[Location: Dueling Grounds – Evocaier Academy – Afternoon – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

Drifter walked toward the dueling grounds. The place was packed, a cacophony of cheers, laughter, and shouts filling the air. To his left, two familiar faces stood out—Sloane and Reine.

Sloane waved with his trademark grin. "Hey, perfect timing! Wanna bet, old man? This one’s gonna be epic, I swear!"

"Good afternoon," murmured Reine, his voice soft, barely audible.

"You two never learn, huh?" Drifter sighed, his tone flat but carrying a faint edge. "If Alina finds out... you’re done for."

"Aw, come on! It’s just for fun!" Sloane chuckled nervously, avoiding Drifter's sharp gaze. "And anyway, today’s match is legendary—Caelus versus Lorcan! How can it not be exciting?"

"So, old man? Care to place a bet? Caelus is the favorite. Easy win, free lunch guaranteed!"

Reine closed his notebook, a faint smile crossing his lips. "Seriously? Betting against your friend? I’ll stick with Lorcan."

Sloane groaned, dropping onto the table in front of him. "Ugh, I’m tired of losing because of that guy. For once, I wanna win!"

Drifter glanced at them, suppressing a small smile that almost broke through. "No, thanks. I’m just here to watch." He shifted his gaze toward the arena.

The arena transformed, the crystal floor morphing into a dense jungle landscape. A red-haired student—Lorcan—moved like a storm, dashing forward while launching barrages of dark energy punches. Opposite him, a blonde-haired student—Caelus—stood composed, clad in black armor and wielding a black spear crackling with purple lightning. He dodged effortlessly, his movements minimal.

image [https://i.ibb.co.com/C6qVjty/01-38.jpg]

Suddenly, Lorcan halted. He bent slightly, raising his right hand, where dark energy condensed into a singular force. With a short yell, he unleashed his attack—Ebon Fist. The wave of energy tore through the ground, fissures spreading like serpents.

Caelus shifted. His body flowed like water, narrowly avoiding the blast.

In a blink, Lorcan, shrouded in darkness, appeared before Caelus, launching a rapid flurry of dark energy punches. Caelus, however, stood motionless until the final blow shattered his Evocyte Barrier of purple light. The arena reverted to its crystal floor.

The crowd fell silent. Confused glances were exchanged.

Alyssa, the girl with a fiery red ponytail, raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with disbelief. "No way... impossible."

Bryan, the tall boy with neatly combed brown hair, crossed his arms, his tone steady and flat. "Just pure luck."

Erick, with his tousled wavy brown hair, exhaled deeply, his voice carrying an attempt at reason. "Come on, give him some credit. Lorcan has improved... but why did Caelus hold back?"

Nearby, Sloane grumbled softly.

"No way... Lorcan won?"

Reine smiled faintly, glancing at Sloane.

"See? You should trust your friends more."

Caelus dismissed his black armor and spear. Purple particles dissolved into the air as he adjusted the open collar of his black shirt, walking away silently from the arena.

"Hey!" Lorcan’s voice broke the silence, nearly desperate. "I don’t care about winning! Take this seriously!"

"It’s over. You won. Congratulations," Caelus replied flatly, walking briskly toward the underground Alcherider parking area.

"Wait! Don’t run away!" Lorcan shouted, his emotions echoing through the space as he chased after him.

Sloane scratched his head, restless. "Great... another problem," he muttered, sprinting after them.

"Hurry... things could get worse if they actually fight," urged Reine, quickening his pace.

Drifter sighed deeply as he followed. His eyes stayed on their retreating forms.

"Let’s hope Lorcan doesn’t cause more trouble," he thought, though unease lingered, a weight difficult to shake.

[Nethia City – Afternoon – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

Drifter drove his sleek, black Zenith Alcherider, the anti-gravity vehicle gliding smoothly over Nethia’s streets. Beside him, Sloane sat fidgeting, while Reine in the back remained calm, though his eyes darted occasionally to the road.

"Faster, old man," Sloane grumbled, leaning forward slightly.

"Cool ride, but you drive like a snail."

Drifter glanced to his left, barely holding back a smile. "Patience."

Reine chimed in, his voice soft but firm.

"Don’t be rude, Sloane. We’re getting a free ride, remember?"

Ahead, the hum of approaching vehicles grew louder. Drifter’s gaze sharpened.

Two Alcherider Stratos sped by, slicing through the air. The first, a jet-black model, moved with aggressive grace. Its aerodynamic frame was lined with sharp contours, and protective fairings shielded its sides and rear. Caelus leaned into it, his body melding seamlessly with the machine as if they were one.

Behind him, Lorcan pursued on a fiery red Stratos. His engine roared, skimming dangerously close to other vehicles as he recklessly cut across lanes. Horns blared in protest, but Lorcan seemed unfazed, his every movement daring as he pushed to overtake Caelus.

Drifter frowned, his eyes locked on the scene. Racing? Seriously??

