Chapter 19. Echoes of the Past, Bonds of the Present

[Location: Area Zero – Morning – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

6:07 AM

The sky was still dark as Drifter and Luna Sabriel packed up their gear. They continued their journey, trudging through increasingly barren hills.

Hours later, they reached an area where the sky was streaked with intertwining flashes of black, purple, and green. The air grew heavier, pressing down on them.

Luna stopped, glancing at Drifter. "The Lumina Core... it’s lost connection."

Drifter glanced at his wrist, noticing the runes on the Lumina Core were dark and inactive. "We’re close."

Their pace slowed as they advanced. The desolate ground around them was scarred with deep cracks, resembling open wounds. A low hum echoed in the air, blending with a strange high-pitched tone, forming an unsettling harmony. Whispers surrounded them, faint and ethereal, as if emerging from the void.

Drifter walked cautiously, his eyes fixed on the cracked earth beneath him. Each line seemed to call to him, tugging at memories he had long tried to bury. The oppressive air made every breath a struggle.

He glanced to his sides and then behind, ensuring nothing was lurking nearby. Beside him, Luna narrowed her eyes. "Is something wrong?" Her voice was soft but firm.

Drifter gave a slight nod, his jaw tightening as his gaze returned to the horizon, where swirling darkness loomed. He paused, staring at the turbulent sky streaked with black, purple, and green.

"I hear something," he murmured.

Luna stepped closer, her eyes now fixed on the swirling sky above. The clouds churned like ink in water, accompanied by wild bursts of lightning. She took a deep breath. "From that ridge, we might be able to see the remains of Paxluma," she said softly.

Drifter nodded silently. His body felt heavier with every step, yet he pressed forward. A creeping cold slithered down his back, like an invisible serpent.

He suddenly stopped, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the horizon with razor-sharp focus. "They’re here… It’s been too long..." he whispered, barely audible.

His right hand rose, and in an instant, Exaltare materialized—a dark gray blade pulsating with a vivid blue energy coursing along its edges. Beside him, Luna Sabriel raised both hands, her Sigils spinning rapidly around her. The glowing blue circles emanated an icy chill, frost spreading across the rocky ground.

Above them, the sky fractured like shattered glass. From the void emerged dark creatures—Othrupinel-Class. Their bodies were cores of dark energy surrounded by twisting tendrils, their fissures glowing with fiery red veins that pulsed like hateful hearts. The tendrils slammed into the ground, leaving deep scars upon impact.

Drifter spun his blade, the blue glow intensifying along its length. "It’s been a while…" he muttered, almost as if to himself.

In a flash of light, Drifter vanished, reappearing behind one of the Othrupinel with blinding speed. Exaltare arced through the air in a precise slash, cutting through the creature’s core. Blue energy erupted from the wound, and the creature dissolved into a black mist that vanished within seconds.

"Only Othrupinel?" he remarked calmly.

The tendrils of the remaining creatures lashed out, striking with deadly precision. Drifter shifted slightly, his movements effortlessly precise as he dodged each attack.

Raising his left hand, Drifter unleashed an Exalt Bolt—a concentrated beam of vibrant blue energy. The bolt streaked through the air toward an empty point when, suddenly, an Othrupinel shifted directly into its path. The energy struck the creature’s core with pinpoint accuracy, causing it to fracture before detonating in a sharp explosion. The Othrupinel's body shattered into black fragments, which dissolved into the void within moments.

A brief silence followed before the low hum of the remaining creatures filled the air again.

"Strange… I can feel them more clearly now," Drifter thought, casting a quick glance at Luna.

Across from him, Luna Sabriel prepared her attack. Her Sigils spun faster, and from their center emerged dozens of icy spears—Glacialis Lanzaris. The spears launched with incredible speed, each striking the cores of the creatures with deadly precision. The cores froze instantly before shattering into sharp fragments. Not a single spear missed its mark.

Inwardly, Drifter couldn’t help but admire her accuracy.

