[Location: ??? – Within the Riemabour Portal – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

Drifter sprinted with Lysander and Luna at his sides, his spectral blades and Lysander’s wisps keeping the pursuing X creatures at bay. However, as they arrived in a vast chamber, Drifter came to a halt.

Inside, he saw Amisha, Jaxon, and Alina standing motionless, with Lorcan, Sloane, and Reine stationed behind them. The massive stone door they had passed through was gone, replaced by an incomprehensible, rippling wall of spatial distortion.

"Damn... we're trapped..." he thought, his eyes scanning every corner of the room with vigilance.

Drifter glanced at Luna and Lysander, noticing their heavy and rapid breathing. In the distance, the X creatures were drawing nearer, and Voioscirax floated ominously toward them. Its fully restored form exuded a menacing aura, its massive wings pulsating with dark energy.

Drifter attempted an Exalt Shift to escape the situation, but his body collided with an invisible barrier.

"Damn… failed…" he muttered under his breath, struggling to stand upright.

Lysander fired a Luminous Bolt at the wall of distortion, but the attack was futile.

Amisha, Alina, and Jaxon launched into action, attacking the X creatures, followed swiftly by Drifter, Luna, and Lysander. Meanwhile, Voioscirax observed them from a distance, as if studying their every move.

On the other side of the chamber, Sloane, Lorcan, and Reine exchanged glances. The silence among them was laced with the understanding that the situation had grown dire. They realized there was only one option left—to confront the enemy head-on. Without hesitation, they stepped forward, each taking their position with unwavering resolve.

Jaxon, noticing their movement, shouted loudly,

"Hey! What are you doing?"

Lysander’s voice cut through the air sharply,

"That creature is beyond your ability! Fall back!"

But his words fell on deaf ears. With a near-reckless courage, the trio—Reine, Sloane, and Lorcan—advanced, ready to face Voioscirax.

Reine Lindt, though his hands trembled slightly, clenched his fists tightly. It wasn’t just fear that consumed him, but an immense sense of responsibility. Slowly raising his hands, he unleashed his ultimate ability, Winter’s Embrace. A glowing circle of frost appeared beneath his feet, emitting a gentle light that enveloped the surroundings. Snowflakes descended slowly, causing the temperature to plummet. The movement of the X creatures slowed, while layers of ice began to encase Voioscirax’s dark armor.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Sloane Gast surged forward, his body enveloped in emerald wind. He dashed in a rapid circular motion, the wind intensifying with each step, before unleashing Whirlwind Vortex. The technique created a massive cyclone that spiraled outward in a perfect circle, trapping several X creatures and even forcing Voioscirax to momentarily retreat. The X creatures caught within the vortex were swiftly obliterated through the combined efforts of Drifter, Luna, Jaxon, Amisha, Alina, and Lysander.

Following closely, Lorcan Grindelwald slammed his fists into the ground, unleashing Abyssal Eruption. Cracks of darkness spread across the floor, and shadowy tendrils erupted, encircling Voioscirax in a menacing dance while annihilating the remaining X creatures.

But then, a low hum emanated from Voioscirax’s core, vibrating the air with an unnatural force. In an instant, a surge of dark energy exploded outward, engulfing the battlefield with overwhelming power. The shadowy tendrils from Abyssal Eruption were flung back into the ground with a deafening crack. The Whirlwind Vortex dissipated in mere seconds, and the ice from Winter’s Embrace melted without a trace.

Lorcan, Sloane, and Reine stood panting, their bodies visibly exhausted. The silver armor, ice shield and sword of Reine vanished, Sloane’s dagger faded away, and the dark energy enveloping Lorcan’s hands dissipated. Their bodies trembled from the strain.

Without warning, Voioscirax vanished and reappeared behind them in an instant. Its long arm lashed out with extraordinary speed, slicing through the air with a sharp, whistling sound. However, before the attack could land, Drifter, using a rapid Exalt Shift, Amisha, activating her Void Shift, and Alina, with a swift Cerulion Dash, moved in perfect synchronization, rescuing their comrades just in time. The dark energy claw of Voioscirax struck the ground instead, unleashing a massive, explosive distortion that rippled outward, shaking the battlefield violently.

Jaxon, teeth clenched and eyes blazing, surged forward, his Emberstorm Crossfires erupting with fiery energy.

"Hey! Come at me, you filthy monster!" he shouted, unleashing a barrage of fiery projectiles that exploded in brilliant bursts, creating a wave of searing heat around Voioscirax.

Voioscirax blinked into existence beside Jaxon, unleashing a relentless barrage of claw strikes from all directions, teleporting in and out of sight. Jaxon, wreathed in fire, spun and twisted mid-air, leaping with precision to evade the onslaught. Yet, despite his agility, his breaths grew ragged, the relentless assault beginning to wear him down.

