[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Library – Morning – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
Holidays at Verm Evocaier Academy always had a unique feel. The library lights cast a soft glow over the tall rows of bookshelves, creating a cozy and peaceful atmosphere.
Drifter flipped through the pages of a book in his hand, occasionally glancing at Vaeloria, who sat casually at a long table. Her golden hair fell perfectly, reflecting the soft light and accentuating her pointed ears. Across from her, Reine Lindt appeared uneasy, his fingers fiddling with the frayed sleeve of his jacket as he kept his gaze down.
"Thank you so much, Reine. I’m really sorry… you’re such a lifesaver," said Vaeloria, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Her gaze flickered briefly to Reine’s shoulder, her expression shifting for a split second before returning to normal.
"I don’t know what I would’ve done without you."
Reine lowered his head even further.
"I-It’s no problem, Ria. If you’re not feeling well, I can take over again," he said softly, his voice almost swallowed up.
Light footsteps echoed as Lorcan Grindelwald appeared at the end of the library, a sly grin on his face.
"Not feeling well again? Funny… I saw you at the shopping mall yesterday. You looked perfectly fine."
Vaeloria’s smile wavered.
"Don’t go making wild accusations. I was at home resting all day," she said, her tone light but her expression tightening slightly.
Lorcan chuckled.
"How convenient. You get sick just in time for the city’s big sale."
Reine looked between them, confused.
"W-Wait, she was at the mall? But… I thought…" His voice trailed off, full of doubt.
Vaeloria let out a dramatic sigh, stepping closer to Reine, her shoulders drooping slightly as if burdened by a heavy weight.
"That’s so mean! I really was sick yesterday. I wanted to go to school, but… what else could I do?"
Her smile returned, light and sweet, but her eyes held something difficult to decipher.
Lorcan snorted, folding his arms with a crooked smile.
"Hah, just an excuse. Next time, I’ll snap a photo to catch you in the act."
Reine, avoiding eye contact, fidgeted with the edge of his jacket. His voice was quiet but steady.
"Its fine…, I’ll take care of it."
A satisfied smile spread across Vaeloria’s face.
"See Reine doesn't mind? ..... Thanks a lot, Reine. Bye!"
She waved lightly and walked away, her steps graceful and deliberate as she disappeared down the aisle.
Lorcan let out a long sigh, his eyes shifting to Reine, who was busy organizing books on the shelves.
"Man, I came here on my day off just to back you up, and you let her off that easily?"
He stepped forward without hesitation, grabbing a stack of books from the table to help.
"You don’t need to, Lorcan. Sorry… you should just head home," said Reine, his hand stopping mid-motion.
Lorcan grinned slightly.
"Come on, stop treating me like a stranger. I’ll help."
As he placed the books on the shelves, he added,
"You’re way too nice, Reine. Next time, think before you help someone. If you keep this up, people will just keep taking advantage of you."
Reine fell silent, his grip tightening on his jacket sleeve.
"Sorry… I didn’t mean to trouble you, Lorcan," he whispered almost inaudibly.
Heavy footsteps approached from another aisle. Drifter walked over and began organizing the scattered books without a word.
Drifter walked over silently and began tidying up the scattered books.
Reine glanced at Drifter, his voice shaky.
"You don’t have to, Drifter… I can handle it,"
Drifter glanced at him briefly.
"It’s fine."
Lorcan smirked as he grabbed a stack of books.
"See, Reine? You don’t have to do everything by yourself."
Reine bowed his head, his cheeks flushing slightly.
"Thank you… all of you."
Lorcan clapped him on the back.
"No need to thank us. We’re friends. But seriously, you’ve got to stand up to Ria once in a while."
After everything was sorted,
Reine hesitated, then finally spoke.
"Would you guys… come to my place tonight? My mom’s cooking a lot, and I’d love to invite you for dinner."
Drifter hesitated.
"Maybe another time…"
Lorcan nudged him, a grin spreading across his face.
"Oh, come on! Free food doesn’t happen every day!"
Reine looked at them with hopeful eyes.
"Please. I really want to thank you for helping today."
Drifter sighed and eventually nodded.
"Alright, then."
As they left the library, their chatter grew lighter, replacing the tension from earlier with a newfound warmth.
[Location: Central District – Nethia City – Afternoon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
The city buzzed with life. Streets brimmed with activity, illuminated by the soft glow of Evocyte lights. Reine adjusted his jacket as they walked, strands of his blue hair catching the shifting light.
Reine glanced over his shoulder.
"What about Sloane? Should we invite him too?"
Lorcan grinned.
"Great idea. Let’s bring him along and turn it into a Spectra night at your place."