"Impressive, Luna," he thought, gripping Exaltare tightly as he prepared for the next wave.

The sky churned once more. From the swirling void, more Othrupinel descended, accompanied by several Direntica-Class creatures.

The Direntica-Class resembled twisted humanoid forms, their bodies cloaked in dark energy rippling like flames. They moved with incredible speed, vanishing into the shadows as they closed in.

As Drifter annihilated the swarm of Othrupinel, a sudden presence behind him made his instincts flare. In an instant, he spun and slashed with Exaltare, cleaving a Direntica-Class in a single strike.

"Be careful, Luna. They're smart," he warned sharply.

A spear from one of the Direntica shot toward Luna Sabriel with blinding speed. She dodged gracefully, her movements subtle yet precise.

When another Direntica lunged from the darkness, a second spear hurled from the right. Luna quickly materialized Ice Shield, erecting a thick barrier of ice to block the attack. The Direntica, however, adapted its angle swiftly. As the attack nearly breached her defenses, Luna activated Glacialis Burst, triggering icy runes beneath the creature. The ground erupted in a freezing explosion, encasing the Direntica in ice before shattering it into fragments.

Drifter smirked slightly, impressed by her tactical brilliance.

The battle became a deadly dance. Drifter charged forward with Exaltare, the energy blade whirling around him in precise arcs. Blue bolts of energy from his Exalt Bolt struck enemy cores with unerring accuracy. Meanwhile, Luna rained down attacks with Ice Bolt and Glacialis Lanzaris, her icy spears tearing through enemies as she filled the battlefield with deadly Glacialis Burst traps that destroyed foes one by one.

When the skirmish ended, silence returned to the area, save for the faint hum of the Abyssal Breach, lingering like an unwelcome shadow.

Drifter lowered his sword, and Exaltare dissolved into blue shards, vanishing into the air. He stood still, gazing into the distance. "Are you alright?" he asked softly, not turning.

Luna lowered her hands, her Sigil fading away. Her face remained calm, but her eyes betrayed tension. "Yes… thank you."

Drifter glanced at her briefly.

"You're incredible, Luna. The way you fight... it's like you've faced the Cataclysmaris before."

Luna appeared momentarily startled but quickly turned away, her voice steady.

"Let’s keep moving. It’s dangerous here; they could return."

Drifter nodded silently.

They continued their journey in silence, their steps heavy as they fought against the growing gravity and pressure of the environment. Eventually, they reached the top of the hill.

Drifter stood frozen, his gaze sharp. "No way..."

Before them lay a vast black chasm, like a gaping wound in the earth. The Abyssal Breach roiled above it, wild black clouds swirling violently, interspersed with flashes of purple, green, and black lightning. At its center, a massive, pulsating anomaly loomed, like a diseased heart beating slowly, its rhythm palpable in the air and pressing into their chests.

In the skies surrounding the rift, swarms of Gravephoma-Class creatures floated. Their colossal forms were as large as skyships, their numbers an endless sea. A chill ran down their spines as they took in the terrifying sight.

His steps faltered as he stared into the vast chasm. His breath hitched, his chest tightening. He knew what this was, understood what had happened, but seeing it with his own eyes was overwhelming.

"Paxluma… it’s... gone. Everything," he murmured, his voice barely audible, drowned by the whispering wind.

Drifter stood like a statue, his gaze locked on the swirling void above. His fists clenched, but his face betrayed nothing. Inside, old wounds tore open, deeper and more painful than before. The world before him—the land, the memories, the stories that shaped his life—was now nothing but emptiness.

Luna Sabriel stepped closer, her wide eyes scanning the devastation. Understanding dawned on her face, mingled with shock and sympathy.

"This… it’s impossible," she said softly, her voice heavy with empathy. "I’m so sorry."

Drifter heard her words. His shoulders tensed briefly, but he didn’t turn. His breaths were long and labored, a struggle to maintain his composure. His eyes remained fixed on the swirling chaos above, even as memories flooded his mind—the sound of morning bells, the laughter of friends, the faces of his family. All of it felt so close, yet impossibly far away, like a dream he could no longer reach.

