[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Front Yard – Afternoon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
Drifter walked behind, observing Alina Walsh, Jaxon Virelli, and Luna Sabriel as they casually strolled across the courtyard toward the academy's main building.
"Well, that's done. Mission accomplished. See you later, folks. I've got... other things to do," said Jaxon, his tone relaxed, a slight smirk still on his face.
Alina's sharp gaze was fixed on him. Luna, standing a few steps behind, maintained her usual calm expression.
As Jaxon approached the main building, under a large tree, Sloane raised his hand, giving Jaxon a wide smile.
"Hey, sir… Don’t be late. The Evoball match is about to start!" Sloane called out casually.
"I bet you two are plotting something shady," said Alina, her sharp gaze filled with suspicion.
"Oh, come on, Miss Alina. Why are you always so suspicious? We’re just going to watch Evoball. Right, sir?" replied Sloane, his smile as nonchalant as ever.
"Relax, Alina. We’re really just going to watch," added Jaxon, his tone matching Sloane's.
Alina crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing.
"Don’t even think about pulling something."
Luna placed a hand lightly on Alina’s arm, her tone calm but firm.
"Come on, Alina. Let’s finish the report."
Alina gave one last piercing glare at Jaxon before turning sharply. Luna followed quietly behind her.
Jaxon grinned at Drifter.
"What about you, Drifter? You in?"
"Okay," replied Drifter tersely.
Without further discussion, they headed to the library. The atmosphere there was silent. Only the three of them were present. They sat in the center of the room, with Sloane and Jaxon sporting wide grins.
Drifter raised an eyebrow, skepticism clear in his flat voice.
"I thought you were watching Evoball."
Both Jaxon and Sloane laughed.
"Yeah, later. For now, there’s something we want to show you. It’s important—research," said Sloane.
"Research?" Drifter asked.
With a quick flick of his wrist, Sloane activated the Lumina Core on his arm. A soft bluish glow emanated, projecting a holographic display that immediately drew attention. With a graceful motion, the holographic data floated into Jaxon’s device.
Jaxon’s playful smirk disappeared, replaced by a grin of genuine excitement. His eyes sparkled, followed by a low chuckle that echoed in the quiet room.
"Impressive, Sloane. This is top-tier work," praised Jaxon, clearly satisfied.
The holographic screen displayed a series of photos of women from various parts of Vesteria. Some had the backdrop of the bright blue beaches of Maranagara, while others stood elegantly in the luxurious halls of Upper Edenvell. Though their beauty was evident, the way the photos were taken suggested something peculiar.
"This is your research?" asked Drifter in a cold tone.
Sloane patted Drifter’s shoulder, his grin relaxed.
"Don’t be so serious. It’s natural for guys to like this stuff. Come on, you’re curious too, right? Don’t pretend you’re not."
Before Drifter could respond, Jaxon’s Lumina Core vibrated. The name Gianna Virelli glowed softly on the screen, interrupting their playful moment.
Quickly, Jaxon tapped the holographic interface, pulling up a tablet with notes. The projection flickered to life, showing a girl with soft brown hair—Gianna Virelli—communicating in sign language via the text notes they used.
Her faint smile and gentle gestures—Jaxon mirrored them with his own, small but genuine, his usual bravado slipping away like a second skin.
As the call ended, Gianna raised her hand, a final wave of farewell, and Jaxon mimicked the gesture. The tablet's chat box in his hand was full, but his eyes never left the screen, even as the connection cut out.
Drifter’s gaze lingered on the notes before shifting back to Jaxon, noticing something different in his posture.
"His sister, maybe. She seems… strong, despite her challenges," Drifter thought quietly.
Jaxon looked at him and then smiled.
"Alright, back to business. Drifter, are you in or not?"
"Maybe next time," replied Drifter flatly.
Sloane nudged Jaxon with a grin.
"That means he’s interested. See? Progress!"
Jaxon laughed, throwing an arm around Sloane’s shoulder.
"We’re persuasive, aren’t we?"
But Drifter’s voice cut through the moment like a knife.
"By the way, handle your report. Unless you want Alina to do more than just glare next time."
Jaxon paused, scratching his neck.
“Alright, alright. Guess I can’t dodge it forever.”" he muttered.