Drifter, curious but calm, asked.
"Spectra?"
Reine fumbled with his bag, pulling out a box of cards. Carefully, he handed it to Drifter, his hands trembling slightly.
"Uh… these."
Drifter took the cards, his gloved fingers brushing the edges. He inspected them carefully, flipping through the deck with deliberate movements.
"What are these for?"
After a moment, Drifter handed the cards back with a thoughtful look.
Lorcan grinned, nudging Drifter’s shoulder playfully.
"What’s wrong? Scared to play? Or maybe…"
His grin widened.
"…you’re afraid I’ll crush you."
Drifter paused before smirking faintly.
"Yes, Lorcan. I’m terrified of you."
Lorcan blinked, momentarily stunned, before bursting into laughter.
"Relax, I’ll teach you. By tomorrow, you’ll be unbeatable."
Reine, hiding a small smile, mumbled under his breath.
"Lorcan usually loses to kids, though."
The trio continued walking, weaving through the bustling streets. From afar, the hum of alcheriders and the clang of the skyrail blended with the city’s vibrant sounds. As they turned a corner, the Nethia Faith Temple came into view. Its crystalline spire gleamed under the sunlight, towering high as if it touched the sky.
Drifter slowed his steps, staring at the imposing structure.
"Is this… where he lives?" he asked.
Reine nodded, his voice filled with pride.
"Yeah. Sloane’s family has taken care of this temple for generations. They live nearby, but…"
He pointed at the towering structure.
"…he’s probably here right now."
Lorcan smirked, nudging Drifter again.
"Let’s check inside. He’s probably napping anyway."
[Location: Nethia Faith Temple – Nethia Central District – Afternoon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
Drifter observed the carvings on the temple walls closely. The light moved slowly across them, creating beautiful patterns. The air inside was cool, and the colorful light from the stained glass windows reflected onto the shining floor, forming ever-changing designs.
As Drifter stepped forward, the atmosphere of the temple felt different—almost sacred in its tranquility. In the main worship area, an elderly man dressed in simple but elegant robes was reading a holy scripture in a soft voice. When he noticed them, his warm eyes turned toward the group.
Alan Gast smiled warmly, his voice deep and steady.
"Lorcan. Reine. Let me guess—you’re here to find Sloane, aren’t you?"
Reine gave a polite nod, his tone respectful.
"Good afternoon, Uncle."
Lorcan, leaning casually against a pillar, smirked.
"Afternoon, Uncle. Is Sloane around?"
Alan Gast chuckled softly, setting the holy scripture aside with deliberate care. His eyes landed on Drifter, studying him for a moment before his tone lightened with curiosity.
"And you are? I don’t think we’ve met."
Drifter stepped forward, calm and respectful.
"Good afternoon, sir. I’m Drifter, just a regular member of the Evocaier Order."
Alan Gast chuckled again, his voice carrying an easy warmth. Raising an eyebrow, he glanced over Drifter thoughtfully.
"Regular, huh? You don’t seem very regular to me."
With a gesture toward the main worship area, his tone turned inviting.
"You’re welcome here anytime. Feel free to pray if you’d like—this place is open to everyone."
Drifter nodded, his voice steady but with a trace of uncertainty.
"Thank you, sir."
The sound of footsteps echoed from a side hallway, followed by a familiar voice.
Sloane appeared in the doorway, his grin wide and his coat slung casually over one shoulder.
"What’s this? Group prayer?"
Lorcan, arms crossed, grinned back.
"Nah. Reine wants us to play Spectra."
Sloane turned to Alan Gast, giving him a quick wave and a light kiss on the hand.
"See you later, old man."
Alan Gast shook his head, his expression affectionate.
"Take care, noodle."
As they made their way to the door, Sloane glanced back at Drifter, clearly amused.
"What’s the special occasion? Even you’re coming along, Drifter."
Drifter shook his head slightly, his gaze straight ahead. His tone was flat but carried an unusual undercurrent.
"Got bored. Thought I’d tag along."
Lorcan, grinning mischievously, shot a look at Reine, his tone teasing.
"Look at him talking like a normal person now. Remember when he sounded like a wind-up automaton?"
From behind, Reine chuckled softly, his voice light.
Drifter glanced back briefly, a faint smile crossing his lips. It was small but carried a warmth that wasn’t usually there.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
[Location: Lindt Family Residence – Halcyon Heights – Nethia Residential District – Afternoon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
The Lindt residence stood as a two-story rectangular home, its crystal walls shimmering, the black metal roof sleek and modern. Large glass windows framed the house, and a small balcony overlooked a tidy garden below.