"The place, the land, the history—everything that gave it meaning… gone. Just like that," he said, his voice low and strained, heavy with the weight of loss.

Luna lowered her head. Her hands balled into fists at her sides, her blue eyes trembling. She wanted to say something, but no words felt sufficient. She glanced at Drifter, then back at the dark chasm ahead. The air around them grew colder, the silence heavier.

Drifter glanced at Luna briefly, catching the flicker of emotion she tried to hide. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.

"What… really happened here?" he asked, his voice low but charged with intensity.

Luna shook her head slightly. "I don’t know… but we should leave. It’s not safe."

Drifter turned his gaze back to the chasm. The void seemed to call to him, pulling him toward it. But he knew better. With a short, heavy breath, he turned away. His first step was heavy, as if resisting gravity itself. Then another, forcing himself to move.

They descended the hill in silence. The only sound was the crunch of their footsteps against the rocky ground. Drifter cast one last glance over his shoulder, the emptiness burning itself into his memory. He would never forget this. He couldn’t.

When they reached the bottom, Luna turned slightly but said nothing. They continued their journey back toward the Frontier Outpost, the weight of their discovery pressing heavily on them.

[Location: Frontier Outpost – Morning – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The first light of dawn seeped through the canopy of trees, casting long shadows across the path. Drifter and Luna Sabriel walked slowly, the silence between them as heavy as the lingering darkness of the surrounding forest.

As they neared the outpost, the oppressive aura of the Abyssal Breach began to fade. Drifter’s breathing grew easier, but the weight on his chest never fully lifted.

Suddenly, a faint whisper brushed against his senses, almost like a distant echo.

"My Dear….. We will meet again..."

He stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the treeline around them for the source of the voice. There was nothing—only the rustle of leaves stirred by the morning breeze.

Ahead, Luna paused and turned to him, her expression questioning. "Is something wrong?" she asked, her voice calm.

Drifter forced a faint smile and shook his head. "No… I’m fine. Just tired, that’s all."

Luna studied him for a moment longer than usual but said nothing, turning to continue walking. The silence returned, heavier than before.

At the gates of the Outpost, several Evocaier Order guards stood waiting, their postures rigid and their expressions unreadable. One stepped forward, his voice firm and authoritative.

"Drifter and Luna Sabriel. You’re expected."

Drifter exchanged a brief glance with Luna, then removed his Lumina Core from his wrist. Luna followed suit, silently handing hers over. The guard inspected the devices, nodded once, and signaled for them to proceed.

"This way," he said curtly.

Without a word, Drifter and Luna stepped through the gates, their movements deliberate but calm. They offered no resistance, knowing any protests were futile.

Their journey stopped before a heavy door pulsing with magical energy. Beyond it, a small cell awaited, enclosed by a faintly shimmering Magic Barrier. Drifter eyed the walls for a moment, his expression unreadable, before leaning back against them, his arms crossed as time began to stretch.

In the corner, Luna sat motionless, her gaze fixed on the floor. Despite her apparent calm, her posture remained sharp and ready, betraying her vigilance.

The only sound was the fading echo of the guards’ boots down the corridor. Silence soon enveloped the room, leaving the two alone with their thoughts. The atmosphere grew heavier with each passing moment, a tension neither could ignore.

Hours later, the door creaked open. A guard entered, his expression stoic as he held out their Lumina Cores.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"The Grandmasters are ready to see you. Follow me."

Rising without a word, Drifter and Luna accepted their devices, securing them to their wrists before falling into step behind the guard. The weight of what was to come pressed down on them, but their expressions remained composed as they marched into the unknown. They were led into a rectangular room with ash-gray walls and a long table at its end. The four Grandmasters were already seated: Amisha Kaputri, Mina Hildebrand, Lysander Everhart, and Ragnar Ashmane. Their faces were solemn.