[Location: Evocaier Academy – Drifter’s Room – Night – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
In the stillness of the Evocaier Academy, Drifter carefully traced the cool surface of his Lumina Core. A sudden vibration shattered the silence. A name flashed on the screen: Friedrich Rosenthal.
“Drifter, I apologize for the late hour. Are you available?” came the steady voice of Friedrich.
Drifter straightened his back.
“It’s fine, Professor. What’s going on?”
After a brief pause, a measured response followed.
“I need you to come to my house. There’s something I’d like to discuss in person.”
A frown appeared on Drifter’s forehead.
"Now? Is something wrong?"
“Not immediately urgent, but important. I’d appreciate it if you could come.” replied Friedrich.
Drifter remained silent for a moment.
"I’ll be there shortly," he finally said.
[Location: Nethia City – Eirda Terrace – Night]
Drifter rode his Alcherider Zenith, its black frame a fusion of hexagonal edges and Y-shaped patterns, with sharp, bold lines. The triangular headlights shone brightly, slicing through the night. The anti-gravity engine hummed softly as it glided low over the smooth roads. The city's lights illuminated the night, casting dancing shadows across the surfaces.
His journey led him to the Residential Zone of the luxurious Eirda Terrace, near the Eirda River. Amid the lush greenery stood a house with clean geometric designs, crystalline walls, and large glass façades offering expansive views. The house had two stories, a backyard with a spacious pool, outdoor seating, and meticulously maintained tropical landscaping. Elements of natural stone and metal added a touch of elegance.
Drifter parked his Alcherider Zenith in front of the house. Before he could knock, the door creaked open.
Alma Rosenthal stood in the doorway, smiling.
"Dad is waiting. Please come in, Drifter," she said softly.
Drifter nodded slightly, his voice polite.
"Thank you, Alma. Are you feeling well?" he asked gently.
Alma hesitated briefly, glancing aside to avoid his gaze.
"Yes… thank you," she replied firmly.
Following her inside, Drifter observed the house’s interior, dominated by neutral tones of white, gray, and beige. Premium materials like marble, glass, and wood were prevalent, adorned with minimalist yet elegant furniture. Natural light streamed in through large windows, complemented by artistic chandeliers. The open-plan layout seamlessly connected the living room, kitchen, and dining area. Oddly, no family photos were displayed.
In the living room, Friedrich Rosenthal sat on a gray sofa, reading a book. As Drifter entered, he glanced up.
"Thank you for coming," he said briefly.
Drifter gave a small nod.
"It’s no trouble, Professor," he replied courteously.
"Please, have a seat," said Friedrich, gesturing to the sofa across from him.
Drifter sat calmly. Alma headed toward the kitchen. Friedrich leaned forward slightly, his expression serious.
"Do you remember the skyship attack during last month’s training?" he asked.
Drifter’s eyes narrowed.
“Hard to forget. Has something new come up?”
Friedrich nodded slowly, his expression tense.
"We’ve received reports from Grandmaster Amisha. The ship is still missing, but reliable intel suggests it’s likely still within the Nethia region."
A knot tightened in Drifter’s stomach, memories of the ship surfacing—a vessel without Ignisia, carrying hundreds of Skystrikers, attacking with no clear purpose.
"Any theories on their target?" he asked cautiously.
Friedrich shook his head, his tone measured.
"No developments yet. We’ve analyzed every known model, even outdated ones—none match. It’s inconceivable that sky pirates possess a ship that advanced."
He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing firmly.
"We need to find them. I’ve arranged for night patrols—one person per shift."
Drifter straightened his posture, his jaw tightening.
"Allow me to join," he said without hesitation.
Friedrich regarded him with a slight smile.
"Of course. I expected no less from you. Thank you, Drifter. The patrol schedule starts tomorrow, and I’ll share the details in the morning."
He paused, fixing Drifter with a sharp gaze.
"One more thing," his voice dropped, almost a command.
"Do not share this information with anyone. Understood?"
Drifter remained silent for a moment before replying firmly.
"Understood."
Drifter rose from the sofa, heading for the door. Before he could leave, Alma emerged from the kitchen with a tray of tea.
"Tea? Before you go," she said softly.
Drifter accepted the cup and sat back down.
"Thank you, Alma."