[Nethia City - Natura Feld Complex – Afternoon – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The black Zenith Alcherider coasted into the quiet residential area of Natura Feld, leaving the city’s chaos behind. The air carried the fresh scent of grass, sweeping over rolling green fields in the distance.

Ahead, the two Stratos Alcheriders—black and red—were parked outside a small, rounded house resembling a budding tree. Its natural wood exterior was adorned with green leaf carvings, and the emerald roof arched gracefully. A cream circular door with a floral handle sat beneath oval windows framed in blue glass. The spacious porch was alive with greenery, a slide, and an Evonion holographic play area for children. A tiny wooden fence bore a sign: “Amelioris Childcare.”

Children played on the front lawn, their laughter filling the air.

Lorcan dismounted abruptly, his anti-gravity wheels ceasing their hum. His eyes swept the surroundings, a frown creasing his brow.

"A daycare?" he muttered, briefly confused, before his gaze returned to the house.

Drifter, Sloane, and Reine approached.

"What are you doing here?" Lorcan asked, bewildered.

Sloane replied lazily. "Picking you up, obviously."

Reine added with relief in his tone. "Yeah... glad nothing bad happened."

Drifter looked at him evenly. "Let’s go back."

Suddenly, the front door creaked open. Caelus stepped out, holding a toddler in his arms. The child tugged at his hair with tiny fingers, giggling, while a rare, soft smile graced Caelus' face—a sight almost never seen.

The moment seemed to freeze, revealing a side of him that was rarely, if ever, exposed.

"Good afternoon. Is there an issue?" His voice was formal, a bit stiff, as his eyes moved between Lorcan and the others.

Drifter stepped forward slightly, keeping his tone steady.

"Sorry to interrupt. We’re just here to get Lorcan."

Sloane, as expected, jumped in with a casual shrug.

"Yeah, honestly. I thought he was about to knock you out back there."

Lorcan glared, irritation flickering across his face.

"Just drop it, alright?" He turned back to Caelus, his tone shifting.

"Come on, let’s go again! One more duel. The race doesn’t count."

Caelus let out a short sigh, his weariness showing in his gaze.

"Not now. I’m busy. Maybe another time. You never give up, do you?"

Before the conversation ended, light footsteps echoed from within the house. Lyriel Amelioris appeared, her golden hair catching the rays of the setting sun. Her ears are slightly pointed, while her delicate hands held a woven flower crown meant for a small child trailing behind her, gazing at her in awe.

Despite her gentle smile, there was something unusual in her posture. Her face was slightly pale, her movements calm yet bearing an unseen burden.

Lorcan, usually full of confidence, lowered his gaze.

"Sorry... if we were too loud. I didn’t mean to disturb you."

Lyriel’s warm smile remained, though her eyes carried a quiet authority.

"It’s alright, dear. Is he your friend?"

Lorcan nodded slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face as his earlier anger faded. His eyes shifted between Lyriel and the tranquil surroundings.

Caelus straightened, his tone sharp and cold.

"Yes, Ma. It’s settled. He’s leaving now."

Lyriel stepped closer to the door, her movements graceful yet assured. She extended a welcoming hand.

"Oh, at least stay for a moment. You’ve come all this way. Have some tea."

Lorcan hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his expression.

"Sorry, ma’am… but we really should get going."

Lyriel’s smile softened, though subtle traces of weariness shadowed her face.

"Don’t be so quick to leave, dear. Just a few minutes. It’s not polite to rush off."

Lorcan glanced at Drifter, silently seeking guidance.

Drifter gave a slight nod.

"Thank you, ma’am. We’d appreciate that."

Pleased, Lyriel inclined her head with a gentle smile.

"That’s more like it."

As the door closed behind them, the air filled with the scent of fresh herbs and baked bread, while a small fire in the hearth added a comforting woody aroma.

The living room was cozy, scattered with toys and blankets, evidence of children playing here often.

Lyriel Amelioris, with practiced elegance, placed a tray of tea on the low wooden table. Her movements were graceful, though a faint tremor in her hands betrayed her. A soft cough escaped her lips, drawing Drifter’s attention momentarily.

"Please, have a seat. It’s rare for us to have so many guests at once," she said, her voice bright yet laced with subtle weariness.

Sloane nudged Reine with a mischievous grin, his tone light and teasing.

"She’s beautiful, huh? Caelus’s mom," he whispered, just loud enough for Reine to hear.

Reine hissed softly, lowering his head slightly.

"Stop it… that’s rude," he muttered, his cheeks faintly flushed as his gaze fixed firmly on the table.

In the corner, Caelus was preoccupied with a group of young children darting around him. Their laughter and playful shouts filled the room, contrasting with the more formal atmosphere surrounding the guests. Eventually, he joined the group, the children now dragging their playful chaos along with him.

One child accidentally stepped on Sloane’s foot, earning a low groan and a restrained grimace.

"Easy, kid," he muttered, shifting slightly but keeping his irritation in check.

Another child tossed a small piece of cake that hit Lorcan, who stood frozen in disbelief.

