Chapter 20: Lament Beneath the Bloom

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

Drifter stood at the edge of the crowd, absorbing the vibrant morning energy that filled the air. The sun cast a soft glow over the grand gates of the academy, its light reflecting off golden carvings that seemed almost alive. Around him, the chatter and laughter of students created a rhythm that contrasted sharply with his inner calm.

His steps were measured, unhurried, yet they carried a presence that caused a few heads to turn as he passed. No words were spoken, but the space around him seemed to still momentarily as he moved through.

A cheerful voice broke through his thoughts.

"Good morning, Drifter!"

He turned, finding Alma Rosenthal waving with a broad smile. Her pink hair shimmered under the morning sun.

He paused his stride and nodded slightly.

"Morning, Alma."

A faint smile—barely noticeable—touched his lips.

Alma approached, her gaze curious and genuine. She studied the nuances of his expression, as if attempting to decipher unspoken thoughts.

"You look... different," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper amid the bustling crowd. "Brighter, maybe?"

Drifter took a slow breath, letting her words settle before responding.

"Do I?" he replied finally, the corner of his lips curling faintly.

Alma, standing directly in front of him, appeared both eager and slightly hesitant.

"By the way, have you joined Lumina Relay yet?" she asked enthusiastically.

Drifter raised an eyebrow, his expression betraying curiosity.

"Lumina Relay?"

"The biggest event of the year! It's the highlight of Founders' Day, where teams of two compete in exciting challenges," Alma explained quickly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

A pause lingered in the air as Drifter observed her movements. Her gaze flickered nervously, and her small hands fiddled with the edges of her bag. Finally, she looked up, her voice softer.

"By the way… are you planning to participate? Trust me, it’ll be fun… and…" she hesitated, her words trailing off.

A moment of silence passed before she finally spoke again, her tone tentative.

"I… still don’t have a team for it. Will you… team up with me?"

He held her gaze, noting the quiet earnestness in her eyes. After a brief pause, he nodded.

"Of course, Alma."

Alma visibly relaxed, her smile widening.

"Thank you, Drifter! I’ll do my best to keep up!"

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

Drifter slowed his pace as he caught Jaxon Virelli's voice in the quiet courtyard. His eyes briefly noticed Alina Walsh standing beside Jaxon. Calmly, Drifter approached them, with Alma walking by his side. As they got closer, Drifter gave a brief wave in greeting. Both of them returned it—Jaxon casually, while Alina responded with a more deliberate gesture.

"Hey, have you signed up yet, pal?" asked Jaxon, his tone light.

"Yeah. I'm paired with Alma," replied Drifter succinctly.

Jaxon nodded enthusiastically.

"Nice! I was just about to ask you."

Turning to Alina, Jaxon’s casual demeanor shifted to mild curiosity.

"Have you signed up for the Lumina Relay yet, Alina? Today’s the last day, you know."

"What? Not yet! Have you?" Alina replied, sounding a bit startled.

Jaxon chuckled lightly.

"Ah, for me, it’s easy. Maybe I’ll sign up with thirty seconds left before the deadline," he said, breaking into a wide grin.

Alina shot him a sharp, irritated glare.

"Typical..." she muttered, before quickly tapping on the Lumina Core on her wrist, her fingers moving swiftly.

A sudden sound of heavy footsteps from behind interrupted her focus. Drifter turned to see Lorcan Grindelwalt, Sloane Gast, and Reine Lindt approaching from the distance. Within seconds, Lorcan collided straight into Alina, almost causing her to lose her balance.

"Hey, watch it, Lorcan!" snapped Alina, her tone sharp.

Without slowing down, Lorcan simply waved with a carefree attitude.

"Sorry, Alina! Gotta rush for a match!" he yelled, disappearing into the distance.

Nearby, Jaxon leaned against a pillar, a small laugh escaping him.

"Man, those guys. You okay, Alina?" he asked, though his tone sounded more mocking than concerned.

Drifter observed as Alina grumbled under her breath while brushing off her clothes. Her gaze remained sharp, though a trace of weariness showed. She resumed tapping her Lumina Core screen until a soft light flickered on the device.

Her expression changed instantly. Her piercing blue eyes narrowed as she read the notification on the screen. She murmured softly, almost to herself,

"What... is this?"

