[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy - Courtyard – Morning – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The academy grounds were calm, bathed in soft morning light. The gentle sound of a distant fountain created a soothing backdrop to his relaxed steps. Yet, his steps halted when he noticed someone sitting alone by the fountain.

Nadia Fernleaf sat on a long bench under a tree, her gaze fixed on the rippling water. Her fingers played with the strap of her bag, and her face looked weary, a sadness she couldn’t quite hide. Drifter stopped for a moment, observing her quietly before approaching.

He stopped a few steps away, his voice calm, like a gentle breeze.

"Nadia."

Nadia flinched slightly, pulled out of her thoughts. Her warm brown eyes looked at him, a mix of surprise and relief reflected in them.

"Morning, Drifter."

Drifter glanced at the empty space beside her, his eyes scanning it briefly. A faint crease formed on his forehead when he realized that Alma Rosenthal wasn’t there.

He stepped closer, his voice remaining steady, but a subtle concern tinged his tone.

"Where’s Alma? I haven’t seen her in a while."

Nadia fidgeted, her hands still twisting the strap of her bag. Her gaze dropped, and a faint blush spread across her cheeks as she tried to steady herself. Her lips parted, but the words seemed trapped, as if something held them back.

Nadia’s voice was barely above a whisper, laced with unease.

"Drifter… something’s off with Alma. I’m worried about her."

Drifter met her gaze steadily, his tone even but edged with concern.

"What do you mean? What’s going on with her?"

Nadia sighed deeply, her hands trembling slightly as she smoothed out the hem of her skirt. When she spoke, her voice was almost a whisper.

"She… she’s at Nethia Hospital… resting. It’s been almost two weeks…"

Drifter remained silent for a long time, gazing at her in quiet contemplation. The silence stretched, and when he finally spoke, his voice was very soft.

"That… doesn’t sound good. Are you going to visit her?"

Nadia nodded slowly, her shoulders sagging slightly. When her eyes met Drifter’s, a small smile appeared.

"Yes, after school."

Drifter stayed quiet for a moment. After some thought, his expression softened, followed by a calm resolve. He nodded.

"I’ll come with you later."

[Location: Nethia Hospital – Afternoon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

Nethia Hospital exuded an atmosphere of pristine white—cold, clean, yet oddly soothing. The faint hum of healing magic resonated softly, barely audible through the walls. Their steps echoed lightly as they walked together.

Drifter glanced to his side. Nadia shifted her bag silently, her gaze empty, as if staring at something invisible. She stayed quiet, offering only a brief, fleeting smile that quickly disappeared, leaving a silence that spoke volumes.

Nadia fiddled with the sleeves of her shirt, her voice hesitant.

"Maybe she’ll pretend to be fine when we see her."

Drifter’s voice remained calm, his eyes focused on the hallway ahead.

"I hope she’s okay."

At the door, Nadia paused. Her hand hovered over the handle, hesitating before finally knocking softly and opening it.

Inside, Alma was propped up against pillows, her fingers busy arranging small stones on her lap. When the door opened, she quickly began to shove some behind her pillow, but her hands froze midway as she caught Drifter's steady gaze. A faint smile flickered across her face.

Alma waved her hand slowly, the corners of her lips dipping slightly.

"Nadia, why didn’t you tell me you were coming? Oh, and Drifter is here too… How are you?"

Drifter stepped closer, his gaze gentle.

"I’m fine, Alma. How about you?"

Nadia’s gaze softened, her worry deepening as she observed Alma, though she said nothing—only stepping closer, her voice low.

"Get well soon, Alma."

Alma waved again, but the motion was half-hearted, her fatigue evident as her hand faltered mid-air. She shifted on the bed, her movements slow and careful. The effort to brush off their concern grew increasingly difficult.

Alma forced a smile, but it looked more tired than cheerful.

"I’m already fine… but they won’t let me leave yet… I’m so bored here."

Her tone was upbeat, but her words didn’t flow as easily as usual. She shifted again, a slight wince crossing her face, which Drifter caught immediately.

Drifter turned his attention to the small table beside the bed. A collection of neatly arranged stones caught his eye. He noticed the variety of shapes and the meticulous care given to their arrangement. His brow furrowed in curiosity.