"What the…" he muttered under his breath, turning his bewildered gaze to Caelus, one eyebrow raised as if asking for an explanation.

Lyriel, ever composed, glanced at the small commotion with a calm smile. Her hands clasped gently over her lap as she offered a soft apology.

"Oh, I’m sorry, dear. Children always… have so much energy."

Turning her attention back to her guests, her demeanor shifted, her gaze attentive yet gentle. Resting her hand lightly on the arm of her chair, she allowed a brief pause before speaking.

"Where do you all live, dear?" she asked, her tone warm but carrying a subtle curiosity.

Lorcan, now visibly more at ease, scratched the back of his head before replying.

"I live in Tranquil Grove, ma’am."

Reine added softly, his voice quieter but steady.

"I’m in Halcyon Heights."

Sloane, as expected, jumped at the chance to chime in enthusiastically.

"I’m in the Central District, ma’am."

Lyriel’s expression brightened slightly.

"Oh, there are homes in the Central District? Interesting. Is your family the one managing the Nethia Faith Temple?"

Sloane nodded proudly.

"That’s right, ma’am."

Finally, Lyriel’s gaze shifted to Drifter, her expression sharpening slightly as she addressed him.

"And you?" she asked, her tone quieter but tinged with curiosity. "Are you their instructor?"

Drifter gave a small nod, his voice even.

"No, ma’am. I just happen to reside at the academy. A regular member."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, her curiosity deepening. A regular member living at the academy? Highly unusual. She nodded thoughtfully, her gaze lingering.

"Where were you before that?" she asked, her tone soft but probing.

A silence hung in the room. Drifter’s expression turned distant for a moment before he replied slowly, almost reluctantly.

"I used to live in Paxluma."

The name fell like a thunderclap, freezing the air in the room. Lyriel’s expression faltered, a faint, disbelieving laugh slipping past her lips before she quickly masked it with a smile.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you enjoyed jokes," she said, her tone light but tinged with unease.

Drifter shook his head slightly.

"My apologies… if it sounded like a joke."

The room fell into a brief, tense silence before Caelus, who had been quiet, finally spoke. His voice was low and firm.

"He’s not from this time, Ma. He crossed through time from the past."

The revelation rippled through the room like a stone tossed into a still pond. Lyriel’s features hardened slightly, her eyes narrowing in disbelief.

"Impossible… how could that happen?"

Caelus shrugged faintly, his tone unchanged.

"According to him, he arrived here through an artifact shaped like a cube."

Lyriel’s gaze sharpened with caution.

"A cube?" she repeated, her voice trembling slightly despite her attempt to conceal it.

Drifter nodded.

"Yes, ma’am. Do you know anything about the cube?"

For a fleeting moment, Lyriel’s smile vanished, replaced by a composed but unreadable expression.

"Oh, I’m sorry… a cube… I don’t know."

Yet, her eyes betrayed her—a subtle flicker of recognition she was unwilling to admit.

Drifter didn’t press further, his gaze steady as he observed her silently. He knew Lyriel was hiding something but chose not to challenge her.

The conversation shifted back to light-hearted topics—small talk about the city and everyday life. After some time, the group rose, expressed their gratitude to Lyriel, and took their leave.

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

Drifter walked alongside Lorcan, heading toward the dueling grounds. Behind them, Sloane and Reine followed with casual steps.

"Just watch, old man! This time, I’ll win for sure," said Lorcan, his voice brimming with confidence.

Sloane smirked, his mischievous grin as sharp as ever.

"I’m betting against you. Let’s be real—how many times have you lost to him already? Too many!"

Reine, glancing up from his notebook, gave a sharp but gentle look.

"Stop it, Sloane. Lorcan beat Caelus yesterday, remember?"

Sloane chuckled, shrugging.

"That was pure luck, and you know it."

Lorcan turned sharply, his eyes narrowing.

"Then I’ll prove you wrong this time!"

Their steps came to an abrupt halt when a blond-haired figure appeared from around the corner. Caelus, moving with quick, determined strides, walked past without even a glance at them.

Lorcan, frowning, stepped in his way, blocking his path.

"Oi, Caelus! Let’s duel!"

Without slowing, Caelus shoulder-checked Lorcan hard, pushing past him.

"What the hell? What’s his problem?" grumbled Lorcan, his face flushing with frustration as he sprinted after him. His eyes were burning with determination.

"Hey, wait!" Drifter’s voice rang out, firm but calm as he quickened his pace to follow.

From behind, Sloane sighed heavily.

"Here we go again… But with Drifter around, it’ll be fine. Let’s head back and finish that homework," he said nonchalantly.

Reine, though hesitant, nodded slowly.

"Alright… Let’s hope they’ll be okay."

The two turned away, leaving the grounds to return home.

[Location: Friedrich’s Office – Verm Evocaier Academy – Afternoon – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The office door swung open without a knock, scattering papers in the sudden rush of air. Caelus stood in the doorway, breathing heavily, his eyes wild with urgency.