Her gaze hardened further. In quick, decisive movements, she tapped the screen multiple times, as if trying to confirm something unbelievable.

From behind, Jaxon, peering over her shoulder, burst into loud laughter.

"Well, isn’t this my lucky day? Looks like we’re partners!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with mockery.

Drifter noticed how Alina’s expression shifted—from shock to a tightly controlled frustration. Her jaw tightened as she turned to face Jaxon with a cold glare.

Alina shot a glance at Drifter, her eyes flickering with frustration.

"Perfect... now I’m not even sure competing is worth it," she muttered, her tone flat but edged with irritation.

Drifter raised an eyebrow slightly, the corner of his lips curling faintly.

"Good luck, the both of you," he replied briefly, though his tone hinted at quiet amusement.

From behind, Alma, with a soft, gentle smile, added,

"Good luck, Miss Alina, Mister Jaxon."

Alina, fixing her sharp gaze directly on Jaxon, exhaled deeply before speaking in a frosty tone.

"Don’t you dare pull anything, Jaxon."

Jaxon merely laughed, as if the situation was nothing but a source of entertainment for him.

"Whatever you say, boss," he responded casually.

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

As Drifter and Alma walked away, their steps calm, the bustling sounds of the courtyard gradually faded into the background. The tension between Alina and Jaxon lingered in the air, like a dark cloud refusing to drift away.

Halfway through the corridor, another figure appeared—Nadia Fernleaf. Her steps faltered for a moment as her eyes met Alma’s. There was something in her gaze, an unspoken emotion. Nadia opened her mouth as if to greet her, but Alma quickly turned her face away, staring straight ahead. Her movement was sharp, deliberate.

Nadia stood frozen for a few seconds, her fingers clenching at her sides. Her shoulders sagged slowly, and the warmth she usually carried was overshadowed by an unspoken pain. Without a word, she turned and ran in the opposite direction, leaving a sudden silence in the corridor.

Drifter slowed his pace, his eyes following Nadia’s retreating figure, his brows furrowing in confusion.

"What’s going on?" he asked cautiously, his tone low, almost a whisper.

Alma gave a small smile—too perfect to be convincing.

"It’s nothing, Drifter…," she replied softly, but there was an evasive tone in her voice.

"Just something between friends."

Drifter remained silent, observing as Alma quickly adjusted her coat and stepped forward, her movements slightly hurried.

"I’ll head to class now, Drifter. See you at the Lumina Relay," she added with a cheerfulness that felt forced.

Drifter stayed where he was, his eyes following Alma’s figure as it moved further away. Her steps seemed light, but her demeanor—and the way she avoided the subject—hinted at something deeper, something no one was ready to address yet. He took a long breath, his instincts whispering of cracks beneath the surface, a truth waiting to be unveiled.

Without words, Drifter sensed a shift in energy between the people around him. Luna, graceful as always, adjusted the black rose pin in her hair. She wasted no time, her voice calm, nearly devoid of emotion.

"Good luck, Drifter. The first stage isn’t going to be forgiving."

Standing slightly behind, Nadia finally found her voice.

"G-good luck, Drifter, Alma," she said softly, a small smile appearing briefly before fading as Alma kept her focus on tying her shoelaces.

Still half-bent, Alma tightened the final knot. Without lifting her head, she spoke in a tone sharp as a blade.

"Stay focused, Drifter. Don’t worry about irrelevant things."

Drifter glanced at Nadia. Her shoulders slumped—a small movement, but full of meaning, like a leaf surrendering to the wind. Luna watched from the corner of her eye, silent and still, her presence lingering like frost. Her gaze shifted, from Alma to Nadia, and finally to Drifter, analyzing the tension without addressing it.

"Good luck to you too, Luna. Nadia," Drifter said, his voice attempting to cut through the frozen atmosphere between them.

Alma straightened her posture, letting her perfectly tied laces hold firm.

Drifter turned to her, trying to find footing in the sharp mood of the moment.

"Alright," he said simply, directly.

The voice of the announcer suddenly shattered the air, capturing everyone’s attention.

"Welcome to the Lumina Relay! This year, the course will test your synergy, skills, and endurance. Prepare yourselves—failure is not an option!"

The crowd began to stir, students grouping into their teams with a mix of nervousness and overconfidence. Drifter shifted slightly, his gaze landing on Alma, now standing beside him.