As the door creaked open, a young girl ran inside. Her golden hair bounced with her movement, her pointed ears twitching at every sound. She stopped in the middle of the room, her eyes scanning their faces before a slow smile spread across hers.
She exclaimed excitedly, her voice echoing in the air as she spotted Reine.
"Mama! Reine is home! And…"
She hesitated, her words hanging in the air as her gaze shifted suspiciously toward Lorcan and Sloane, then stopped on the unfamiliar figure among them. Her eyes lingered on Drifter, the stranger in their midst.
"Oh… there’s Sloane and Lorcan. And… uh…?"
Her voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Gentle footsteps followed. Reine’s mother appeared, elegant with flowing golden hair and sharp green eyes that softened when they fell on Reine.
"Welcome home, sweetie."
Her gaze moved to Drifter, curiosity evident.
"And who might you be?"
Reine smiled nervously.
"This is Drifter, Mom. A warrior from the old times—he’s been a big help at the academy."
Drifter gave a small bow.
"Good afternoon, ma’am."
Reine’s mother studied him briefly before smiling warmly.
"A pleasure to meet you. You seem much more mature than these two." She gestured toward Lorcan and Sloane.
The back door opened, and Reina, Reine’s older sister, stepped in. Her teal-blue hair moved gently as she walked, her white dress flowing gracefully. Her sharp blue eyes fixed on Drifter.
"So, you’re the famous warrior from the past?"
Drifter offered a small smile.
"That’s probably exaggerated. I still have much to learn."
Lorcan jumped in with enthusiasm.
"He’s being modest. Even Grandmaster Mina only tied against him!"
Reina crossed her arms, smirking.
"Oh really? Now I’m curious to see how good you actually are."
Sloane leaned in toward Drifter, whispering.
“That’s her.”
Drifter raised an eyebrow.
"Who?"
Sloane stifled a laugh.
"The one who makes Reine look like a cute doll."
Reina’s ears twitched.
"What are you whispering about, Sloane?"
Sloane grinned innocently.
"Just wondering when we’ll see Reine in his ‘cute’ version again."
Reina smiled slyly.
"Soon. You’ll see."
Reine blushed, waving his hands.
"Come on, stop it, sis."
Their mother intervened with a gentle laugh.
"Enough, Reina. Don’t embarrass your brother."
Reina shrugged casually.
“Mom, it’s just so hard to resist.”
Reine quickly pointed to the hallway.
“Let’s just go.”
They entered Reine’s room—a small but cozy space filled with stacks of books, gadgets, and humming Magisterial technology, creating a charming kind of organized chaos.
Lorcan leaned forward eagerly, his grin wide, his eyes glinting with excitement.
"Alright, let’s do this!"
Sloane, as relaxed as ever, flopped onto the bed as if it were his personal lounge.
"Ever played Spectra before, Drifter?"
Drifter stood near the wall, arms crossed.
"Not yet, but I’m curious," he admitted, his tone calm but slightly hesitant.
Lorcan’s eyes gleamed with mischief as he pointed at the sleek Magisterial Console in the room. Its surface pulsed gently, symbols hovering like magical calligraphy in the air.
"Watch us first, old man."
He grinned, adding,
"Let’s do 2v2! Reine’s with me!"
Reine was already at the console, his fingers moving swiftly across its glowing surface with practiced ease.
"Alright, give me a sec," he said calmly, fully focused. Blue light filled the room as the console buzzed softly, and the Arcane Network vibrated faintly in the air.
Sloane chuckled, leaning back on the bed like he was settling in for entertainment.
"I’m sitting this one out. My money’s on you two losing."
Lorcan spun around and pointed at him with mock seriousness, his gesture overly dramatic.
"Oh, just wait. When we win, you’re gonna owe us big time!"
The match began, and the virtual arena sprang to life. A shimmering dome surrounded them, displaying dynamic landscapes—volcanic mountains, dense forests, stormy skies—all shifting in real time. Reine and Lorcan each drew five cards from their decks.
Lorcan started with his Evocyte Point (EP) at 1, displayed clearly on the screen. As he summoned his fiery creature, his EP dropped to 0. He ended his turn, passing the play to their opponents.
Drifter observed their playstyles intently. Lorcan summoned aggressive fire creatures, while Reine’s celestial creatures radiated a divine aesthetic. During the early turns, both sides summoned creatures but refrained from attacking. However, when Lorcan’s turn came around again, his fiery creature immediately struck down one of the opponent’s dark creatures, destroying it.