They shared light conversation about life at the academy, books, and the Arcane Network programs. Alma appeared more relaxed, even smiling and laughing.
When they finished, Drifter placed his empty cup back on the tray.
"Goodnight, Alma. Professor," he said with a slight bow.
Friedrich nodded once.
"Goodnight, Drifter," he replied firmly.
"Take care." added Alma softly.
As Drifter stepped outside, the cold night air greeted him. The door closed gently behind him, ending a night filled with tension.
[Location: Outskirts of Nethia City – Night – 2 Days Later]
Clad in black armor and a flowing black cloak, Drifter sped through the city outskirts on his Alcherider Zenith. The sleek black vehicle hovered low over the roads. Green trees and open fields blurred past on either side. In the distance, icy mountains loomed, their silhouettes stark against the clear sky. The hum of the anti-gravity engine mingled softly with the roar of other Alcheriders ahead and behind him.
"No signal… nothing again," he muttered, his voice low and cold.
Suddenly, a beep broke the quiet. Drifter’s eyes flicked to the Vestra screen on his vehicle, which displayed a green square among scattered blue ones.
"Unknown signal," he murmured again, his jaw tightening.
He accelerated his Alcherider Zenith, heading toward the marked location in the forest. After parking his vehicle near an Elemart, a 24-hour convenience store, he walked into the dark woods. There, he found an old warehouse housing a long, rectangular Skyship made of rusty metal—much smaller than the skyships he usually encountered.
"Not my target… but who’d be bold enough to fly this scrapheap?" he thought.
Ascending the metal stairs on the warehouse’s right side, he moved cautiously. To his left was an old door with a rusted rectangular handle. As he reached for it, a red projectile shot toward him.
His reflexes kicked in. With a swift motion, he deflected the projectile with his sword Exaltare.
"Who’s there?" he demanded, his voice low but filled with caution.
Peering inside, his eyes widened as he saw Jaxon Virelli, donning his trademark cowboy hat and aviator glasses.
"Drifter? Well, what a surprise," Jaxon said casually, his tone far too relaxed for the situation.
Drifter didn’t reply, his gaze fixed on Jaxon.
"What are you doing here?" he asked coldly.
Jaxon chuckled lightly, his Twin Bowguns dissipating into red particles.
"Oh, just… enjoying the night. The sky’s beautiful, you know," he replied with a forced laugh.
Drifter narrowed his eyes.
"Oh, really? In that case, I’ll join you. I’ve never seen it."
Jaxon froze briefly, his expression shifting.
"Oh… okay then."
They moved to the ship’s center, filled with rusty old metal. Jaxon sat at the front, operating the controls. Drifter stood beside him, silently observing.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
The ship’s old engine began to hum. Its iron walls turned transparent, revealing the green forest and the decrepit garage below shrinking as the ship ascended. The city lights faded, leaving only the inky blackness beneath them.
"Where are we going?" Drifter finally asked.
"Oh, I thought I’d check out the Nausyra Sea this time," Jaxon replied casually.
Drifter remained silent, his mind racing with questions.
"The Nausyra Sea? Is he insane? That’s Nusa Union territory. Doesn’t he fear this ship being shot down?"
As they neared the sea, displayed a vast expanse of dark, mysterious waters.
"See? Isn’t it beautiful?" said Jaxon, smiling.
"Yes," Drifter replied curtly, emotionless.
A sharp beep broke the air.
"Uh-oh…" muttered Jaxon, his eyes fixed on the screen.
"What is it?" asked Drifter, his gaze shifting to Jaxon.
"Sky pirates," Jaxon answered, his jaw tightening.
From a distance, three black, rectangular Skyships appeared. Each was armed with forward-mounted cannons and glowing blue thrusters at the rear. Drifter observed cautiously as a blue energy tether from one of the Skyships latched onto their vessel, shaking it violently.
Jaxon darted toward the back of the ship, his steps urgent and swift. Drifter followed, his sharp gaze scanning the room. In the corner stood two large crates, one of which emitted a rippling purple glow from within.
A harsh metallic scraping sound suddenly shattered the tense silence. The iron wall on one side of the ship began to peel away, forcibly torn open from the outside. A crimson light spilled in through the gap, accompanied by heavy, echoing footsteps that reverberated through the floor.