Friedrich Rosenthal looked up sharply.

"Professor, my mother—she’s gone. She wasn’t home, and no one has seen her since this morning," Caelus said, his voice hoarse and trembling. His hands shook at his sides.

Friedrich’s expression hardened. He stood and stepped toward Caelus, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Calm down, Caelus. We’ll figure this out together. The Vestra System must have records of who left the city today."

Caelus nodded weakly.

"Pull up today’s Vestra records now," ordered Friedrich, speaking into his Lumina Core.

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Moments later, a knock sounded on the door. Drifter entered, with Lorcan close behind. Friedrich activated the holographic display from his Lumina Core, a map appearing with scattered dots.

A profile of Lyriel Amelioris appeared, followed by two connected points—one blue, one green—leaving the city via Twilight Street.

"She left this morning with someone," said Friedrich, his tone neutral.

"Left? But… my mother’s sick! With whom?" Caelus’ voice cracked.

"Someone not registered in our database," replied Friedrich, his gaze sharpening. "Hold on. Let’s dig deeper."

He spoke into his Lumina Core again.

"Alina, report to the surveillance room now."

Drifter stepped forward slightly.

"Professor, may we join you?"

Friedrich gave a short nod.

"Of course."

Within moments, Alina arrived, and they all made their way to the underground parking area. A massive Alcherider Titan, its sharp gray edges gleaming, waited for them. One by one, they boarded. Alina took the driver’s seat. The vehicle moved swiftly, hovering low above the ground.

Alina’s blue eyes glowed faintly as her Enchanted Sight spell wove into the air. Holding a scarf belonging to Lyriel, it trembled slightly, emitting a unique green thread of energy visible only to her.

"Her trail leads south," Alina murmured.

The Alcherider Titan followed the glowing path.

[Location: Avalanta Mountains – Evening – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The icy cliffs of the Avalanta Mountains loomed high, the narrow path blanketed in thick snow. The Alcherider Titan came to a halt at a small Evocaier Order outpost before the impassable trail.

They disembarked one by one, a chilling wind biting at their faces. Alina led the way, trudging through the snow with purpose.

Lorcan, his face dusted with snow, called out.

"Wow, this route’s extreme… Are you sure they came this way? If she’s sick, how could she even manage this?"

The group fell silent, his question hanging in the air.

Alina raised her hand, signaling them to stop. She placed her palm against a large ice-covered boulder. A soft light spread from her fingers, causing the ice to crack and fall away. A stone door groaned open, revealing a dark tunnel beyond.

"We’re going in," Alina instructed.

[Location: Avalanta Mountain Pass – Interior Tunnel – Night – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The tunnel grew colder as they pressed deeper. Eventually, the space widened into a massive cavern. A black, cylindrical skyship rested in the center, surrounded by a U-shaped metal platform.

Drifter halted, his gaze narrowing.

"No doubt about it… It’s the same ship. The one from the simulation attack."

Alina studied the vessel, her tone icy.

"At last, we’ve found them. I’ll signal the fleet."

Friedrich scanned the area, his sharp eyes catching movement. Vexor Military Automatons—towering three-meter constructs with dark gray plating, glowing red eyes, and vent-like mouths—patrolled the platform.

"Illegal military automaton…" Friedrich muttered, his voice low and commanding.

Alina nodded.

"She’s inside that ship," she said firmly. "We need to move quietly. Follow me."

They began their approach, but the clank of their footsteps alerted the Vexor units, one of which turned sharply toward them.

Lorcan glanced at Alina, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“Smooth work, Boss. These things put the Vestra System to shame, huh? Real cutting-edge tech!"

Alina glared at him briefly before turning away. Without a word, she materialized her ice greatsword, Frostshard Legacy.

Lorcan laughed, stepping forward with his fists cloaked in dark energy.

"Stealth isn’t our style anyway. Let’s just smash through them!"

Friedrich growled, his voice sharp.

"Stay together. Don’t be reckless!"

The Vexor raised its arms, launching red energy projectiles that streaked toward them.

Without hesitation, Alina wielding Frostshard Legacy, cleaved through multiple Vexor units with each powerful swing. The shattered remains of their forms scattered like icy fragments, glinting in the dim light. Between attacks, she provided cover for the team, activating Blauzorn Aegis. Each time she drove her sword into the ground, a massive ice barrier materialized in front of her, shielding her allies from the relentless onslaught.

Following closely, Drifter summoned Exaltare into his grip, effortlessly deflecting incoming projectiles. Blue sigils ignited around him, conjuring dozens of spectral energy swords that flowed seamlessly between defensive shields and precise, offensive strikes.

As the Vexor units began to converge, Drifter unleashed Azure Tempest. The room erupted into a storm of afterimages and spectral swords, swift blue slashes streaking through the air in rapid succession. Within moments, the Vexor were torn apart, their metallic forms collapsing into heaps, while the walls bore deep scars from the relentless barrage of ethereal blades.