The battle grew more intense. Lorcan’s fire creatures, Reine’s celestial beings, and the opponent’s dark monsters and mechanical constructs clashed in the arena. When the opponent’s board was empty, Lorcan enthusiastically launched a direct attack. The opponent’s Defense Points (DP) dropped from 20 to 16.
When Reine’s turn arrived, his hand was empty. He used his Evocaier Ability: Clear Mind, drawing three additional cards. On the screen, Drifter noticed his Evocaier Ability counter drop from 1 to 0.
Drifter frowned, scanning the battlefield with growing confusion.
"What are they even playing? Leading an army? It feels more like a tactical simulation."
Sloane, always laid-back, smirked as he watched the screen.
"Pretty much. It’s a mix of strategy and combat. You summon creatures, cast spells, and use five Hero Cards to crush your opponents. Matches can be 1v1, 2v2, or even 3v3 if you’re up for it."
Drifter nodded, his eyes fixed on the game, his curiosity piqued.
"Interesting... It’s more strategic than I expected."
Sloane leaned back slightly, a playful smile on his lips as he nudged Drifter lightly.
"Told you it’s fun, old man."
Lorcan punched his knee in frustration, groaning.
"Ugh! I’m out of EP!"
Reine, as composed as ever, spoke calmly, his focus unwavering.
"Hold the line. I’ll stall them."
Drifter watched Reine’s every move. Each time he played a creature or spell card, a glowing light would appear, eventually forming an orb hovering in the arena. His movements were precise, his decisions calculated, as if everything had been planned from the start.
The match reached its climax. Lorcan’s creatures were frozen, their power drained by the Void Winter spell card played by the opponents. Reine’s side of the board was empty, save for a single orb floating above it—unique, glowing in a sequence of yellow, black, and black. No other arena displayed anything like it.
When Reine’s turn came, the orb shattered in an instant, and his EP dropped from 7 to 0. A surge of energy summoned a legendary creature—a magnificent phoenix with glowing blue feathers that shimmered like living flames. Its body was a blend of metal and organic elements, its wide wings radiating light, and its long tail trailing spirals of blue fire. The creature’s roar echoed through the arena, shaking the virtual dome.
"Solth, the Searwind Archon, attack!" shouted Reine.
The phoenix shot forward, bypassing the enemy creatures and striking directly at the opponent’s DP, reducing it from 11 to 0 and securing victory.
Lorcan leaped from his seat, fists raised in triumph.
"Yes! Rank up, finally!"
Sloane laughed, shaking his head.
"‘We’? Let’s be real, Reine carried you."
Lorcan shrugged, his grin wide.
"Hey, my ‘fake losing’ strategy was genius."
Reine smirked faintly as he packed up his Hero Cards with calm, deliberate movements.
"Sure, let’s go with that."
Sloane, stretching lazily, shot Lorcan a playful look.
"Alright, big shot. Let’s see what you’ve got in a Friendly Match."
Lorcan raised an eyebrow dramatically, pretending to be serious.
"Fine! Just don’t start crying when I win."
As they prepared for another game, Drifter’s gaze drifted to a photo in the corner of the room. One showed a young Reine, smiling brightly and standing close to Vaeloria, the caption reading Eldoria Public School. Another, more recent photo featured Reine with Lorcan and Sloane, all in graduation robes under a banner that read Nethia Public School.
Drifter lingered on the sight, his thoughts heavy. There was history between Reine and Vaeloria, but their current dynamic felt distant—something unspoken seemed to divide them.
That evening, dinner passed in a peaceful silence, punctuated only by the clinking of silverware and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals. As the sun dipped below the horizon, its golden light blanketed the streets of Nethia City.
Walking out of the Lindt family home, the cool evening breeze carried the scent of approaching night.
Sloane, adjusting his jacket, turned to Reine with a wide grin.
"Thanks for the invite, Reine. Dinner was great." He waved lightly, his tone casual and warm.
Drifter, quieter, nodded with a faintly serious expression. His voice was softer than usual.
"Thank you for having me. It was… a good evening."
There was an unspoken weight to his words, something lingering beneath the surface.
Lorcan, ever cheerful, clapped Reine on the back with an infectious laugh.
"Thanks, Reine! That was awesome. Let’s do it again soon."
Reine, smiling faintly, replied softly, almost under his breath.
"Yeah. Take care, guys."
As they made their way toward the Skyrail Station,
Lorcan nudged Sloane, a mischievous grin on his face.
"The old man’s hooked on Spectra. He just won’t say it."
Drifter raised an eyebrow, a faint smile on his lips.
"Oh, of course, Master Lorcan. Teach me your legendary ways."
Sloane burst out laughing, giving Drifter a playful nudge.
"Master? More like the master of losing streaks."