Through the opening emerged a massive automaton. Its four-legged, scarred metallic body exuded rugged durability, with a broad horizontal blade reflecting dim light in the darkened room. The machine moved steadily, heading toward the large crates. Each step landed like a hammer striking iron.
Green projectiles erupted from the gap in the wall. Drifter, wielding his Exaltare in his right hand, darted behind a stationary energy shield for cover. With a smooth motion, his left hand summoned a blue Exalt Bolt, which shot toward the automaton. However, the persistent green projectiles forced him to retreat.
Meanwhile, Jaxon crouched behind an energy shield, gripping his Emberstorm Crossfire tightly. The weapon unleashed a barrage of fiery bullets, searing through the air toward the enemy. Yet the automaton advanced unimpeded, turning to haul one of the large crates toward the Skyship hovering outside.
A deafening explosion rocked the ship’s hull, shifting the floor beneath their feet. Thick black smoke began to fill the room, its metallic scent stinging the air. An alarm blared, adding to the chaos. Jaxon let out a frustrated yell.
"The cargo! Damn it!"
Without hesitation, he leapt toward the enemy Skyship. Drifter, calm and deliberate, activated Exalt Shift. Soft blue particles enveloped him, and he reappeared just steps behind Jaxon aboard the enemy vessel.
Green projectiles rained down on them from all directions. Drifter raised his hand, summoning a Exalt Barrier—a transparent blue shield that deflected the incoming projectiles. From behind the shield, Jaxon continued firing fiery rounds, illuminating the darkened room.
Drifter advanced steadily, summoning blue energy swords that hovered in the air around him. The blades spun before launching toward the attackers in a synchronized strike. Screams and projectiles echoed, amplifying the chaos. The sky pirates, clad in tattered clothing, leather gloves, and high boots, fought back fiercely, but the energy swords were too swift and deadly.
When silence finally fell, Drifter and Jaxon pressed on, moving through door after door along the ship's long corridors. More pirates lay sprawled on the floor, motionless. No visible wounds, no signs of struggle.
Drifter crouched, checking the pulse of one fallen pirate.
"They… they’re dead," he murmured, disbelief coloring his voice.
Behind him, Jaxon looked bewildered.
"What the hell… Who did this?"
Continuing forward, they reached a large room with transparent walls revealing a serene night sky. More pirates lay lifeless on the floor. At the center of the room sat a man, rigid in a chair, his hands hovering over a glowing holographic console. His eyes were vacant, unblinking—lifeless, yet his body remained upright.
Jaxon approached, shaking the man’s shoulders.
"Hey! Wake up! What happened here? Hey!"
Before an answer could come, Drifter noticed movement. A weathered book on the floor, hidden in the shadows, began to tremble. Shadowy hands emerged from the book, rushing toward them.
Drifter lunged forward, slashing with his Exaltare. His blade sliced through the dark hands, shattering them instantly. The book fell silent but retained its malevolent aura.
Suddenly, a wave of dark energy struck Drifter, slamming him into the transparent wall. His natural blue barrier flared briefly, absorbing most of the impact. Gritting his teeth, he rose to his feet, his eyes locking on the center of the room.
A black-robed figure with a skull mask stood there. When Jaxon fired his Emberstorm Crossfire, flames streaked toward the figure, but they were deflected by a dark energy shield conjured with a mere wave of the figure's hand.
"Who are you?!" Jaxon shouted, his voice filled with fury.
The world around them suddenly shifted. The transparent walls dissolved, and the tranquil blue night was replaced by creeping green shadows that writhed like living fog. The fallen pirates began to rise, their bodies cloaked in darkness. Their eyes glowed red, their hands morphing into shadowy claws, and guttural growls filled the air like a chilling wind cutting through the silence.
The creatures lunged, their claws slashing through the air. Drifter moved swiftly, guiding his blue energy swords to cut down the attackers. On the other side, Jaxon unleashed fiery projectiles, creating explosions that temporarily halted their advance.
But the creatures kept coming, emerging from the shadows on the walls. Amid the chaos, the cursed book released more shadowy hands, while the masked figure raised its arms, summoning dark sigils that launched blasts of miasma with a thunderous roar.
Drifter dodged nimbly, his eyes scanning the room.
"We’re leaving, Jaxon," he said, his voice low but firm.
