Extra's Ascent

Chapter 28 28: Go... Find Eldora

Murmurs erupted across the shore.

The uneasy silence from earlier gave way to a cacophony of voices.

Questions flew through the air as students whispered and argued in confusion.

"Everyone, be quiet!" Dion's voice tried to rise above the crowd, but it was barely audible amidst the sea of chatter.

The sandy ground trembled violently, the vibrations travelling from their feet up to their chests.

The students stumbled and froze, startled.

"I said silence!" the female official, Stella bellowed, her voice sharp and commanding.

It wasn't just her tone that brought order—it was the fist she slammed into the sand, causing a short but intense quake.

That act alone was enough to convince the students to comply.

Nobody wanted to find out what would happen if her fists were directed at them instead of the ground.

"Yes, as I was saying," Dion resumed, adjusting his suit, "to officially gain admission into Eldora Institute, you must first locate the institute's building yourselves."

The students stared, disbelief etched across their faces.

Dion's calm expression and measured tone only deepened their unease.

"Our institute thrives on teaching responsibility and perseverance," he continued, unfazed by the sceptical looks. "And what better way to test those qualities than through this challenge?"

It was absurd.

At least, that's what many of the students thought.

Some muttered accusations of insanity, others shook their heads, and a few looked downright panicked.

"If you're confused about where to start," Dion said, gesturing behind him, "the answer lies there."

The students turned their gaze to the vast expanse of water stretching out to the horizon.

Waves lapped gently at the shore, seemingly endless and offering no clue as to where an island—or anything—might be.

"Yes," Dion confirmed, his tone unwavering. "The institute is located on an island somewhere in that body of water. Your task is to find it."

A hand shot up from the crowd—a young woman with a determined look on her face. Dion acknowledged her with a nod.

"Shouldn't we at least be given some direction?" she asked. "The waters are vast, and if we start

Eldora's methods didn't just challenge the body—they challenged the spirit.

Only those with tenacity, wit, and the strength to face the unknown would succeed.

As the waves crashed against the shore, Aldrich tightened the strap of his quiver, his resolve hardening.

Fears were written off his face, replaced with a calm and rational countenance.

While he knew this was going to happen, he was not about to dive in first without a plan cooked up.

This is after all another of Eldora's tests.

There can never be such a thing as too much preparation.