Beside him, Friedrich raised his glowing shield, Lexivane, blocking the barrage of projectiles. Sacred energy pulsed from the shield, repelling attacks. He advanced, bringing down his radiant mace, Clariven, onto the ground. A massive shockwave erupted, obliterating nearby Vexor units.

Lorcan, fueled by adrenaline, struck with relentless power, his fists surrounded by dark energy, smashing through the Vexor ranks.

At his side, Caelus spun his spear, Auralis. Purple energy crackled along its blade, creating chained explosions that decimated multiple Vexor units at once.

The battlefield was alight with bursts of energy and steel. Though their efforts were coordinated, more Vexor emerged from the ship’s open hatches, their numbers seemingly endless.

Breathing heavily between strikes, Friedrich barked an order.

"There are too many! Alina, Caelus, Lorcan—get inside the ship, now!"

Alina hesitated but nodded, pulling Caelus and Lorcan with her toward the ramp.

"Be careful," she said before leading them inside.

As the ramp sealed behind them, the sounds of battle outside faded, leaving them in tense darkness.

[Location: ??? Skyship – Avalanta Mountains – Night – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

A long, dark corridor stretched ahead, dim lights flickering against the rough metallic walls, casting shifting shadows. The faint hum of machinery reverberated through the air, ominous and heavy.

Alina led the group, her steps deliberate, her sharp eyes scanning every corner, following the increasingly intense trail of Evocyte energy.

They stopped in front of a large metal door. Caelus stepped forward, pressing his hand against its cold surface.

"Why are we stopping? Let’s go!" his voice rasped, urgency evident.

Lorcan sighed, crossing his arms.

"Weird… You’re usually the reckless one, Alina. What’s with the hesitation?"

Alina raised a hand to halt them, her expression stern.

"Wait!—"

Too late. Caelus shoved the door open, its loud creak echoing down the corridor. Lorcan followed closely behind.

Their footsteps clanged against the metal floor, and the door behind them slammed shut with a deafening clang.

Alina whirled around, her fingers flying over a control panel embedded in the wall. A single word glowed on the display: “Locked.” Her jaw clenched as her frustration boiled.

"You reckless fools!"

A vast room stretched before them, filled with iron platforms and dominated by metallic walls. At the center lay Lyriel Amelioris, bound to a metal platform and encased in a glowing energy field shaped like a capsule. Luminous chains coiled around her wrists.

A weak cough shattered the tense silence.

Caelus froze, his face draining of color.

"Mom!"

Beside him, Lorcan scanned the surroundings, his eyes darting from the platform to the mechanical, alien devices lining the walls.

A low hum began, growing louder. From above, a Valkyrex descended, its black armor reflecting the dim light. The Arcane Engine Core in its chest pulsed with a cold, mechanical glow.

Caelus stepped forward, placing himself protectively between Lyriel and the automaton. His spear materialized in a burst of violet energy.

"What is this…?"

The Valkyrex tilted its head, its visor glowing as it scanned them. Thrusters on its back ignited, launching it toward Caelus.

Raising his spear, Caelus barely managed to block the automaton’s energy blade. The clash of metal rang out, reverberating across the room.

"This isn’t a normal automaton!"

The Valkyrex attacked again. Caelus sidestepped the strike, narrowly avoiding the slash. Beside him, Lorcan unleashed Ebon Barrage, sending a volley of dark energy toward the automaton. The Valkyrex evaded with startling agility.

As the two lined up for another attack, the Valkyrex’s core emitted a wave of blue energy, spreading outward like a blast. The shockwave struck both Caelus and Lorcan, briefly activating their protective barriers before sending them sprawling to the floor.

Lorcan growled as he pushed himself up.

"It’s too fast… way too fast."

Caelus stood, his jaw set tight.

"We can’t win by fighting head-on."

In a flash of light, the Valkyrex reappeared mere inches from Caelus, its energy blade slicing through the air. Caelus twisted his body, narrowly dodging the strike before retaliating with Volt Tempest. His spear spun rapidly, creating a vortex of violet energy that lashed out around him.

The Valkyrex activated Luminal Wings, propelling itself upward to avoid the attack. From its wings, it unleashed a barrage of energy projectiles.

Lorcan activated Veil of Shadows, his body dissipating into a dark mist that moved unpredictably, dodging the projectiles. Meanwhile, Caelus braced himself, deflecting the attacks with his spear, sparks of blue and violet energy lighting the air.

Caelus's eyes caught sight of the steel platform above.

"Wait… this might work," he thought.

"Follow me!" he commanded firmly.

Lorcan gave a curt reply, "Got it."

Caelus's body became enveloped in purple lightning from Stormstride as he dashed swiftly toward the platform at the far end of the room. Lorcan followed closely, his steps cloaked in a dark aura.

Valkyrex shot forward, its glowing blue wings ablaze, twin energy blades raised, ready to strike. Caelus and Lorcan intercepted the attack. The purple electricity of Caelus's spear and Lorcan’s dark aura clashed against the automaton’s blue energy blades. One of Valkyrex’s blades grazed Lorcan’s sleeve, but the automaton suddenly became ensnared by Dusk Shackle.