Jaxon nodded tightly, his fiery projectiles keeping the advancing creatures at bay.
"This is way beyond us," he muttered, his breathing steady but strained.
They sprinted toward the cargo hold, dodging attacks from every direction. Their breaths came in gasps as they finally reached a massive door. Drifter pressed a holographic button on its side.
With a loud rumble, the door opened, revealing the vast, dark night outside. A cold wind rushed in, pulling at everything toward the emptiness.
"Jump!" Drifter commanded firmly.
They leapt into the freezing night air. Their bodies hovered momentarily before plunging into the icy water below. Blue and red energy barriers from their Evocyte Barrier shielded them as they plunged into the depths.
Breaking the surface moments later, sharp white lights pierced the sky. A Vayu Krita-Class Corvette Skyship hovered low above them. Its oval shape, dark green color blending with the night, and sleek fins moved gracefully. Blue propulsion lights beneath it illuminated the water with glowing ripples.
A deep, authoritative voice rang out from a megaphone.
"Do not move. Stay where you are."
[Location: Vayu Krita-Class Corvette Skyship – En Route to Nethia]
Following the command, Drifter and Jaxon, their bodies weary, were lifted aboard by the safety energy tethers. They were escorted into the ship and brought to a large room with transparent walls displaying the quiet night sky.
Inside, a burly man with a bear-like face sat in the command chair. His sharp eyes and green uniform radiated authority.
"Identify yourselves," he demanded curtly.
Drifter raised his hand, activating his Lumina Core to project his holographic ID. Beside him, Jaxon did the same, though his hands trembled slightly.
After studying the holograms for a moment, the man nodded.
"Your identities are verified. Now explain what happened."
Drifter stepped forward, his voice calm but firm.
"The mysterious ship attacked our crew during training. When we boarded it, we found only dead pirates. But then things changed—a cursed book, a figure in a skull mask, and those pirates… they came back to life as dark shadows. We had no choice but to jump to save ourselves."
The man furrowed his brow, listening intently. After a moment, he gave a slow nod.
"Our Vestra System detected four unidentified ships. One is missing; the other three are still being pursued. What do you suggest?"
Drifter locked eyes with him.
"Destroy them as soon as you find them. Do not board, do not engage. Those ships… are too dangerous."
The man was silent for a moment before issuing orders to his crew to transport them back. The journey to Nethia passed in silence. Drifter sat with a heavy mind, his gaze distant. He wanted to ask about Jaxon’s cargo but decided to wait for the right moment.
[Location: Nethia City – Arrival Terminal – Night]
After landing at Nethia Terminal, Drifter and Jaxon thanked the Nusa Union Patrol and departed. They walked toward the city center in silence, their steps slow and heavy with thought.
Midway through the journey, Drifter finally broke the silence, his voice calm but resolute.
"What was in that cargo, Jaxon?"
Jaxon froze mid-step. His shoulders tensed as he looked down, letting out a long sigh.
"… I’m sorry… The cargo…" His voice faltered as he hesitated, his gaze pleading when he finally met Drifter’s eyes.
"Please, don’t report this. If I lose my job… my sister…"
Drifter’s gaze was cold, but a hint of empathy flickered beneath it.
"Alright, but tell me the truth."
Jaxon sighed deeply again, his hands trembling as he stared at the ground. His voice quivered slightly as he spoke.
"I… took on side jobs… smuggling goods via air," he admitted quietly.
"This time, I got unlucky. They said it was just museum pieces for a private collection. When I checked, it was just antiques and old books… or so I thought."
Drifter narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Jaxon’s words carefully.
"Who hired you?" he asked.
Jaxon retrieved a spare Lumina Core from his pouch, his fingers trembling slightly as he activated it. A soft blue light emanated, projecting a small hologram with detailed information.
"The name’s Nills. But I’m pretty sure it’s an alias," he said, his voice heavy.
The hologram displayed a brief message:
Sender: Nills
Destination: Skyshade
Task: Deliver museum items to the Nausyra Sea (Click here for delivery location)
Pickup Location: Verudia Region (Click here for pickup location)
Advance Payment: 10 million Vessite
Completion Bonus: 100 million Vessite
Drifter studied the information silently, his sharp eyes scanning every detail. After a moment, he handed the Lumina Core back to Jaxon, his mind racing.