"Stay careful, Alma. Safety comes first," he said, his voice calm yet firm.

Alma looked up, a small smirk playing on her lips, full of confidence.

"I know. Don’t start talking like my dad, Drifter. I’m here to win," she said, her tone sharp and unwavering.

Drifter didn’t respond, only offering a faint nod. The sigil beneath their feet began to pulse, its light growing stronger, signaling the time was near. The air around them grew denser, filled with an unrelenting energy.

The announcer paused for dramatic effect before shouting the word they’d all been waiting for.

"Begin!"

The sigil flared brightly, sending waves of energy across the field. Teams surged forward, their elemental orbs secure in their small satchels, racing toward Stage 1: Elemental Sync. The ground ahead shifted chaotically, alternating between blazing fire, slick ice, swirling winds, and cracking earth. The chaos created a frantic rhythm of footsteps and shouts echoing across the plain.

Drifter moved steadily, his pace never rushed.

"Use Exalt first. Match my rhythm," he instructed, his voice sharp but steady.

Alma gave a quick nod.

"Ready," she replied.

Drifter and Alma simultaneously hurled their Elemental Orbs onto the ever-changing elemental floors, creating a safe path through the arena. Without hesitation, they leapt in sync. Drifter led the way with precise, measured steps, while Alma followed close behind with agile movements.

On the other side of the arena, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

"Lorcan, stop being reckless and match the rhythm!" yelled Sloane Gast above the chaos.

Lorcan Grindelwald, in his typical style, replied with a teasing tone.

"I’m matching it! You’re the one who’s too slow!"

Ahead of them, Caelus Amelioris and Vellya moved smoothly, their movements like a perfectly choreographed dance. Every step seemed calculated and precise. Vellya’s bright smile was evident, even amidst the turmoil. She breezed through the obstacles with ease, her laughter echoing in the air.

"Come on, Big Sis Alma! Mama says Vellya’s going to win!" she called out cheerfully.

Alma laughed in response.

"Keep dreaming, kid," she replied playfully.

From behind, Drifter heard the exchange but stayed focused on the path ahead. His eyes locked onto the finish line of Stage 1, even as sweat trickled down his temples. A quick glance at Alma revealed her exhaustion—her breaths were heavy, and her body glistened with sweat.

With one last burst of energy, they made it past the Shifting Element Zone and now faced Stage 2: Gravity Shift.

The next arena was a nightmare—floating walls, constantly shifting gravity, and visual illusions designed to disrupt balance. Drifter stepped forward first. The erratic gravitational pull weighed down on him, but his movements remained deliberate and careful.

He turned to Alma.

"Follow me. Don’t rush," he said, his voice steady and unwavering.

Alma hesitated for a moment but eventually yielded to his lead. She followed his instructions, moving cautiously. There was pride in her effort to keep pace, but Drifter didn’t miss the subtle moments when her balance faltered.

After heavy breaths and focused effort, they finally exited Stage 2, leaving the gravity-warped field behind. Ahead of them stood Stage 3: Mirror Maze, an illusory trap of reflections that bent reality in impossible ways.

Drifter paused, glancing at Alma, who stood beside him, her breathing labored.

"Are you alright?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Alma raised a hand and gave a weak smile.

"Don’t worry… I’m fine. Just focus on the next stage," she replied, her tone firm but not as strong as before.

"You sure? We can step back and rest if you need it. No shame in that," Drifter suggested, concern evident in his voice.

Alma shook her head weakly, her resolve shining through.

"No, Drifter. Let’s finish this first. We’ll rest after… please," she said, almost pleading.

Drifter nodded, though the worry on his face lingered.

From a distance, the voice of the announcer echoed, breaking through the conversations among the participants.

Announcer (energetic, booming across the arena):

"And now, we enter the final stage! Half of the participants have already been eliminated! Who will overcome the last obstacle and advance to the next phase?"

The crowd erupted in cheers, waves of excitement rippling through the arena.

The final stage of this round was a race along a winding, obstacle-filled track to the finish line. Ahead, Vaeloria and Reine had already entered the glowing labyrinth, their movements in perfect harmony. They navigated the twisting paths with incredible precision.

"Great job, Reine! I knew you could do it!" said Vaeloria, glancing back cheerfully, though her focus never wavered from the track.

Meanwhile, Drifter noticed Alma struggling to keep running, her breaths growing heavier.

