the Moonspring Pool and the Soul-Nourishing Moon Pearl. His fur shone brighter than before, and his movements carried a quiet confidence.
When they passed through the academy gates, several students stopped to stare.
"Lunafang looks even stronger."
"His aura feels sharper."
Krishak ignored the whispers.
Strength naturally attracted attention.
No sooner had Krishak settled into his dormitory than a message arrived from Senior Instructor Arvind.
The meeting took place that evening in the Special Student Pavilion.
Arvind greeted him with a small smile.
"It appears your break was productive.
Krishak nodded.
"It was."
Arvind handed him a sealed packet.
"The final preparations for the Starlit Ruins expedition."
Krishak accepted the packet and reviewed its contents.
The expedition would depart in ten days.
Participants were instructed to prepare equipment, medicines, and survival supplies.
The team roster included:
Headmaster Rudra
Senior Instructor Arvind
Professor Devika
Krishak
Ananya
Dev
Ishita
Raghav
Krishak's eyes narrowed slightly.
The academy was sending a very capable group.
The following morning, the Special Students gathered for training.
Raghav grinned when he saw Lunafang.
"He's grown again."
Skyrend let out a sharp cry from Raghav's shoulder, clearly eager to spar.
Dev clasped Krishak's arm.
"Welcome back."
Ananya and Ishita also greeted him warmly.
The camaraderie among the group had strengthened noticeably.
They were no longer merely talented students.
They were becoming trusted companions.
Arvind spent the next few days focusing on expedition readiness.
The students reviewed:
Ancient ruin safety protocols.
Formation hazards.
Trap recognition.
Resource identification.
Emergency procedures.
Krishak already knew much of the material, but he paid close attention.
Earth's understanding of ancient ruins, though incomplete, contained useful local observations.
He also refined a batch of:
Recovery Pills.
Healing Pills.
Beast Nourishment Pills.
Antidote Pills.
These would greatly improve the team's chances of success.
Professor Devika visited the advanced laboratory while Krishak prepared the pills.
"The Starlit Ruins may contain preserved herbs or alchemical records," she said.
Her eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"If we're fortunate, we may uncover materials unseen for centuries."
Krishak agreed.
Ancient ruins often preserved knowledge and resources beyond the understanding of contemporary cultivators.
He had high expectations.
Two nights before departure, Rudra addressed the expedition team.
"The Starlit Ruins are both an opportunity and a danger."
He looked at each participant in turn.
"Never assume that age guarantees safety.'
"Never underestimate formations."
"And never let greed override judgment."
His gaze lingered briefly on Krishak.
The Headmaster knew that the young prodigy was likely to perceive opportunities others would miss.
On the eve of departure, Krishak organized his supplies.
Medicinal pills.
Field tools.
Reference notes.
Formation materials.
Lunafang's specialized resources.
He then sat in meditation.
His cultivation remained stable.
His mind was clear.
And his anticipation grew stronger with each passing hour.
The Starlit Ruins were the first truly significant ancient site he would explore in this life.
If his intuition was correct, the ruins contained secrets that could accelerate his plans by years.
Before sunrise, the expedition team assembled at the academy's eastern gate.
Carriages loaded with supplies waited nearby.
The atmosphere was solemn but charged with excitement.
Lunafang stood proudly beside Krishak.
Headmaster Rudra stepped forward.
"Today, we seek knowledge left behind by those who came before us.
He raised his hand.
"Depart."
The gates opened.
The expedition began.
And for the first time since his rebirth, Krishak was setting out toward a place that might reveal traces of Earth's forgotten past.