Nadia followed his gaze and glanced at Alma. Alma noticed their looks, her smile faltering briefly before letting out a soft, almost sheepish laugh.

Alma brushed back her pink hair, her voice slightly awkward.

"Uh… this… it’s not what you think… don’t laugh, okay… there’s nothing else to do here."

Nadia grinned, slightly surprised to see a more childlike side of Alma. A small, amused smile formed on her lips, as though she couldn’t believe her friend could be so whimsical.

Drifter raised an eyebrow, still processing what he saw. His voice remained flat, though a hint of curiosity seeped through.

"Do they have names?"

Alma blinked at his reaction, shifting uncomfortably before sighing, as if surrendering. She picked up the largest stone, her fingers tracing its rough surface as she began introducing them one by one, each name carrying a weight that surprised Drifter.

Alma pointed to a jagged stone, her voice soft and affectionate.

"This is Sir Rocky Stallion. He’s… kind of the leader. Keeps the others in line."

Drifter nodded slowly, watching Alma intently as she spoke—there was a gentleness in her tone, a bond that was more than mere pastime.

Alma moved her finger to another stone, smooth and round.

"And this is Ms. Stone. She’s more… peaceful. Keeps things calm."

Nadia chuckled quietly, but Drifter’s gaze stayed fixed. Now, he could see it—Alma’s affection for these stones. It wasn’t just a distraction. It was something deeper, more personal.

Alma paused, her fingers hovering over the last two stones, each adorned with shapes resembling large cat ears. She hesitated for a moment, her voice softening as she began to speak.

"These are Golemy and Golaemon. The sibling duo. Golemy’s the curious one, always getting into trouble. Golaemon? He’s the protector. Keeps his sibling safe."

Drifter watched closely, noticing the subtle shift in Alma’s tone. She wasn’t joking anymore—there was something genuine in the way she spoke about these stones.

Drifter nodded slowly, his understanding growing deeper.

"They seem to have important roles."

Alma smiled, her gaze softening. Her usual cheerfulness faded, replaced by a calmer, more reflective side.

She let out a small laugh, her voice filled with affection.

"Yeah… actually, these were my favorite toys when I was little. Don’t tell anyone I still play with them, okay?"

Nadia gave a gentle smile, a silent understanding passing between them. There was depth here they wouldn’t disturb, an unspoken connection that needed no words. As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Alma’s hand returned to the stones, seeking comfort in their quiet presence.

[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Simulation Room – Morning – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The large room was bathed in dim light from holographic projections. Two teams were training, with magical energy and weapons flying in every direction. On one side, Drifter led his team—Lorcan, Sloane, and Reine—against a Cataclysmaris simulation. On the other, Caelus, Bryan, Alyssa, and Erick worked together with precise coordination, their attacks overwhelming the simulated opponent.

Lorcan, wearing a confident grin, glanced at the other team.

"Hey, Caelus, we’re winning this time. We’ve got Drifter with us, you know!"

Caelus only cast a brief glance back, his tone calm but equally confident.

"We’ll see, Lorcan."

The simulation continued, the lights and sounds of battle filling the room until the sharp ring of a Lumina Core broke their concentration. The holographic projections immediately froze, halting the battle.

Drifter quickly glanced at the small screen on his wrist. His eyes narrowed, focusing on the message that had just appeared.

"Mission: Prevent Grakling attack," he read silently.

On the other side, Caelus, Alyssa, Bryan, and Erick glanced at the message briefly before resuming their simulation. Caelus moved swiftly, his black spear gleaming with a purple glow as it struck the Cataclysmaris with pinpoint accuracy. Alyssa’s fiery spear, Erick’s Exalt magic, and Bryan’s dark daggers followed in perfect succession, creating a relentless coordinated attack.

Meanwhile, Sloane, leaning back casually, barely glanced at the notification on his Lumina Core before speaking lazily.

"Ah, Grakling mission… leave it to the rookies," he muttered before returning to his relaxed position.

Reine, however, read the message a little longer, his expression thoughtful before he hurriedly dismissed the screen.

Lorcan snorted, glaring at the frozen holographic display with a frustrated frown.

