[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 Lorcan and Caelus, 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.

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.

"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, an automaton descended, black armor gleaming, towering and lean, with blue energy wings and a triangular core in its chest. 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, their natural barriers briefly flaring 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, its blue energy wings expanding and 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 the Valkyrex, but its natural barrier activated, glowing a brilliant blue. The automaton became pinned, unable to move. Caelus leaped high, violet lightning covering him as he descended with his spear aimed at the Valkyrex's chest.

"Skyward Thrust!"

As Caelus's spear hit the Valkyrex's chest with violet lightning, followed by Lorcan delivering a crushing blow with Ebon Fist, a dark shockwave exploded upon impact. The automaton and steel platform were decimated, leaving only scattered pieces of metal in their wake.

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.

Suddenly, the floor trembled violently. From the ceiling, three more Valkyrex descended simultaneously, their Luminal Wings glowing brightly, radiating blue 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.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

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.

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 straight, shoulder-length blonde hair, neatly parted in the middle, and black 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."