Dark shadows emerged from the floor, coiling tightly around Valkyrex’s legs, holding it in place.

"Gotcha... fell for it," Lorcan said smugly.

Caelus spun his spear rapidly before hurling it with Voltaic Burst. Purple lightning erupted, shattering the steel platform above them. In an instant, Valkyrex broke free from Dusk Shackle, its luminous wings carrying it into the air. However, Caelus and Lorcan activated Evocyte Link, pulling the collapsing platform toward the automaton.

The steel platform smashed into Valkyrex, but its natural blue shield, Evocyte Barrier, activated, protecting it. The automaton became pinned, unable to move. Caelus acted quickly, aiming his spear at the automaton's chest.

"Skyward Thrust!"

A surge of electricity engulfed the room, followed by Lorcan delivering a crushing blow with Ebon Fist. Upon impact, a dark shockwave exploded, destroying the automaton and the steel platform. All that remained were scattered pieces of metal.

Caelus approached Lyriel, disabling the energy shield by pressing a console button beside her.

"Caelus!" Lyriel cried, her voice trembling.

She ran to her son and embraced him tightly, tears streaming down her face. Caelus stood rigid, then slowly wrapped his arms around her, holding back his own surge of emotions.

Suddenly, the floor trembled violently. From the ceiling, three more Valkyrex descended simultaneously, their Luminal Wings glowing brightly, radiating heavy Evocyte energy into the air.

Lorcan growled, his tone flat.

"Three more? Seriously? How do we even fight these?"

Caelus took a step back, gripping Lyriel's hand tightly, his eyes darting toward the exit. The tremors intensified—the ship was preparing to launch.

A deafening explosion shattered the main door, blue and golden flashes flooding the room. From the smoke and debris emerged Drifter, Friedrich, and Alina, their weapons raised, their faces resolute.

Friedrich scanned the room with a sharp gaze, immediately taking command.

"We can't fight them all here. Fall back to the entrance!"

The group quickly formed a defensive formation, retreating. But the Valkyrex units surged forward with their glowing wings, encircling them with precise coordination.

Friedrich raised his hand, golden light enveloping the group.

"Blessing of Light!"

The radiant energy strengthened them, but the Valkyrex’s relentless assault didn’t waver. Two units charged directly, forcing Friedrich and Drifter to hold the line. The third unit darted toward Lorcan, its energy blade narrowly missing his face.

Lorcan dodged, wiping a streak of blood from his cheek.

"Damn it… even faster than before!"

Drifter faced off against the first Valkyrex. The blade of Exaltare clashed against the automaton’s energy weapon, the sound of colliding energies filling the air. His spectral blue energy swords were destroyed by shots fired from the automaton's wings. Drifter teleported behind the Valkyrex to attack from a new angle, but the automaton activated Phase Shift, disappearing into glowing blue particles to evade his strike.

Not wanting to linger in close combat, Drifter released Exalt Bolt, a surge of blue energy that struck from afar as he continued moving backward.

On the other side, Friedrich faced the second Valkyrex. He focused on defense, raising Lexivane to block the automaton’s attacks. When an opening appeared, he unleashed Light Barrage, a flurry of radiant energy blasts from the sigils surrounding him. However, the attacks failed to connect with the target.

The third Valkyrex engaged Lorcan and Caelus. Lorcan launched an aggressive assault, but his punches missed repeatedly. Assessing the situation, he activated Veil of Shadows, dark mist enveloping him and blocking incoming attacks to protect both himself and Caelus.

Meanwhile, Caelus, wielding his lightning spear, launched sharp, rapid thrusts. Some struck the Valkyrex, but the automaton's natural shield, Evocyte Barrier, absorbed much of the damage.

At the front, Alina led the group, occasionally glancing back. She transformed Frostshard Legacy into an ice lance. With a swift motion, she unleashed Cerulion Spiral—the lance, wrapped in spiraling blue ice, swung with precision, releasing a surge of icy energy in a spiraling torrent.

However, the second Valkyrex activated Zero Point Shield, absorbing the ice attack and reflecting it back. One unit fired a barrage of blue projectiles at Alina, but she calmly spun her lance, deflecting the attacks one by one.

The first Valkyrex phase shift attempted to flank Alina from behind, but she swiftly executed Cerulion Impale. Dissolving into shimmering ice particles, she reappeared high above the automaton. With precision, she hurled her lance downward, embedding it into the Valkyrex. The impact created a massive spike of ice that ensnared the automaton, its struggles causing the icy prison to crack with each movement. As the ice began to crack, Friedrich was already in position before the first Valkyrex. Reacting with precision, he raised Clariven, its radiant glow intensifying in his grip.

"Radiant Smite!" he roared, his voice thundering across the chamber as he delivered a devastating strike.

The strike of Clariven smashed into the Valkyrex, releasing a dazzling shockwave of light. The automaton's joints locked, its body trembling as it struggled to move but remained immobilized.