"Ugh, just a Grakling mission… what a buzzkill. Let’s get back to it! We’re falling behind," he called out, his tone light but clearly annoyed.

Drifter frowned slightly, clearly displeased with the comment.

"Why? Isn’t it dangerous if the facilities there get damaged?" he asked, his voice calm but pressing.

Sloane glanced at him briefly, shrugging as usual.

"Boring mission, man. Just let the beginners handle it."

Without arguing further, Drifter returned his attention to the Lumina Core, his eyes widening as he read a name on the mission participant list.

"Alma Rosenthal? She’s recovered? What’s she doing on this mission?" he thought, surprised.

He quickly stood, his steps firm but hurried.

"Excuse me, I have to go. Something urgent," he said without looking back.

Lorcan, still engrossed in the simulation, grumbled.

"Oi, come on, don’t bail on us now! You’re gonna make us lose, man!"

Drifter glanced back briefly, his voice firm but curt.

"Something came up. Next time."

Sloane gave a lazy shrug, a sly grin creeping onto his face.

"Heh, whatever. Good thing we didn’t put money on this one."

Reine looked at Drifter, his face showing concern.

"Take care, Drifter."

Drifter nodded slightly before hurrying off.

After Drifter left, Sloane lazily checked his Lumina Core again, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Huh? Alma’s on this mission? What’s she doing there?"

Lorcan chuckled, leaning back with a carefree grin.

"Looks like she’s one of those ‘never miss a mission’ types. Gotta admire the hustle."

Reine frowned, his voice low but edged with concern.

"She just got out of the hospital. Should she even be doing this?"

Lorcan shrugged, glancing back at the frozen simulation.

"Eh, not our problem. Heads up—Cataclysmaris is about to go wild again."

They returned their attention to the simulation. The sharp snap of magical energy filled the air, followed by the deep, resonating whoosh of Cataclysmaris tendrils lashing out, cutting through the holographic battlefield like a whip cracking.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Courtyard – Morning – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

Drifter quickened his pace as he saw them. At the edge of the courtyard, Nadia stood with her fingers interlocked tightly, clutching her bag. Her shoulders were slightly raised, and faint creases lined her forehead as her green eyes followed Alma, who approached with light steps.

Alma’s pink hair swayed gently with each movement, and her pink eyes sparkled with a cheerful glow. Her steps were lively, bursting with energy.

"Alma, you should be resting," Nadia’s voice broke the silence, low with a hint of worry and fatigue.

Alma simply waved her hand, her smile widening briefly before fading as she turned to her friend. Nadia shifted her weight, one foot moving back slightly, her gaze flickering briefly toward the task board nearby.

Heavy footsteps echoed across the courtyard, halting their conversation. Friedrich Rosenthal approached with a commanding posture. His sharp eyes locked onto Alma, his jaw tightening, and his lips pressing into a firm line.

"Alma, you’re pushing yourself again," he said, his voice firm.

Alma stood tall, her shoulders stiff, her smile slowly fading. Yet her gaze remained sharp, her eyes narrowing slightly. Her small hands clenched at her sides.

"It’s just Graklings, Dad. They can’t use Evocyte, so even if there were millions of them, they wouldn’t lay a finger on me ," she said, her words quick but her voice slightly hoarse.

Friedrich folded his arms across his chest, his stance solid. His eyes narrowed further, his sharp gaze betraying both anger and concern. His voice remained calm.

"You just spent days in the hospital. Let me take you home."

Alma took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly, but her chin lifted stubbornly.

"This is a simple mission, Dad. I can handle it."

For a moment, the lines on Friedrich’s face softened, his gaze lingering on Alma with a quiet tenderness.

"Please listen, Alma. Remember, taking care of yourself is also your responsibility. If the protector falls, who will protect others?"

Alma’s face flushed, a deep red spreading across her cheeks. Her eyes widened, blazing with an intensity that was hard to ignore.

"It’s my life! Why can’t you just stay out of it?"

Drifter stepped forward quickly, his strides steady and without hesitation. When he spoke, his voice was calm and gentle, bringing a moment of stillness, like a cool breeze extinguishing a fire.

"If she’s coming, I’ll go with her. Let me handle it."

Alma and Friedrich turned toward him.