Suddenly, a woman’s voice broke through the tension, emanating from the communication device on Amisha’s wrist. It carried a tone of concern.

"Amisha, can you hear me? Amisha?"

Amisha tapped the device on her wrist, a faint smile appearing on her face despite the dire situation.

"Yes, Chimia... Finally, you showed up," she replied, her tone calm yet sharp.

Lorcan, still catching his breath, looked up with widened eyes, his voice barely a whisper.

"That... that’s Grandma voice?"

With a controlled yet firm tone, Chimia Grindelwald responded.

"We’ve been trying to destroy this structure from the outside, but it’s no use. The only way is to open the Dimensional Door."

Amisha gave a brief nod, her faint smile unwavering even as her eyes stayed sharp.

"It’s time. We really need it now. Send the portal, and we’ll get out," she said briskly.

The air around them trembled violently, as if the world itself took a deep breath. At the far end of the chamber, a Dimensional Door materialized, radiating a bright light that illuminated the entire room. From the portal stepped a young woman, her flowing violet hair swaying gently beneath a wide black hat that framed her face perfectly. Her sharp gaze and faint smile brought an unsettling sense of calm.

Chimia Grindelwald waved her hand casually, her eyes scanning the exhausted group.

"Everyone, into the portal. Now," she commanded firmly.

Wasting no time, the group sprinted toward the portal. Voioscirax, however, remained still, watching them without making a move.

On the other side of the portal, Chimia Grindelwald stood tall. With a quick hand gesture, she sealed the Dimensional Door. Her expression remained calm, though her eyes betrayed a sharp vigilance.

Not far from where they landed, three figures stood waiting. The first was a muscular man with red-black hair, clad in dark gray armor, wielding a greatsword blazing with fire. To his left stood a man with slightly long dark hair, wearing black-and-red armor, holding a rapier of dark energy with an intricate beauty mark under his right eye. On his right was a woman with long golden hair, pointed ears, and green attire patterned with leaves, a serene smile gracing her face.

Amisha stepped forward, rolling her shoulders slowly to ease the tension. Her Raven flew briefly before landing calmly on her arm.

"Your timing is always perfect, Chimia. Thanks for saving us," she said casually.

Chimia smirked slightly, her violet eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.

"Lucky the message got through in time, Amisha," she replied lightly.

Lorcan, still catching his breath, let out a weak smile.

"Grandma? Wow, impressive as always... Thank goodness," he muttered in relief.

Drifter, with a look of deep gratitude, simply said,

"Thank you."

But in his heart, he wondered,

"Who is she? Lorcan’s grandmother? She looks so young. That must mean she’s a Primordial."

Luna gave a small nod.

"Thank you, Chimia," she said softly.

Jaxon, still breathing heavily, managed a faint grin.

"You’re a real lifesaver, ma’am. Without you, we’d be done for,"

Alina added in a gentle yet firm tone,

"We’re very grateful, ma’am."

Chimia shrugged casually, her smirk widening with a hint of mischief.

“Oh, no need for formalities. But tell me, Lysander… why would you venture into a place like this without waiting for me?” Her gaze flicked to Amisha, her smirk growing playful.

“Or was this whole thing Amisha’s brilliant idea?”

Lysander shot a sharp look at Chimia.

"Don’t blame her. We made the decision together," he replied flatly, crossing his arms.

"This city couldn’t be left under threat, especially with rumors starting to spread. Someone had to take the risk." His tone sharpened.

"I assume you’ve seen structures like this before?"

Chimia, her tone now serious, nodded slowly.

"There’s one in Eldoria. But that one is empty. Unlike this one."

Drifter his gaze sharp. His deep voice broke the silence.

“That creature… its movement… it’s very similar to the one I encountered in Paxluma. The one that brought down the Black Cube. But this one is much stronger.”

Luna watched Drifter, her brows knitting in thought.

“I see,” she said slowly, her tone laced with unease. “But it almost feels like it let us escape… like it’s playing with us. I wonder what it’s really after.”

The members of Chimia’s team immediately turned their attention to Drifter.

Chimia Grindelwald, standing to the side, fixed her eyes on Drifter with a keen, investigative gaze, as though she were a detective missing no detail.

"Ah, so you’re the one mentioned in the reports. Are you certain the Cube is still connected to this creature?"

Drifter nodded slightly, his tone calm but firm.

"There’s no concrete evidence yet. But this is no coincidence."

Chimia turned to Lysander, a curious edge in her voice.

“So, what’s the plan? Do we head back, regroup with Ragnar, Mina, and the others, and take it down?”

Lysander shook his head decisively.