"Alma, how about we just walk? It’s fine as long as we cross the finish line, no matter when," he said gently, his voice full of care.

Alma stopped for a moment, considering his words, before giving a tired nod.

"You’re right," she replied with a weary smile.

They began walking at a steady pace, their movements more measured. Other teams overtook them, but Drifter remained calm, showing no sign of concern.

Before long, Luna and Nadia passed by. Alma’s gaze unintentionally met Nadia’s, and she quickly looked away, her face flushing with discomfort.

Eventually, they reached the finish line.

The announcer’s voice cut through the roar of the crowd, filling the air with electrifying energy.

"And now, the final phase of the Lumina Relay—the Spectra Battle! Only the strongest pairs will compete for victory! The event begins in 30 minutes… all teams may rest until then."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Drifter glanced at Alma, a faint smile forming on his face.

"Spectra? Didn’t expect that to be part of this," he said calmly.

Alma, wiping the sweat from her face, nodded weakly.

"Yeah… I forgot to mention that. You know how it works, right?" she asked, trying to sound casual despite her exhaustion.

Drifter gave a small nod.

"Fortunately, Reine, Sloane, and Lorcan gave me a crash course," he replied.

Alma let out a short laugh, though her labored breaths betrayed her exhaustion.

"Looks like it’s time to find out if they’re any good as teachers."

They made their way to the rest area and sat at a round table with matching chairs. Bottles of water in hand, they worked to recover their energy after the grueling stage.

Drifter glanced at Alma. Her face was pale, her breathing still heavy.

"She might not be fully recovered yet," he thought to himself.

After a brief silence, Drifter broke the quiet.

"By the way, why didn’t you team up with Nadia?" he asked casually.

Alma tensed immediately, her expression hardening as her tone turned cold.

"Can we not talk about her?" she said sharply.

Drifter hesitated, then gave a slow nod.

"Alright… sorry about that," he replied gently, his voice calm and understanding.

Silence enveloped them again until Alma finally spoke.

"Drifter, if you could turn back time, what would you do?" she asked with a playful tone.

Drifter gave a faint smile, shrugging slightly.

"I don’t know… maybe I’d rewind time just enough to make every day feel like the weekend," he said with a soft chuckle.

A small smile crept across Alma’s face. Though weary, the joke seemed to brighten the atmosphere slightly.

Drifter looked at her and asked,

"What about you, Alma? What would you do?"

Alma lowered her gaze, staring at the water bottle in her hands. After a long pause, she spoke softly, almost in a whisper.

"I’d turn back time… so I was never born into this world."

Drifter, who had just taken a sip of water, nearly choked. His eyes widened as he stared at Alma, stunned.

"Alma, you’re joking, right?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.

Alma looked up and gave a weak laugh.

"Of course, Drifter… Did I scare you? Haha," she said, attempting to smile, though her eyes betrayed a deep exhaustion.

The announcer’s voice suddenly echoed across the arena, breaking the conversation.

Announcer (booming and energetic):

"Teams, please gather at the main stadium!"

They stepped into the massive oval stadium, where the Simulation Nexus stood proudly at its center.

The Simulation Nexus began to hum with energy, sending vibrations through the towering pillars surrounding it. A thin mist hung in the air, adding a chill and amplifying the tension as the next battle loomed.

Spectators packed into the stands erupted in cheers, their enthusiasm surging through the arena. Overhead, the transparent dome began to glow, projecting ever-shifting landscapes to set the stage for an epic clash.

Drifter glanced at the schedule for the match.

"Our opponents are Luna and Nadia, right?"

Alma crossed her arms.

"Yeah… we’re not exactly lucky. Luna’s one of the strongest players here."

Drifter noticed her fingers tapping against her arm. He turned slightly toward her, his voice dropping an octave.

"We’ll see about that."

Suddenly, glowing runes erupted across the dome, casting shimmering patterns on the ground below. The platform began to shift, revealing a frigid tundra landscape. Towering ice cliffs loomed in the distance, while freezing winds carried the sharp scent of frost. Their breaths were visible in the simulated cold.

Announcer (loud and clear, magically amplified):

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Spectra Battle begins now! Who will rise to claim victory?"