Alma’s smile slowly appeared, warm and gentle, as light returned to her eyes.

"Thanks, Drifter. You always get it."

Friedrich's jaw tightened as he considered Drifter’s words, his gaze steady but laced with frustration.

"Drifter, I get that you’re trying to help, but this isn’t just about whether she wants to go or not. She needs time to recover, not someone indulging her stubborn streak. You can’t always protect her from herself."

He paused, exhaling sharply through his nose, the tension in his shoulders barely easing.

"If you’re taking responsibility, fine. But if she gets worse out there, it’s on you. Do you understand?"

Drifter met Friedrich’s gaze, standing firm but respectful, his voice steady.

"I understand where you’re coming from. She needs rest, I agree. But Alma’s not going to back down, and if she goes without someone watching her, it’ll be worse. I’m not here to indulge her—I’m here to make sure she stays safe and doesn’t push herself over the edge. You have my word on that."

A sharp beep from the Lumina Core broke the silence. Friedrich raised his left hand, his fingers pressing a small button on the sleek device around his wrist. His jaw tightened as a voice came through the device, and his gaze hardened.

"Hold on… this won’t take long."

After ending the call, Friedrich looked at Alma, his shoulders dropping slightly as he exhaled a long sigh. His gaze lingered on her, softening briefly before he turned away.

"Alright, but promise me you’ll be careful. Both of you." His voice lowered, carrying an unspoken plea. "Drifter, keep an eye on her."

Alma flashed a grin, her tone light but affectionate.

"Don’t worry, Dad. We’ve done this a hundred times. You know I can handle myself." She paused, her voice softening slightly. "But… thanks. I’ll be careful, I promise."

Friedrich nodded and walked away.

Alma watched her father leave before turning back to Drifter and Nadia, her wide smile unwavering.

"Okay, team. Let’s move out!"

Nadia sighed quietly, the corner of her lips lifting slightly, though her eyes betrayed a hint of unspoken impatience.

"Honestly, Alma. Maybe next time actually listen to him. He’s not wrong, you know."

Later, Alma glanced at Nadia, her grin taking on a lopsided charm, a spark of mischief lighting her eyes.

"Come on, Nadia. Don’t start sounding like him, or you’ll end up with worry lines before me."

The three headed toward the Translocator at the edge of Nethia City. A low hum filled the air as the device powered up, ready to transport them to Verm Plains.

[Location: Verm Plains – Afternoon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The Translocator flared to life, its bright flash cutting through the dim surroundings as a wave of blue energy surrounded them. In an instant, they stood on rolling green plains, bordered by gentle hills. In the flat expanse below, small bipedal creatures with gray skin, muscular bodies, and coarse fur moved quickly. Their elongated faces showed sharp teeth, and they ran in packs, their swift motions kicking up dirt. Their red eyes glowed faintly in the distance.

Drifter’s sharp eyes narrowed as he observed the scene. Their numbers were far greater than he remembered from the battles he faced 700 years ago. His gaze shifted to Alma.

"Let’s finish this quickly," he said softly, his voice carrying a deliberate pause between words. "We drive them off, then head straight to the academy."

Alma grinned widely, her eyes gleaming with determination.

"Easy enough. Let’s go."

As she stepped forward, Drifter noticed the sigils—pink and red—beginning to form around her hands, though her fingers trembled slightly. He glanced behind her, catching Nadia standing silently, her gaze fixed on Alma. Nadia’s eyes flicked briefly toward Drifter before returning to Alma, her brows slightly furrowed and lips pressed tight.

They moved together, but as the horde of Grakling approached, their growls reverberated through the air. Alma suddenly darted forward, the sigils around her fingers spinning faster as magic energy flared.

"They’re coming," she said, her voice catching slightly with anticipation. "Let’s get this over with."

She thrust her hands forward, the sigils glowing brightly.

"Exalt Missiles!"

Pink lights streaked through the air, striking and throwing several Grakling backward with a heavy thud. For a brief moment, just before the magic detonated, there was an unusual hesitation—a fraction of a second out of place. Drifter noticed the faint change in her expression: a slight crease in her brow and the increased tremble in her hand as she raised it again.

Nadia stepped closer, her voice low, barely above a whisper.

