The dimensional zone entrance shimmered before them like a vertical pool of liquid mercury, its surface rippling with spatial distortions that made the air around it hum with power.
"Level 4 dimensional zone," Marcus announced, checking his holo-watch's readings one final time. "Estimated beast density: moderate to high. Primary threats: flying predators and territorial pack hunters."
Levi stood at the entrance with the four Silverpeak students, his hand resting on his saber's handle. Luna was secured in his pocket, unusually quiet as if she sensed the danger ahead.
The past day in Redwood Village had been… emotional. His mother had cried, his father had gripped his hand with surprising strength despite his wheelchair-bound state, and his twin sisters had bombarded him with questions about academy life. He'd given them most of the 150,000 credits he'd sent, keeping only a small amount for himself.