On the opposing side, Luna Sabriel stood poised, her posture rigid yet graceful. Arms crossed over her chest, her icy gaze locked directly onto them. Beside her, Nadia Fernleaf fiddled nervously with her star-shaped hairpin. Her movements were hesitant, and her eyes occasionally darted toward Alma, only to quickly look away.

In the stands, Sloane Gast called out, his tone dripping with mischief.

"Don’t lose, Old man! My money’s on you!"

Lorcan Grindelwald, leaning against a pillar, smirked.

"Let’s see if the old man can keep up with Luna."

Reine Lindt, standing quietly at the corner of the stands, offered a sincere smile.

"Good luck, Drifter."

Drifter nodded briefly, his expression remaining calm.

"Thank you."

His gaze returned to the battlefield as Drifter shifted into position. Beside him, Alma shuffled her deck, her movements quick yet deliberate. There was tension in the way her brows furrowed, as if she were trying to push away unwelcome thoughts.

Holographic decks materialized before them. Drifter’s Arcane Saber Deck gleamed with sharp metallic edges, while Alma’s Holy Flame Celestial Deck radiated a calming, luminous aura. Across the field, Luna’s Void Winter Sorcery Deck pulsed with icy darkness, and Nadia’s Blooming Terra Deck bloomed with colorful floral patterns brimming with life.

Drifter studied the battlefield intently, his sharp eyes scanning every move. His voice was low, almost a whisper, yet carried firm resolve.

"We need to finish this quickly. Nadia’s deck gets dangerous if the match drags on."

Alma nodded, her fingers tapping the card in her hand, her eyes alight with determination.

"Got it, let’s go all out."

The match began with intense synergy between the Arcane Saber and Holy Flame Celestial decks. Drifter’s Exalted and dark magic-wielding knights served as relentless attackers, perfectly complemented by Alma’s celestial construct creatures. Her Holy Flame buff spells amplified Drifter’s aggressive strikes, allowing their team to dominate early on, quickly draining the Defense Power (DP) of Luna and Nadia in the opening moves.

Yet, Luna Sabriel remained calm, methodically controlling the game with her Void Winter Sorcery. Freezing their attacks with ice-element spells and eliminating their creatures with dark spells. Nadia, on the other hand, supported her team with Blooming Terra creatures—creaturs and plants that healed and protected, forming a sturdy defense against their relentless assault.

Standing beside Luna, Nadia hesitated briefly before speaking in a soft voice.

"I… I’ll support you, Luna."

Terra Keeper Cervusia, a majestic, large deer-like creature with the Defender trait, emerged onto the field, its protective vines blocking every attack directed at its team. The crowd roared as the strategies became increasingly intricate. In the stands, Lorcan Grindelwald crossed his arms and nodded.

"Didn’t think the old man could make Luna struggle."

Beside him, Sloane Gast chuckled with pride.

"Well, what do you expect? He had a great teacher."

Reine Lindt, watching intently, muttered under her breath.

"This is bad… Drifter might lose…"

Sloane and Lorcan turned to her in unison.

"Huh?"

The battle intensified as Alma summoned her signature card, High Celestial Priestess Anima, a majestic figure cloaked in radiant golden flames that illuminated the battlefield. Her powerful aura significantly boosted her team’s AP (Attack Points), empowering all of Alma’s celestial construct creatures to launch devastating attacks. The onslaught wiped out Nadia’s creatures, including the formidable Terra Keeper Cervusia.

The audience erupted in cheers at the arrival of Anima, their excitement shaking the arena.

Under pressure, Nadia, her hands trembling slightly, summoned her ace card, Rhosvaia, Verdant Rose Queen, a graceful humanoid plant with long crimson hair. Playing a series of spells, Nadia triggered Rhosvaia’s effect, summoning Verdant Thorn Tokens with the Defender trait, forcing enemies to attack them first. In an instant, six Verdant Thorn Tokens covered her field, forming a defensive wall to withstand the next assault.

Not to be outdone, Drifter activated his ace card, Arcane Saber Chronos. The spectral knight descended with a thunderous impact, unleashing Exalted Blades Rain. The devastating attack obliterated all of Nadia’s Verdant Thorn Tokens, and dealt 5 direct damage to her team, reducing their DP (Defense Power) to 6. With Chronos’s Fast Attacker trait allowing it to attack immediately, the knight struck down Rhosvaia, clearing the field. Simultaneously, Drifter’s other Arcane Saber Knight creatures launched a direct attack, poised to end the match.