"Alma, are you sure you’re okay?"

Alma took a breath, the corner of her mouth lifting momentarily before falling again, leaving her face blank. Her chest heaved, and when she spoke, her voice was hoarse, as if masking her exhaustion.

"Don’t worry. We’ve done this dozens of times."

She moved forward again, her motions stiff, her shoulders tense. Drifter caught the slight pause in her step before she pressed on, a tiny hesitation betraying the burden she tried to hide.

With a swift motion, Drifter swung his glowing Exaltare, the blade crackling with energy as a brilliant blue wave burst from its edge. The blast struck the ground, scattering chunks of earth and knocking Grakling off their feet.

"Exalt Edge!"

Shards of stone flew across the battlefield, yet the Grakling advanced undeterred. Drifter’s eyes narrowed, gripping his sword tighter. A creeping unease gnawed at him—there was something off about their resilience.

Nadia pressed her palms to the ground, sigils glowing brown around her fingers as she slammed them down hard.

"Geo Barrier!"

A massive stone wall erupted from the earth, unyielding. Grakling crashed into it with brute force, but the barrier held firm. Nadia exhaled sharply, her eyes locked on Alma. Magic flowed intensely from her sigils, unleashing shards of crystalline earth with a faint golden-green glow that shot toward the creatures. Some were struck down, but the relentless wave of Grakling pushed forward, their eyes glowing with unyielding hatred.

"This should hold them off…" Nadia muttered, her voice slightly shaky, her gaze never leaving Alma.

In an instant, the Grakling charged again. Alma stood firm, raising her hands as a volley of red Fire Bolts and pink Exalt Bolts burst forth, striking their targets with precision.

On the other side, Drifter spotted a Grakling speeding toward Alma, its claws pulsing with dark energy. Alma turned quickly, raising her left arm. A flicker of her pink natural Evocyte Barrier appeared but shattered instantly under the claw’s strike. Blood poured from the wound, staining the grass beneath her with vivid red.

Her eyes widened, and her face twisted in pain.

"What—?" she gasped, staring at her injured arm. With her right hand, pink energy emerged, slowly sealing the wound.

Drifter’s voice cut through sharply, almost shouting.

"Alma! Fall back!"

Nadia rushed forward, her eyes filled with worry. Her hands trembled as she pulled Alma closer.

"Alma, are you okay?"

Alma nodded, though her breaths were labored.

"I’m fine. But these Grakling... they’re not like the ones we’ve faced before."

Drifter’s expression darkened as he watched the next wave of Grakling advancing. He raised his sword, its energy glowing brighter with intensity.

"They’ve evolved... or someone’s done something to them."

His grip tightened.

"We stop holding back. We destroy them."

Alma’s eyes reignited with determination, the flames of courage blazing once more.

"Understood."

Drifter dashed forward, his sword in his right hand gleaming as it sliced through the Grakling charging toward him. His sharp eyes scanned to his right, ensuring Nadia and Alma were safe. With his left hand, he fired an Exalt Bolt, the blue energy projectile hitting its targets with deadly precision, taking down the Grakling one by one.

On his right, Alma raised both hands. Flames erupted from her palms, forming a vortex that consumed the approaching Grakling. Their screams echoed before their bodies turned to ash.

Beside her, Nadia stood firm. Both hands glowed with Geo magic as shards of green-gold crystal shot from her sigils, striking the creatures relentlessly. Yet the final wave of Grakling pressed on without hesitation.

Nadia’s jaw clenched, her hands glowing brighter. The ground beneath her feet trembled as a Petrifying Blossom emerged—a massive stone flower radiating deadly energy. In moments, the wave of Grakling froze mid-charge, their bodies turning to stone statues.

Drifter noticed another group of Grakling charging toward Nadia and Alma. He sprinted to intercept, but his eyes caught the glow of two brown sigils in Nadia’s hands, their light like embers about to ignite.

"Erdzłam!" she shouted.

Massive geometric structures burst from the ground, glowing with earthen runes. They surged upward in rapid succession, slamming into the enemy with tremendous force, shaking the ground and hurling chunks of debris through the air. The Grakling scattered—some thrown into the air, others crumpling lifelessly to the ground.