“No, that’s too risky. Your Dimensional Door takes a month to recharge, doesn’t it? If the creature isn’t attacking anyone, it’s better to leave it here and focus on sealing the portal.”

Amisha crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful as she nodded.

“I agree. Even if we bring everyone, there’s no guarantee we’d win. And even if we do, what’s the point? Leaving it here and sealing the portal seems like the smarter move.”

The heavy silence that followed felt like the air was thick with tension. Then, suddenly, Chimia shifted her focus, a small smile playing on her lips as she looked at Lorcan. Her tone softened with a hint of humor.

"Thank you for looking after my grandson. I hear he can be... quite the handful."

Alina Walsh smirked slightly, her tone casual yet tinged with subtle sarcasm.

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"He’s dependable... sometimes."

Lorcan Grindelwald chuckled lightly, though the exhaustion was still evident on his face.

"See? I’m not as bad as you all think."

Chimia raised an eyebrow, her smirk turning wry.

"Your reputation as a troublemaking student doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, kid."

She then glanced at Amisha, her tone reverting to the serious air of a leader issuing her final orders.

"Send my regards to Friedrich. I have to get back to work."

As the group began to rest, the cold air of Riemabour brushed against their skin. Though it brought some relief, it didn’t fully dispel the lingering tension weighing on them.

Chimia took a few steps forward, her commanding presence making her the focal point of the group. She waved casually before turning to Lorcan, lightly patting his shoulder. Her violet gaze softened, but her voice carried firm resolve.

"I’m leaving now, kid. Remember what I said—think before you act, stay determined, and persevere."

Lorcan Grindelwald, his messy red hair partially obscuring his eyes, hesitated before speaking, his usual cockiness replaced by a faint hint of loss.

"You’re leaving again?"

From the other side, Amisha Kaputri stepped forward, her expression one of deep concern. Her arms crossed in front of her chest, her tone firm but laced with care.

"Chimia, are you sure you don’t need rest?"

Chimia simply shrugged, her trademark smile still gracing her face.

"I’m fine, Amisha. I need to finish my report first, then decide whether I’ll head to Selvaria or Serrahn next. I just need to be a little more careful from now on."

She glanced around, her expression softening slightly, though her voice remained steady.

"Don’t worry... I’ll make sure the Dimensional Door is ready if I find another structure like this."

Before leaving, Chimia paused briefly, looking back at the group, her gaze lingering on Lorcan. Her voice softened, carrying a warmth rarely heard from her.

"Take care of each other, alright?"

Then she turned to her team.

"Fio, Leon, Ezella, let’s move out," she said firmly yet casually.

They nodded without hesitation.

With steady steps, Chimia walked away, slowly fading into the crowd. Her team followed silently, their presence still palpable in the air. The faint ripples of Chimia’s energy lingered, like an echo of her presence that hadn’t fully disappeared.

Silence gradually settled over the group, each member lost in their thoughts. Chimia’s departure left a strange emptiness—a quiet reminder that the threats ahead were far from over.

[Location: Diplomatic Hall – Riemabour City – Late Afternoon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The Diplomatic Hall buzzed with low murmurs, a restless energy almost tangible, like a subtle pulse in the air. The grand hall was adorned with bioluminescent flora glowing softly, complementing the towering Luminorite pillars that emitted a mysterious light, creating a majestic atmosphere befitting the most important city in Verm.

The group slowly gathered, bearing the marks of their arduous journey. An uncomfortable silence hung between them, glances exchanged occasionally, heavy with unspoken meaning.

In the center of the hall, Lysander Everhart stood at the main podium, his silver hair gleaming under the magical light. His sharp gaze, framed by piercing black eyes, swept over the room with an authority that compelled silence. As he raised his hand, the murmurs ceased.

"The findings at the portal confirm our worst fears," he began, his tone calm yet delivering every word with weight, leaving no room for doubt.

"The portal is ancient, unstable, and connected to an unknown dimension. Whatever lies beyond it remains a mystery. But one thing is certain: this is a grave threat to Riemabour and potentially all of Verm."

His words echoed through the hall, striking a chord in everyone present. The silence was quickly replaced by hushed whispers of anxiety.

But Lysander’s voice, firm and commanding, cut through the murmurs, locking everyone’s attention.

"The portal will be sealed and heavily guarded. No one—and I repeat, no one—will cross it. The stakes are far too high for reckless action."

The silence that followed was suffocating, like an invisible weight pressing on every chest. The Evocyte lights flickered gently, their glow casting shifting shadows across the walls, mirroring the tension in the air.

Lorcan Grindelwald stood in the back, his body still but his hands clenched, his gaze unfocused. Lysander’s words felt distant, like an echo in the background, as his mind was trapped in a storm of memories. The image of his grandmother, Chimia Grindelwald, stepping through the shimmering portal haunted him.