But before the finishing blow could land, Luna Sabriel, calm and calculating, activated her final Evocaier Ability, Healing Surge. The ability restored 6 DP, saving her team from defeat and leaving their DP at 2 as the attack ended.

The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps, their excitement reaching a fever pitch as the match teetered on the edge of conclusion.

Despite their apparent lead, Luna’s icy voice broke through the stillness of the field, calm yet commanding.

"Impressive. But we’re far from done."

With a graceful motion, she first time summon creature in this match, Dark Witch Caelia, spectral witch that use massive black hole, all drifter and alma’s creature include Chronos and Anima vanished from the field, and their strategy ground to a halt.

Alma ended her turn by summoning several celestial construct creatures, refreshing her field. She then activated Celestial Exalt Flames, a spell that heals her team’s DP by 4 and deals 4 direct damage to the opponent at the start of their next end turn. A glowing golden flame sigil materialized on the battlefield, its presence radiating power.

Alma smirked confidently.

"Just give up already… next turn will be your end!"

On her turn, Nadia summoned a pair of flower humanoids: Freesia, Weaver of Petals and Petal Priest Anemone. Their arrival triggered the Resonance effect, surrounding their team in a shimmering Spellshield. The protective barrier absorbed the impending Exalt Flames attack, the golden flames dissipating against the radiant blue shield. Additionally, the duo’s healing aura swept across the battlefield, restoring Luna and Nadia’s DP (Defense Power) from 2 to 6, shifting the momentum of the match.

Alma gasped, her voice trembling with disbelief.

"No way!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, the arena brimming with excitement. But even as the noise grew, Alma’s focus lingered on the graceful movements of Freesia and the comforting aura of Anemone. Something about their synchronized harmony sparked a flicker of nostalgia—fragments of childhood memories with Nadia.

She remembered the days when they were inseparable, always laughing, always there for each other. The images surfaced like long-forgotten photographs, flooding her mind with bittersweet clarity.

Nadia glanced toward Alma, hesitation written across her face, as if searching for something in her old friend’s eyes. For a fleeting moment, their gazes met. A gentle smile touched Nadia’s lips, though it trembled with nervousness. For the first time, Alma’s hardened expression softened, allowing a glimpse of emotion to show. But she quickly turned away, suppressing the surge of feelings threatening to overwhelm her.

Amidst the roaring crowd, now a distant hum in Alma’s ears, her focus fell on a single petal from Freesia drifting to the icy ground. It landed delicately before melting away, like memories fading into time.

Nadia spoke softly, her voice almost drowned out by the surrounding noise, yet her words cut through like a blade.

"I… I’m sorry, Alma. If I ever did anything wrong… please, talk to me."

Alma remained silent, her fingers trembling slightly as she gripped the card in her hand. Her voice came out faint, barely audible.

"It’s not your fault, Nadia… it’s all mine. I’m sorry."

The battlefield raged on. Drifter stole a glance at Alma and Nadia. The tension that had once hung heavy between them seemed to dissolve, replaced by Alma’s cautious smile and Nadia’s expression of relief. For a moment, Drifter allowed himself a small smile. But that satisfaction was short-lived.

As his turn began, Drifter’s focus locked entirely on the game. Moving with calculated precision, he summoned Arcane Saber Ravely, violet spectral knight who immediately brought forth three Spectral Sword Tokens. With their Phase Shift trait, the tokens bypassed enemy defenses and launched a direct attack on Luna and Nadia.

With their DP reduced to just 3, victory seemed within reach. Yet, Drifter’s expression betrayed no hint of triumph—no smile, no satisfaction. His mind remained sharp, knowing the battle was far from over. His eyes flicked toward the remaining cards in his hand, the weight of the ticking seconds pressing down like an unseen burden.

When Luna’s turn came, her lips curved into a subtle, confident smile, as though she had been in control all along. Raising her hand, the air around her shifted dramatically. A crackling energy filled the arena, sending an involuntary shiver down Drifter’s spine.

Luna summoned Voidfrost Sorceress Selene, an elegant sorceress cloaked in an icy aura. A dark metallic half-mask covered part of her face, while her hood was adorned with frosty teal feathers. Towering behind her, a massive crystalline entity materialized, exuding an aura of sheer intimidation. Its expansive ice wings shimmered sharply under the holographic lights, and the temperature in the arena plummeted, making the air brittle and cold.