Drifter and Luna stood before the long table. Drifter’s gaze flicked to Luna, noticing her calm expression despite the slight tension at the corners of her lips. He took a deep breath, but his chest felt tight, as if the room itself was devoid of air.

Lysander opened the proceedings, his voice calm yet commanding.

"Luna, the floor is yours."

Luna Sabriel nodded, her expression composed as she addressed the Grandmasters.

"I take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize for violating protocol and accept any consequences deemed appropriate."

Before she could continue, Drifter interjected firmly.

"This is on me. Luna only went because of me. I brought her there, knowing the risks. If there’s blame, it’s mine to bear."

Ragnar Ashmane leaned forward, his voice cutting through the room with cold authority.

"According to Protocol VII, Paragraph 13, venturing into Paxluma without authorization is a breach punishable by death."

The declaration struck Drifter like a physical blow. His breath caught, his jaw tightening as beads of sweat formed on his brow. His fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles turning white as he fought to steady himself. He glanced at the faces of the Grandmasters, hoping for reprieve but finding only stoic, unreadable expressions.

Ragnar fixed them with a steely gaze.

"What do you have to say in your defense?"

Taking a steadying breath, Drifter spoke firmly, though his voice betrayed his inner turmoil.

"This is my fault alone. If the punishment is death, then let it fall on me and me alone."

Luna turned sharply toward him, her calm demeanor giving way to a flicker of emotion—her jaw tightened, and her eyes showed a glimmer of unspoken concern.

"Drifter," she began softly, her tone edged with tension, but she stopped herself, choosing her words carefully.

Ragnar’s voice cut through the tension, grave and unrelenting.

"Very well. Your request is granted. Luna, carry out the sentence."

Drifter turned to meet Luna’s gaze. Her brows furrowed slightly, and for a fleeting moment, he saw a gentleness in her eyes that belied her composed exterior.

Luna stiffened and addressed the Grandmasters directly.

"Excuse me, Grandmaster?"

Ragnar repeated firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

"You heard me. Execute him. Now."

Luna’s eyes narrowed as she drew herself up, her voice steady and resolute.

"With all due respect, Grandmaster, I cannot comply. While Drifter did violate protocol, his intent was not selfish. He sought to monitor the Cataclysmaris and investigate the Cube for the benefit of Vesteria. The punishment does not fit the crime."

She continued resolutely.

"I cannot carry out this sentence. I am prepared to accept punishment for my defiance."

Suddenly, Ragnar let out a low chuckle.

'Very well, apologies to both of you. We did this to ensure neither of you was influenced by the cube.'"

Lysander inclined his head slightly. "Once again, forgive us."

Amisha added softly. "We’re sorry, Drifter and Luna."

Mina offered a faint smile. "I trust you, Drifter. And you too, Luna."

Both Drifter and Luna exhaled deeply, relief washing over them.

Ragnar returned to his stern demeanor.

"Now, explain what you found. Tell us everything."

Luna took the lead.

"We found nothing, Grandmasters. Paxluma is gone. The entire city has vanished, replaced by an expansive void. We encountered Cataclysmaris, but beyond that… there’s no trace of Paxluma."

As Luna spoke, Drifter noticed the Grandmasters remained composed, their expressions betraying no hint of surprise, as if they had long anticipated this revelation. Drifter clenched his fists tightly, frustration boiling beneath his calm exterior.

"They knew? And they kept it hidden? Why? " Drifter's thoughts raced, the realization both infuriating and unsettling.

Breaking the tense silence, Ragnar leaned back in his chair, his voice heavy with the burden of memories.

"I’ve seen it myself. Nearly 400 years ago, I was part of the first expedition to Paxluma. Those who ventured deeper… never returned. I survived only because I was scouting the Area Zero perimeter. But the sight of what happened to Paxluma—it’s haunted me ever since."

Luna’s eyes darkened, her steps firm as she moved closer, her tone sharp and unyielding.

"You knew, and you kept this from everyone? Why?"

Amisha sighed deeply, her gaze meeting Luna’s with a somber intensity.