Drifter advanced without hesitation, slashing with Exalt Edge. A wave of blue energy tore through the air, striking the Valkyrex. The sound of cracking filled the room as its Evocyte Barrier shattered like glass.

Alina activated Cerulion Dash, dashing forward in a blur of icy mist that trailed behind her. As she moved, her lance seamlessly transformed into a glowing greatsword.

"Blauzorn Frostbreaker!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the battlefield.

She swung the radiant ice blade with precision, landing an explosive strike on the Valkyrex. Blue explosion erupted on impact, scattering ice particles in every direction. The automaton shattered into jagged shards, obliterated completely by the devastating attack.

Nearby, Lorcan, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, grinned.

"One down—finally!"

But their victory was short-lived. The floor shook violently as more Vexor units entered the room, launching bright red projectiles that filled the air with explosions.

The group reached the exit at last. Alina ran to the control panel beside the door, her fingers moving swiftly across the buttons.

"Wait, I’m trying to open it!"

Before she could finish, Lorcan stepped forward with a wild grin.

"No need for that!"

Lorcan slammed his fists into the door, each punch echoing loudly throughout the room. Dark energy from Ebon Fist enveloped his strikes, causing the metal door to shudder and warp.

As the door began to crack, Caelus stepped in. His spear crackled with dancing lightning.

"Thunderbolt Strike!" he yelled.

The thunderous explosion shattered the door, sending cracks spiraling outward before it finally burst open.

Cold night air rushed in. Without hesitation, they leapt out, leaving the chaos behind.

[Location: Sky Above Verm Plains – Night – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The night wind whipped against their bodies as they free-fell. Caelus held Lyriel tightly, shielding her from the rushing wind. Below them, the Verm Plains appeared as a dark blur, rushing closer at a terrifying speed.

Despite his ragged breathing, Lorcan laughed lightly amidst the adrenaline surge.

"Better pray our barriers don’t crap out on us!"

Suddenly, the sky above lit up. Panels on the black cylindrical skyship opened, revealing rows of charging cannons. A massive red energy beam formed at their tips, radiating destruction.

Hovering nearby, Friedrich turned his head. His expression remained calm despite the growing danger. He raised his hand, his aura glowing golden.

"Celestial Aegis!"

Golden runes appeared forming a transparent dome around the group. The first shot from the colossal red beam struck the shield, but it held firm. The energy dispersed into shimmering golden fragments, twinkling like fireflies in the dark.

However, the barrage continued relentlessly, the deafening roar filling the air. Lyriel, her eyes shut tightly, wept silently. Her hands clasped together as if in prayer. Beside her, Caelus glanced upward anxiously, his body tense, his breathing shallow.

Inside the golden dome, a momentary calm replaced the chaos outside. However, cracks began forming on the surface of the shield, spreading like a glowing spiderweb.

Friedrich raised his hands higher, pouring all his energy into the barrier. The golden light flared brightly, resisting the relentless onslaught. The dome reflected the final blast of the red beam, dispersing its destructive energy into shimmering fragments of light that scattered into the sky.

Finally, the golden dome shattered in a radiant explosion, disintegrating into small shards that fell like shooting stars. Silence returned as their last shield disappeared, leaving the group exposed under the crimson sky's looming threat.

Above, the Skyship disappeared from sight. The night air returned, harsh and biting. Friedrich collapsed, gasping for breath, his body drained. The ground below drew closer—dark, rugged, and inevitable.

A violent impact followed as they hit the earth. Their natural Evocyte Barriers flared upon contact, cushioning the fall.

Lorcan, sitting up, wiped his face and let out a small laugh.

“We... we’re alive. Seriously, we’re still alive!”

Caelus lay still, his breathing labored. Beside him, Lyriel slowly rose, her hands trembling. Her gaze fell on her son, filled with gratitude and disbelief. Carefully, her hand reached out, touching Caelus’s cheek.

“Thank you... all of you,” she whispered, her voice weak but heartfelt. Her gaze shifted to Friedrich and the others, brimming with gratitude.

“You saved us.”

Caelus rose gradually, lowering his head.

“Thank you... I... I don’t know what else to say,” he murmured softly.

Drifter, Alina, and Friedrich exchanged glances, small smiles appearing on their faces.

Above them, the black cylindrical Skyship drifted away into the night, vanishing into the shadows.

[Location: ??? Skyship – Night – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

In a room with transparent walls revealing the night sky, a man with golden hair sat silently. His eyes were locked on a large holographic display to his left, labeled "Magnification," showing the group below. His sharp gaze fixated on Lyriel, embracing Caelus in the image. His expression hardened, conveying more than mere anger.

To his right, another hologram displayed a triangular red formation trailing far behind a central blue cylinder.

His hand hovered over the console before him, which flared bright red upon contact.

The engines of the Skyship roared, and the vessel accelerated into the night, leaving a heavy silence below.

On the ground, only the night wind and the stars remained, watching over the stillness after the storm.