With practiced precision, Luna activated Selene’s ability. The ground beneath them quaked as the massive ice projection surged forward, pulsating with glowing teal sigils brimming with immense power. Spear-like shards of ice, cloaked in dark energy, began materializing in the air. With a fluid motion, Luna directed the attack, and the spears rained down with deadly accuracy, obliterating everything in their path.

In mere moments, every creature on the battlefield was reduced to fragments, their forms disintegrating under the relentless assault of the icy spears. As the battlefield lay in ruins, Selene’s crystalline entity moved forward with an imposing presence. Clutching a massive spear in its hand, it delivered a final, devastating strike directly at Drifter and Alma, reducing their DP from a full 30 to zero in one decisive blow.

A heavy silence fell over the arena, the weight of the moment settling like frost. Amidst the destruction, Selene stood atop the hand of her towering crystalline entity, her sigils spinning gracefully as her icy aura radiated an unyielding chill. The match was over.

Moments later, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers, their excitement echoing throughout the Simulation Nexus, celebrating the spectacular conclusion of the battle.

The crowd erupted into deafening cheers, their excitement echoing throughout the Simulation Nexus.

Announcer (booming):

"And that’s the end! Luna and Nadia have turned the tide and claimed victory!"

Breathing heavily, Alma and Drifter stepped down from the platform, their holographic decks fading away.

Drifter turned to Luna, extending his hand with a small, genuine smile. His voice was low but sincere.

"That was a great match. You deserved the win."

Luna shook his hand firmly, her expression calm but respectful.

"Likewise."

Turning to Nadia, Alma hesitated before speaking, her voice softer than usual.

"You played well, Nadia. Really well."

Nadia blushed slightly, a shy smile gracing her face as she adjusted her glasses, clearly flattered by the compliment.

"I… thank you, Alma. That means a lot."

For a moment, the tension between them melted away, replaced by a quiet understanding. They no longer stood as competitors but as two individuals who had shared an unforgettable battle.

[Climactic Final Battle]

The Lumina Relay Arena roared with applause as the final clash reached its peak. Alina Walsh, wielding her Glysvion Knight Deck, led by Winter Knight Lyshea, delivered the decisive blow, breaking through the defenses of Vellya, who commanded the Little Girl Necromancer Nini with her Necromorth Legion Deck.

Beside Alina, Jaxon Virelli with his Emberwind Outrider Deck, led by Stormbrand Marshal Sairo, launched a barrage of fiery projectiles that overwhelmed Caelus Amelioris and his Tempest Lord Revalt, showcasing breathtaking speed and raw power.

The battle was fierce, with Necromorth Legion’s necromantic creatures and Galeborne’s graceful winged beasts forcing the champions to fight to their limits. But in the end, the synergy between Glysvion Knight and Emberwind Outrider proved unbeatable, securing a decisive victory.

As the dust settled, Alina and Jaxon stood victorious, their names etched into Lumina Relay history. Vellya and Caelus claimed second place, while Luna and Nadia took third, their performance a testament to their skill in the face of fierce competition.

[Location: Verm Plain – Outside the Lumina Relay Stadium – Night – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The lights of the Lumina Relay Stadium dimmed one by one until they were fully extinguished, leaving the area in deep darkness. In the distance, Verm Plain stretched out in quiet solitude, its grass swaying gently in the cold night breeze.

A swarm of Glowbeetles shimmered with golden light, dancing among the petals of Night Butterflies, which glowed with a soft silver hue. Their light reflected on Nadia’s glasses as she walked beside Alma, creating tiny star-like patterns that reminded Alma of the starlit skies of Nethia.

Alma walked alone, each step toward the translocator feeling heavier than the last. Her thoughts were haunted by the changes she saw in Nadia—the way she walked confidently now, her shoulders no longer slouched, her gaze filled with quiet determination. Nadia, once shy and hesitant, now stood tall and resolute. The realization pressed on Alma’s chest like an unshakable weight.

Nadia’s gaze now carried something new—a protective quality that had never been there before. But to Alma, that gaze was painful, laced with pity and concern, as if it was a constant reminder that she had become a burden.