"The truth would have unleashed chaos, Luna. Think about the rumors, the fear, the panic among the people of Vesteria. An entire city vanishing without explanation? If that knowledge spread, it could destroy the fragile peace we’ve worked tirelessly to preserve."

Mina spoke next, her voice weighted with unease.

"We don’t even know if it happened during the Battle of Paxluma… or sometime after. That uncertainty is what troubles us the most."

Lysander ended the discussion, his piercing gaze locking onto the two of them.

"The mystery remains—a dangerous enigma we cannot ignore."

He paused briefly before continuing, his tone firm but measured.

"Drifter, Luna, you are forgiven this time. But heed my warning—do not return there again. For now, return to the academy."

Lysander’s gaze softened slightly, though his voice remained steady.

"Until we uncover the truth about the cube, all expeditions to Paxluma are suspended. But I promise you this—when the time comes, you will return, and you will have my full support."

A faint smile flickered on Drifter's face.

"Thank you, Grandmasters," Drifter and Luna said in unison, bowing respectfully before turning to leave the chamber.

As they reached the door, Lysander Everhart’s voice called out, halting them.

"Wait, Luna. I need a word."

Luna Sabriel halted mid-step. "Of course, Grandmaster."

She followed Lysander to the corner of the room. Drifter glanced back briefly, then waited by the door, his posture calm but attentive.

Lysander regarded Luna with a serious expression.

"I’ve been thinking about your journey with Drifter. Did you notice anything unusual about him? Any changes?"

Luna paused, her brow furrowing slightly as she considered his question.

"The whispers... they’re weaker now, but they always return when he’s near the Cube."

She continued after a brief hesitation.

"It only happens when he’s close to it. Outside of that, he seems… controlled."

Lysander’s eyebrows rose slightly.

"Controlled, you say? I didn’t expect you to join him. That was an unusual decision."

Luna replied with quiet conviction.

"Someone had to watch him. Leaving him alone was not an option."

Lysander smiled faintly, his gaze softening.

"You’re right, as always. Your judgment is sound, Luna. I’m relieved you returned safely."

Luna inclined her head slightly.

"Thank you, Grandmaster. I’ll continue to keep an eye on him and report any further changes."

Lysander placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Good. Be careful, Luna."

As Luna finished speaking with Lysander, Drifter turned toward her. Without a word, the two left the room together and walked toward the Outpost’s parking area.

In the parking area, Drifter approached his Alcherider Zenith. He climbed in and activated the engine, the low hum filling the air with a calm yet powerful resonance. Without looking back, he motioned toward her.

"Let’s go, Luna."

Luna nodded slightly, slipping into the seat beside him. Her gaze remained fixed ahead, her movements measured and quiet.

They drove along the dusty trail leading away from the Outpost, accompanied only by the soft whistle of the wind. There was no conversation, no exchange of glances. The silence between them was dense, almost suffocating, but neither made an effort to break it.

Drifter felt something intangible settle over them—a weight beyond the exhaustion of their long journey. It was deeper, an unspoken bond growing between them, unseen but undeniable. Like a shadow, it clung to them, present in every moment.

He stole a glance at Luna, noting her steady silence. Her gaze was unwavering, focused ahead, yet something in her eyes suggested she felt it too—a quiet understanding shared between them, requiring no words.

The engine of the Alcherider thrummed steadily, carrying them farther from the Frontier Outpost. In the thick silence, Drifter knew there was nothing more to say—not yet. Luna might understand, or she might not, but he realized this journey wasn’t just another mission. It was something far greater, and neither of them was fully prepared for what lay ahead.

[Location: Verm Plain – Nethia City – Midday – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The vast blue sky stretched endlessly above Verm Plain, its serene beauty a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind in Area Zero. Waves of green grass swayed gently in the breeze, accompanied by the melodic chirping of Skybirds as they flitted through the air. The rumble of Alcheriders on the dusty road echoed faintly, a quiet backdrop to the tranquil scene.