"Why would he risk this? If he’s caught… what happens to his sister?" he wondered, glancing at Jaxon, whose face was riddled with anxiety.
Finally, he returned the Lumina Core.
"As long as your work doesn’t endanger us, I won’t report it. But find a safer job. Your luck won’t last forever."
Jaxon’s face slowly lifted, a small, grateful smile spreading across it.
"Thank you, Drifter. I owe you… for life," he said, his voice quivering slightly.
[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Central Hub Zone – Archive Room – Morning]
The next morning, Drifter entered the Archive Room, a grand space within the Main Tower. The cylindrical structure, crafted from Eterion Glass, reflected the morning light, creating a majestic yet tranquil atmosphere. Its transparent dome refracted sunlight into intricate patterns that danced across the floor.
Inside, black monoliths inscribed with glowing runes stood in neat rows, exuding an air of mystery. At the center of the room, a softly glowing blue Magisterial Console served as the focal point. Minimalist desks and chairs around it contrasted sharply with the advanced technology of the space.
Drifter sat before the console, his gloved fingers gliding over the screen. A blue glow illuminated his serious expression. He typed Jaxon Virelli into the console. A holographic image of a man with curly brown hair and sharp eyes appeared. Beneath it, scrolling text provided a brief profile. Selecting the History option, the display shifted.
This time, it became more personal. Jaxon stood beside an older man with a faint smile. Behind them was a small, dilapidated house—a silent witness to their struggles. Below the image, red numbers scrolled rapidly: Virelli Family Debt, Foreclosure, Liquidation.
Drifter took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. What caught his attention was a note at the bottom:
"Victim of the Scorchrift Gale that destroyed Trelmeth City."
He tapped the report, and images of devastation filled the screen: rubble, scorched fields, and the ashes of a ruined city. As he scrolled through a list of victims, his eyes stopped at one name: Gianna Virelli.
A small photo accompanied the name—a young girl with a warm smile. Her gentle eyes seemed to radiate resilience, even amid tragedy.
Drifter stared at the screen for a long moment, his breath steady but thoughtful. His mind churned over the weight of his thoughts.
"Ancient museum relics... suspicious. Is there a history I missed?"
He typed: "Important History of Vesteria."
The first screen of entries unfolded:
* Pre-Aurea Aetas Era (????): This era is shrouded in mystery. Legends speak of Guardian Beasts guiding life before written history began.
* Year 0 Aurea Aetas: The rise of the Holy Selvaria Empire, which subjugated various species to uphold the supremacy of the Silver and Golden Elves.
* 18XX Aurea Aetas: The birth of the First Celestial Sentinel, the first Primordial to emerge from a non-Primordial species.
* 1866 Aurea Aetas: The First Celestial Sentinel began freeing enslaved races from Selvaria's dominion, bringing hope to all of Vesteria.
* 1870 Aurea Aetas: The First Celestial Sentinel established a free settlement near Oridae—now known as Verm—creating a new life for those freed.
* 1870–1920s Aurea Aetas: The Creator revealed sacred texts to the First Celestial Sentinel, who then founded the Faith Religion, based on teachings of love, justice, and freedom.
* 1920s Aurea Aetas: The First Celestial Sentinel died under mysterious circumstances, weakening the morale and resolve of liberated settlements.
Scrolling quickly, his eyes stopped on a specific line:
"1070–1072 Ad Felicitas: The Cult of Shadronis Conflict—a dangerous faction wielding dark artifacts and ancient powers, nearly bringing global destruction before being defeated by the Evocaier Order and global authorities."
"Cult of Shadronis," Drifter thought, typing the name into the console.
A new entry appeared:
"The Cult of Shadronis believed the world was corrupt and sinful. Their leader, Shadronis, claimed to be third Celestial Sentinel, sacred entity sent by the Creator to lead the world away from sin."
Drifter’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening.
"The Third Sentinel? Nonsense."
But his thoughts drifted to Jaxon and his mysterious cargo.
"Those items... could they be dark artifacts disguised as something else?"
He shut the console with a quick motion and stood. Without wasting time, he left the room, his steps resolute as he headed toward Friedrich’s office.