[Location: City of Nethia – Night – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The blue light of the Translocator faded, leaving the group standing under the night sky. The city of Nethia stretched out before them, its Evocyte lights forming intricate street patterns, while the central river glistened like a living vein.

As they approached the city, a man with dark blue hair dressed in all black greeted them. Drifter recognized him—the same man he had encountered during the Nethia Festival. Behind him stood Reina, Helvra, Xaltherion, and a few unfamiliar faces.

Caelus held his mother’s hand tightly, his eyes filled with worry as he looked at the pale Lyriel. The man with blue hair gestured toward the nearby Alcherider Titan, parked and ready.

Once everyone was inside, the vehicle began to move. In the distance, a towering crystalline building bearing the words Evocaier Order Nethia HQ and adorned with the lotus-and-wing emblem of the Evocaier Order stood majestically, its surface reflecting the vibrant lights of the night.

The Alcherider Titan halted in an underground parking area. They ascended via an elevator, led by Friedrich and the man with blue hair. The ride ended in a modest room: a table, two chairs, and a Magisterial Console hovering in the center.

Friedrich gestured for Lyriel to sit. Her steps were slow, her body trembling. As she settled into the chair, her gaze dropped, exhaustion etched across her face. Caelus stood by her side, never letting go of her hand.

In the corner, Drifter, the blue-haired man, and Alina stood silent, their expressions tense. Friedrich activated the console, its glowing display recording every detail.

"Mrs. Lyriel, we need an explanation. Why did you leave the city without informing anyone? And how did you end up as a hostage?"

Friedrich's voice was firm but composed, his gaze briefly shifting to Caelus before focusing back on her.

"For now, your son can stay, but we need your full honesty."

Lyriel clutched her robe, her hands trembling, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It’s… my husband…"

Her gaze turned to Caelus, her face full of regret.

"What? Father… is alive?" Caelus’s voice shook, his eyes widening.

Friedrich’s sharp gaze intensified, his tone more serious.

"What is your husband’s name?"

Lyriel lowered her head, her words heavy.

"He… Kalevi Amelioris."

The name landed like a blow. The Magisterial Console projected a profile: a man with sharp features and intelligent eyes. The description read: Conclave of Eldoria, Technological Researcher, Light Mage.

Friedrich scanned the data swiftly.

"Specialist in technological artifacts and light magic… What was he researching?"

Lyriel hesitated, her grip on her robe tightening. Silence stretched until Caelus, his voice soft but urgent, broke it.

"Mother… we need to know."

She swallowed hard, her voice frail but laden with burden.

"He never said much… always kept secrets. But before he changed, he mentioned studying something ancient—a kind of artifact."

Drifter, who had been silent, finally spoke.

"An artifact…?" he murmured.

His gaze met Friedrich’s, who gave a slight nod, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

Lyriel’s voice trembled as she continued.

"I thought he had changed. He said everything would be different… But it was all a lie."

Friedrich stepped closer, his voice softer but still firm.

"Why did he come to see you?"

Lyriel slowly lifted her gaze, meeting Friedrich’s eyes.

“He said he wanted to stay with us. But then he started asking about my visitors... about Drifter. And then he asked about the Cube. When I refused to answer, he... abducted me.”

A heavy silence settled over the room. Friedrich turned off the recorder with a tap on the console.

“Thank you for your honesty. Now, you need to rest.”

Caelus stood beside his mother, his face a mix of emotions he could barely conceal. His grip on Lyriel’s hand tightened.

"I’m sorry, Caelus," Lyriel whispered.

Caelus nodded slowly, his voice breaking.

"It’s okay, Mom. It’s not your fault."

Friedrich signaled the blue-haired man.

"Vilreth, escort them home. Ensure their safety."

Vilreth nodded, his expression stoic.

"Understood."

As Vilreth, Lyriel, and Caelus left, silence settled in the room.

Drifter leaned against the wall, his voice low.

"Professor, could this be the Cult of Shadronis?"

Friedrich shook his head.

“No. Their automaton and Skyship technology are far too advanced. Someone wouldn’t be stupid enough to fund some obscure, shady cult.”

“This is more likely tied to a major nation.”

Drifter’s eyes narrowed.

“But… who? And why would they want the Cube?”

Alina, who had been quiet, finally spoke.

"Since the Cube was discovered, the threats around us have only grown. Are we prepared for what’s coming?"

Friedrich exhaled deeply, his tone gentle but resolute.

"I will report this to the Grandmasters. Security measures will be heightened. We have no other choice."

His gaze shifted between Drifter and Alina.

"Get some rest. Thank you for your efforts."

They both nodded in unison before leaving the room.

The door closed softly, leaving Friedrich alone. He stood still, staring at the now-dark console, his thoughts heavy.

Reaching for an old pendant around his neck, he opened it to reveal a faded photograph of a pink-haired woman and two pink-haired children. His gaze softened, though his jaw tightened.

"I swore to protect them," he thought, clutching the pendant tightly.

"And I will not break that promise."