They boarded the Skyrail, their laughter softening as the hum of the train carried them into the night.
[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Courtyard – Morning – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
The morning sun bathed the academy grounds as Reine, Lorcan, and Sloane stood before the academy’s announcement board. A holographic symbol shimmered above it, with a list of assignments floating in the air.
Lorcan grinned.
"Frontier Outpost assignment... the three of us. Guess who else is coming along."
Sloane stepped closer, a playful smirk on his face.
"Drifter. And Ria." He raised his eyebrows at Reine, teasing.
"Excited, huh?"
Reine looked down, fiddling with the edge of his jacket.
"What are you talking about?" he muttered flatly.
Lorcan nudged him with a grin.
"Relax. Drifter’s with us. If she tries to bail, she’s toast."
Sloane chuckled.
"Yeah, no escaping this time. Drifter won’t let her out of his sight."
Reine stayed silent, taking a long breath. Lorcan patted his shoulder.
"Don’t overthink it. She won’t ditch you again."
Sloane, his tone softening, added.
"If she bails, we’ll leave her behind. Let her taste her own medicine."
Reine nodded slowly.
"I just forgot to finish my homework."
Sloane laughed quietly.
"Same here."
Lorcan burst out laughing, drawing a few looks from nearby students.
"Relax. Worst case, Alina nags us again. She’ll tire herself out eventually."
The three laughed together before heading to class.
[Location: Nethia City Outskirts – Afternoon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
The group walked toward the Translocator on the city’s edge. The vast Verm Plain stretched out beyond them, barely visible in the shimmering distance.
Vaeloria flicked her golden hair, the sunlight catching it and scattering sparkles like shards of glass. She stretched elegantly, her movements fluid, then flashed a teasing smile.
"Good luck, everyone… Sorry if I can’t help much later, my leg’s acting up."
Her gaze flicked to Drifter, playful yet pointed, but Drifter remained silent, his expression unreadable. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
Lorcan snorted, folding his arms with a smirk.
"Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that one before."
Sloane, leaning casually against a crate, his eyes glinting with amusement, nudged Lorcan with his elbow.
"How about we ditch her for once? Fair’s fair."
He grinned broadly, clearly enjoying the teasing.
Vaeloria huffed, her pout exaggerated and playful. She turned to Reine, her soft gaze making her expression gentler.
"You’re so mean! Good thing Reine isn’t like you two."
Her smile lingered, warm and teasing.
"Right, Reine? You’re always so kind to me."
Reine felt his cheeks flush. His fingers fidgeted with the Lumina Core in his hands, its surface suddenly feeling cold. He avoided her gaze, staring down at his jacket, feeling small under her attention.
Lorcan snorted, his eyes darting dramatically.
"See? Ria’s stealing Reine’s heart already."
Sloane laughed softly, shaking his head with a wide grin.
"She’s a pro at it."
The banter halted as Drifter stepped forward, his presence shifting the mood. He placed his Lumina Core on the Translocator, its hum resonating like a tangible energy in the air.
The Evocyte energy flared, pulsing as light filled the area. Colors blurred, the familiar sights and sounds of Nethia City vanishing in a flash of dazzling brightness.
[Location: Frontier Outpost – Afternoon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
Drifter scanned the dense Whispering Woods, the mist curling around towering trees and shadowed undergrowth. Among them, several large, rectangular golems hovered silently, their dark blue metallic plating reflecting faint glimmers of light. Twin cannons jutted from their sides, intricate silver etchings catching the dim glow of the forest. His gaze shifted to the towering gray fortress ahead—a monolithic structure fortified with turrets, its massive steel gate standing as an unyielding barrier against the wilderness.
At the outpost, they passed through the identity inspection with ease. Drifter walked slowly toward the edge of a balcony, his eyes fixed on the dark sky hovering over the barren lands of Area Zero. He stood still, his posture rigid, as if lost in thought.
Reine approached, standing quietly by his side.
"What’s wrong, Drifter?" he asked softly.
Drifter didn’t turn, his eyes still fixed on the view.
"Nothing," he replied flatly, before facing the others.
"We’re patrolling Whispering Woods this afternoon."
The others nodded, heading to their rooms to prepare. Drifter stayed behind, gazing at the dark sky over Area Zero, his expression unreadable.
When the afternoon arrived, they gathered at the massive gate. Without much talk, they moved toward the entrance of Whispering Woods, sticking to the right side of the gate.
"Let’s go," Drifter said, his voice calm but heavy.
Vaeloria and Reine hesitated, their faces pale. Meanwhile, Lorcan and Sloane strolled casually, their light chatter breaking the forest’s uneasy silence.