[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Friedrich’s Office – Morning]
A gentle knock broke the silence.
"Come in," Friedrich’s voice sounded, calm but firm.
Drifter entered, sitting in a chair before the large desk cluttered with scattered documents. Morning light streamed through the large window behind Friedrich, casting sharp contrasts over his serious expression.
"I’ve read your report, Drifter. Is there anything you’d like to add?" Friedrich asked, his tone measured.
Drifter took a deep breath, meeting his gaze.
"Professor, could this incident be connected to the Cult of Shadronis?"
Friedrich paused, his gaze falling to the desk. After a long moment, he exhaled heavily.
"I don’t think so, Drifter. The Cult of Shadronis has long been eradicated."
Friedrich paused, rubbing his face slowly.
"They were just a group of dark mages with strange beliefs, attacking small villages while avoiding major cities. Without advanced technology, they relied entirely on dark magic. History likely exaggerated their threat to discourage others from following in their footsteps. But the stigma they left behind... it was devastating. Everyone associated with them was executed—including children. It was a harsh decision, but at the time, it was seen as necessary."
His voice lowered to a near whisper, his gaze distant as if reliving the past.
"Many of them were just victims of circumstance. But the world never gave them a second chance."
Drifter leaned forward slightly.
"And what about the Cube, Professor? Could it be one of their artifacts?"
Friedrich shook his head slowly.
"If it truly were a Shadronis artifact, Grandmaster Amisha would recognize it. She led their suppression. Anything linked to them would be known to her."
The room fell silent again. Friedrich leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp.
"But if you sense something wrong, trust your instincts, Drifter. Just don’t act recklessly. This is a gray area—don’t move without solid evidence."
Drifter nodded, his expression calm even as his mind pieced together the puzzle. The Cult of Shadronis. The Black Cube. The masked figure. Everything felt like fragments of a larger whole.
"Thank you, Professor," he said before rising and leaving.
Exiting the office, Drifter glanced at a message on his Lumina Core, a short note from Jaxon:
"Meet me at the cafeteria. I need to discuss something."
Without hesitation, Drifter replied:
"On my way."
[Location: Cafeteria – Verm Evocaier Academy]
The cafeteria buzzed with laughter and conversation. Rich aromas of spices filled the air from tables laden with food. In the corner, Jaxon waved energetically.
Drifter approached, his steps steady, and sat down without ceremony. Jaxon, with his signature grin, gestured to the holo-menu on the table.
"What’ll it be, boss? My treat."
Drifter raised an eyebrow, his expression flat.
"No need. If you’re trying to bribe me, make it a billion Vessite. That’s more tempting."
Jaxon burst into laughter, slapping the table.
"Hahaha! Who has that kind of money? Don’t joke. Come on, let me thank you properly."
Drifter stared at him for a moment before relenting.
"Fine. If you insist."
Before they could order, Jaxon’s Lumina Core vibrated. He activated the small screen, displaying a tidy, formal message. His demeanor shifted as he read.
"Ah, it’s Gianna. My sister wants to talk. You okay with that?" Jaxon asked, his tone more serious.
Drifter nodded slightly.
"Go ahead."
A message from Gianna appeared on the screen:
"Hi, Mr. Drifter. Thank you for watching over my reckless brother."
A faint smile crossed Drifter’s face. He typed quickly, his tone dry.
"Reckless is right."
Jaxon peeked at the screen, feigning offense.
"Wow! Even my sister roasts me now, huh?"
Drifter paused, his gaze softening. He typed slowly, his message brief but meaningful.
"Take care. Stay strong."
Gianna’s reply came almost instantly:
"Thank you, Mr. Drifter. It means a lot to me."
The cafeteria’s noise continued, but for a moment, the world seemed to pause. Jaxon stared at the screen longer than usual, his smile shifting into something more genuine. Removing his signature sunglasses, his brown eyes met Drifter’s with rare sincerity.
"Thanks again, Drifter. If you ever need anything, let me know."
Drifter looked at him calmly, one brow slightly raised.
"Relax. By the way, unusual for you to ditch your shades."
Jaxon chuckled but didn’t respond. A light silence hung between them. Drifter leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping across the lively cafeteria.
For a brief moment, the tension weighing on his thoughts seemed to lift. Yet his eyes remained sharp, always watching.