Their shadows stretched long under the dim glow of the remaining lamps, creating a distance that felt insurmountable. Memories struck her without warning—the screech of a Grakling, the sight of Nadia’s blood, and her injured body carrying Alma to the hospital. Guilt washed over her in cold, unrelenting waves.

"She could have died… She doesn’t need me anymore. Maybe it’s better if I start keeping my distance," Alma thought, her heart growing heavier with each step.

Suddenly, a soft voice broke the silence.

"Alma... I need to talk to you."

The gentle tone of Nadia’s voice pierced through the stillness. Alma froze, her fingers clutching the hem of her skirt tightly. She couldn’t bring herself to turn around, her chest tightening painfully.

"About what?" she asked softly, her voice barely audible, as though the night wind might carry it away.

Nadia stepped closer, pulling a small box from her bag. It was wrapped in cream-colored paper with a delicate golden ribbon that shimmered faintly under the pale light.

"First, this," Nadia said, extending the box with a faint smile. "Happy birthday, Alma."

Tears welled up in Alma’s eyes as she let out a bitter laugh.

"You… remembered?"

Nadia smiled gently.

"Of course. You’re important to me. I know things have changed, but I didn’t want today to pass without saying this."

Alma’s hands trembled as she accepted the box, her fingers brushing the golden ribbon with care. Her throat tightened, her breath shaky.

"You’ve always been so thoughtful, Nadia. Thank you."

Nadia stepped closer, her gaze drifting to the shimmering lights of Nethia in the distance.

"There’s one more thing I want to say, Alma."

Alma gripped the box more tightly.

"What is it?" she whispered.

Nadia lifted her head, her eyes resolute.

"I’ve realized I’ve been treating you like you’re fragile. I’ve acted like your father, protecting you too much. That wasn’t fair to you."

Tears streamed down Alma’s face. She tried to smile, but her voice was laced with pain.

"You’re not wrong, Nadia. I am. I just wanted to protect you. But now… everything feels different. You’re stronger, and I don’t know how to deal with that."

The quiet of Nethia’s night was broken only by the soft flutter of Night Butterflies and the hum of Glowbeetles. Nadia reached out, her fingers gently brushing away the tears on Alma’s cheek.

"You don’t have to face it alone, Alma. You’ve been my strength for so long. Let me be yours this time."

Their footsteps echoed softly on the empty path as they walked. Before long, Drifter and Luna approached, their cloaks billowing in the chilly Verm Plain breeze. Drifter offered a faint smile.

"Well, it seems things turned out okay," he said calmly.

Luna looked at them, her expression warm.

"Alma, Nadia… are you both alright?" she asked gently.

Alma quickly wiped her eyes, forcing a smile.

"Of course, Luna. We’re best friends," she said, glancing at Nadia. "Always… isn’t that right, Nadia?"

Nadia nodded with a small smile.

"Always. Oh, and by the way, it’s Alma’s birthday today."

Drifter’s expression softened.

"Happy birthday, Alma. Sorry I didn’t know sooner. I owe you a gift."

"Happy birthday, Alma," Luna said with a warm smile. "Wishing you good health and endless happiness always."

Alma let out a small laugh.

"Thanks, Drifter, Luna… but no need for gifts. Have you two eaten yet? Let’s grab something together."

"Sounds good," Drifter replied, casting a quick glance at Nadia.

Together, they walked toward the translocator, its soft blue glow cutting through the darkness like a beacon. The portal hummed gently as they stepped through, the air vibrating with familiar magical energy. In an instant, the serene Verm Plain gave way to the dazzling lights of Nethia—crystal spires reaching toward the sky, magical lights dancing in the air, and the rich aroma of spices wafting from nearby restaurants.

When Alma opened the door to her home, she found Friedrich sitting on the living room sofa, a book in hand. On the table beside him was a modest cake adorned with a single small candle. His stern face softened with a gentle smile.

"Happy birthday, Alma," he said warmly.

Alma clutched Nadia’s gift tightly, tears finally breaking free.

"Thank you, Dad," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

That night, under a sky full of stars, Alma realized that love came in many forms—in a simple gift box, in a painful distance, and in a small cake lit by flickering candles.

Yet, as a faint ache stirred, she placed a hand over her chest, like a shadow lingering just out of sight. Her tears fell in silence, her breaths growing heavier, as though the weight of pain pressed harder against the stillness of the night.