In the distance, the crystal towers of Nethia City shimmered under the sunlight, their majestic spires reaching for the heavens and casting dazzling silhouettes against the horizon.

Drifter gripped the controls of his Zenith firmly, his gaze steady on the road, though his mind wandered far. The faint melody playing from the vehicle’s Magisterial Console barely registered, lost amidst the noise of his thoughts.

The scene before him, despite its peace, felt fragile. His mind drifted back to memories of a darker time—skies thick with smoke, lifeless ground cracked with decay, and air suffused with despair. The contrast between that haunting past and the fragile hope in this moment was stark.

He glanced sideways, catching a faint smile playing on Luna Sabriel’s lips. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was there—a small, rare moment of warmth. To Drifter, that smile was a quiet miracle, a reminder that even amidst uncertainty, there was still light to be found.

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

Upon arriving at the Evocaier Academy, a quiet atmosphere greeted them. It was Founders’ Day, the annual celebration of the Order's founding, and the campus was empty due to the holiday. They walked from the underground parking area, their footsteps the only sound echoing along the path to the Residential Zone.

As they approached the courtyard, their steps slowed. Ahead, a group of familiar faces had gathered, their smiles bright with the festive spirit. Jaxon Virelli, Friedrich Rosenthal, Alma Rosenthal, Nadia Fernleaf, Caelus, Bryan, Erick, Alyssa, Sloane Gast, Reine Lindt, Lorcan Grindelwald, Vaeloria, Lily, Mia, and Alina Walsh stood near the entrance, their expressions full of excitement.

Jaxon, wearing his signature aviator glasses and a casual grin, stepped forward and clapped Drifter hard on the shoulder, his laughter filling the lobby.

"Where’ve you been, man? How was the date?"

For once, Luna Sabriel, usually composed, averted her gaze as a red flush crept across her cheeks. Her lips parted as though to respond, but Drifter cut in first, his tone lighthearted.

"Yeah, sure. Fighting Cataclysmaris totally counts as a date," he said, smirking at Jaxon.

Alma Rosenthal tried to hold back her laughter, pressing a hand over her mouth, but it escaped anyway. Her eyes glinted with mischief as she teased,

"Luna, who would’ve thought? For a moment, I almost believed you two eloped!"

Laughter erupted in the lobby, breaking the tension with a wave of warmth. Nadia, standing beside Alma, adjusted her glasses as a soft smile crossed her face.

"I’m just glad you’re both back, Drifter and Miss Luna," she said gently.

Sloane Gast raised an eyebrow, his grin widening.

"True that, Alma! So, where’s the party to celebrate the new couple?" he teased, clearly enjoying the moment.

Luna’s face grew even redder, her hands gripping the edges of her gown tightly.

"No! It’s not like that!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in pitch and breaking slightly.

Vaeloria, with a playful glint in her eye, stepped forward, her gaze locking on Drifter.

"Aw, I’m jealous. Drifter, I’ve been waiting for you this whole time," she said in a mock-pout, earning more laughter from the group.

Drifter sighed, shaking his head but keeping his tone playful.

"Sorry to disappoint, but this wasn’t a date."

Lorcan Grindelwald, leaning casually against the decorations, smirked.

"You should’ve told us! I’d have tagged along. A firsthand fight with Cataclysmaris? Sign me up!" he said, his tone a mix of jest and genuine interest.

Caelus, ever formal, straightened his collar as he nodded toward them.

"It’s good to have you both back, Sir, Ma’am," he said stiffly, his overly formal tone drawing snickers from the others.

In the back of the group, Reine Lindt, with his lanky frame and oversized jacket, leaned slightly forward. His soft smile carried a calm warmth as he said,

"Welcome back, Drifter and Miss Luna."

From the back of the group, Alina Walsh stepped forward. Her light steps carried a seriousness that tempered the cheerful atmosphere slightly. Her gaze softened as she looked at the two of them, her voice filled with quiet relief.