Drifter scanned the field. The remains of the Grakling lay still across the grass. Trees swayed gently in the breeze, the hum of Exaltare fading into the distance. He turned his head.

Nadia stood, her breathing ragged. The brown sigils on her hands dimmed before dissolving into faint particles that drifted away.

"That was the last of them," she said, her voice heavy.

Beside her, Alma wiped the sweat from her brow, a relieved smile crossing her face.

"We did it," she said.

Drifter nodded, the glow of his Exaltare fading into blue particles.

"Let’s head back to the Academy."

They moved toward the Translocator, but Drifter stopped abruptly as Nadia’s panicked voice cut through the air.

"Alma!"

He turned quickly. Alma was running ahead, not slowing down. Nadia’s eyes, wide behind her glasses, followed her in alarm as she gave chase.

Drifter bolted after them, the wind carrying an eerie vibration. His brow furrowed.

"What’s going on?"

Nadia shouted from ahead, her voice trembling.

"Alma, stop! What’s wrong?"

Far ahead, Alma suddenly halted. The ground beneath her feet trembled slightly, then violently. A loud rumble shattered the silence, reverberating like the roar of the earth itself. Nadia froze, a few steps behind Drifter, her hands shaking.

In the distance, shadows sharpened into forms. Drifter focused, spotting a line of Grakling and Graklor advancing in tight formation. The Graklor, taller and bulkier than the Grakling, moved with precision, their gray-skinned bodies radiating strength. Drifter’s eyes narrowed as he saw the Graklor materializing armor and weapons from the air. Black armor covered their forms, and spears, swords, and axes glinted in their hands. Their red eyes glowed faintly, cutting through the dim light.

Behind them, a massive figure appeared—Grakthor. The bipedal creature walked with slow, heavy steps that shook the ground. Its gray skin, rough and cracked, stretched over a thick neck and broad head lined with tusks. A long tail slammed into the ground with each step, sending tremors outward. Its breaths came low and heavy, and its three red eyes burned steadily, unblinking in the dark.

Drifter’s heart pounded, the rhythm shaking his chest as the tremors beneath his feet grew stronger with each step of the massive creature.

"Fall back! We’ll call for reinforcements. Don’t worry—they won’t reach the city." His voice rang out, sharp and steady.

His Exaltare reappeared in his hand, its glow pulsing softly.

Alma turned, her shoulders rigid, her breath uneven. Her hands trembled slightly as she clenched them, but her voice was calm and steady, her gaze unyielding despite a fleeting blink of hesitation.

"No," she said. "I’m not retreating."

Drifter stared at her, his brow lifting, his mouth parting as if to speak, but before he could, Nadia stepped forward, gripping Alma’s arm tightly, her fingers trembling.

"Alma, please... look at them. There are thousands, maybe more. It’s just the three of us…"

Alma raised her chin, her eyes fixed on the dark horizon.

"The village of Nevaterra is close. I won’t let them through," she said firmly.

Cold sweat formed on Drifter’s brow as he clenched his teeth.

"Damn it… What was I thinking? Can I really keep them safe? And no Arcane Elixir… Stupid mistake." he thought, frustration gnawing at him.

"Nadia, go back! Call for help!" His voice rang with urgency, cutting through the chaos.

Nadia activated her Lumina Core, her trembling fingers typing rapidly into the air. A faint blue light glowed around her wrist. Her lips pressed tightly together, her eyes darting between Drifter and Alma.

"I’ve sent for reinforcements," she said, her voice shaking slightly but her stance unwavering. "But I… I can’t leave you."

The shadows in the distance drew closer. Waves of Grakling, Graklor, and Grakthor moved like a consuming darkness, swallowing everything in their path.

Drifter inhaled deeply, his gaze sharp and focused ahead. His grip tightened around his Exaltare, and his jaw set firmly. Behind him, Nadia and Alma stood still, each struggling to steady their breath.

The tremors grew more violent as the heavy steps of the creatures filled the air like war drums. Drifter tilted his head upward slightly, his voice a faint whisper, almost a prayer.

"Let’s hope we’re ready for this…"

The sky darkened, and the shadows of the approaching creatures loomed over them. The next chapter of the battle had begun.