"We were worried about you. I’m glad you made it back safely," she said sincerely, her tone heartfelt.

Luna, her face still flushed from the earlier teasing, took a deep breath. A small but genuine smile crossed her lips as her shoulders relaxed slightly.

"Thank you, Alina. We couldn’t have done it without your support," she replied, her voice unusually warm.

Friedrich Rosenthal, his usual commanding presence intact, stepped forward, his sharp gaze fixed on the pair. His tone was steady, though it carried an edge of disapproval.

"It’s good to have you both back safely. But leaving without notifying anyone… that was unexpected," he said, the subtle reprimand clear in his voice.

Alma, always full of energy, let out a playful chuckle from the side.

"You had Dad pacing for hours!" she teased, her voice light and brimming with mischief.

Luna lowered her head slightly, her voice quiet and full of remorse.

"We’re sorry," she murmured.

Drifter, standing tall, spoke with a measured tone, though the tension in his jaw was evident.

"It’s my fault, Professor. I… I just—" he began, but Friedrich raised a hand, silencing him gently.

"Whatever the reasons, what matters is that you both returned safely," he said, his tone softening.

Alma, as always, lightened the mood with her energy. She pulled out a small, enchanted camera that gleamed faintly with magic.

"Alright, everyone! Since it’s Founders’ Day and we’re all here, let’s take a group photo!" she exclaimed enthusiastically.

The group began to gather, each person finding their spot in front of the festive decorations. As the excitement settled, a bright, cheerful voice suddenly cut through the noise.

"Ooh, looks like something fun is going on here!"

All heads turned almost simultaneously. Vellya floated toward them, her pink twin pigtails bouncing with her movements. Her wide smile lit up her face, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink, but there was a sharp glint in her eyes that not everyone noticed.

Vellya landed gracefully, stepping into the group as though she’d always been part of it.

"A photo? Mama and Papa said they want to join too!" she exclaimed cheerfully, squeezing herself between Alma and Nadia, her two skeletons flanking her without hesitation.

Sloane, with his trademark smirk, raised an eyebrow.

"Well… nice. Can’t say I’ve ever taken a photo with actual skeletons before."

The group finally gathered, forming an unorganized yet delightfully spirited arrangement. Alma, Nadia, Vaeloria, Mia, Lily, and Vellya, accompanied by her two skeletons, struck playful two-finger peace poses over their eyes, their adorable expressions radiating an infectious energy that lit up the scene. On the opposite side, Sloane and Lorcan mimicked the girls’ poses with exaggerated expressions—wide eyes and open mouths—prompting laughter from the rest of the group.

Drifter stood beside Luna Sabriel, his posture upright and steady, exuding an unshakable presence that contrasted sharply with the lively chaos around him.

In the back, Reine Lindt tiptoed, trying to make himself visible among the taller crowd, his small but genuine smile adding a touch of warmth. Caelus, standing at the far end, struck a "cool" pose, straightening his collar and tilting his chin slightly upward, while Bryan, Erick, and Alyssa stood nearby, arms crossed in unison.

Jaxon, in his signature aviator glasses, stood casually to the left, arms folded and a small, amused smile on his face as he soaked in the moment.

In the center, Alina Walsh stood with an elegant but gentle posture, her warm smile radiating calm amidst the excitement. On the far right, Friedrich Rosenthal stood with arms crossed, his dignified presence anchoring the group with an air of authority.

Alma, holding up the camera function on her Lumina Core, beamed with enthusiasm.

"Alright, everyone! Say ‘Evocaier’!" she called out, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Evocaier!" the group shouted in unison as the camera flashed, capturing the moment and freezing it in time.

Amidst the lively cheers and laughter, Drifter remained quiet, his gaze steady. The sound of their joy, the genuine smiles surrounding him, slowly seeped through the cold walls within his heart. A faint warmth began to stir inside him—small, but undeniable.

As he watched them, a thought surfaced, calm yet powerful.

"I’ve lost everything before... but maybe, this time, I’ve found something worth protecting."