"Grandma… what are you really searching for?" The question burned in his mind, adding to the frustration gnawing at him. His eyes drifted to his worn gloves, scarred from battle—a reminder of his struggles and perceived inadequacies.

"I need to become stronger… If this mission has proven anything, it’s that I’m not ready. Not yet."

A fleeting softness crossed his gaze, a rare vulnerability amidst the storm of determination.

"I hope you’re safe, Grandma."

Drifter gave a slight nod, his expression calm but his eyes radiating focused intensity. He remained silent, letting his thoughts fill the void.

"That creature… its power is overwhelming. Even the Grandmasters struggled against it. If such threats appear again, will we be ready? The Black Cube… Should I consider using a power I don’t fully understand?" The clash of doubt and resolve churned in his mind.

Lysander Everhart, still standing at the podium, turned slightly to face the group. His expression softened, almost imperceptibly, yet enough to convey genuine gratitude.

"To the exploration team—Drifter, Luna, Alina, Jaxon, Lorcan, Sloane, and Reine—my deepest thanks. Your actions ensured we brought back vital information. Rest assured, your efforts will not be forgotten."

Luna Sabriel gave a slight bow, her voice calm, though her eyes reflected the weight of their journey.

"Thank you, Grandmaster Lysander. This journey has taught us much."

Lysander Everhart’s expression softened slightly, a rare small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Drifter, with a brief nod, responded firmly.

"The honor is ours, sir."

Jaxon Virelli, standing with a casual yet respectful posture, inclined his head slightly. His voice carried a warm tone filled with meaning.

"Thank you as well, sir. There’s always something to learn from every journey."

Alina Walsh, with a sincere smile, spoke gently.

"Thank you, sir. I hope you’re well after all this."

Lorcan Grindelwald lowered his head, his fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight. The memories of his failures in the temple weighed heavily on him.

"We… were only a burden, Grandmaster," he muttered, his voice barely audible, laced with regret. "Without your help, we all would’ve died there."

His thoughts drifted back to the moment when his shadow-charged fists struck the creature to no effect. The sting of helplessness gnawed at him.

Nearby, Sloane Gast nodded slowly, his voice filled with remorse.

"We’re sorry as well, Grandmaster."

The failure of his ultimate skill, Whirlwind Vortex, to pierce Voioscirax’s defenses haunted his mind.

Reine Lindt stood still, his gaze vacant, his voice trembling.

"I’m sorry…"

He recalled his ultimate skill, Winter’s Embrace, which provided only a brief moment of protection before shattering under the onslaught. The sting of defeat lingered like a persistent chill.

Lysander Everhart, listening to them all, stepped closer. His expression remained composed, but his voice carried an unusual warmth.

"The three of you did your best. Thanks to your efforts, the X creatures couldn’t overwhelm us. Your courage was vital to the mission’s success."

He paused, ensuring his words sank in.

"But… next time, be more careful. Don’t recklessly face something whose power you don’t fully understand."

Amisha Kaputri approached, placing a steady but caring hand on Lorcan’s shoulder.

"A burden? Don’t be so quick to judge yourself, Lorcan." Her tone was firm, but there was a hint of reassurance in it. "Your movements are sharper now—not as reckless as before."

She turned to Reine and Sloane, her gaze softening with rare warmth.

"I can see how you’ve all influenced each other. And perhaps, you’ve had the same impact on your team."

Her tone lowered, almost a whisper, as she continued.

"Take care of one another. Someday, you’ll understand just how important that is."

She tightened her grip on Lorcan’s shoulder briefly, offering a final push of encouragement.

"Be patient, Lorcan. You have great potential. One day, you might even surpass me… and Chimia."

Lorcan looked up, his gaze meeting Amisha’s, the weight in his eyes replaced by a calmer determination.

"I’ll hold you to that, Auntie."

He stood a bit straighter, her words igniting a new sense of resolve in him. Beside him, Reine and Sloane exchanged glances, an unspoken agreement passing between them.

Amisha Kaputri let her hand fall, her smile small but genuine.

"Good."

She turned toward the hall’s exit, her silhouette framed by the glowing crystal light behind her. She paused briefly, as though about to say something, but then stepped forward with measured steps.

Her final words carried a tone of resolve.

"I’m returning to Varde. Thank you, everyone."

One by one, the group nodded, some offering quiet farewells. Lorcan raised his hand in a simple yet meaningful salute, while the others nodded or whispered soft goodbyes as they watched her leave through the door.

Lysander, still standing near the podium, gave Amisha a small nod before turning to Luna. His gaze was sharp but contemplative, as though his next words carried a weight beyond a simple invitation.

"Luna, if you’re free tonight, I’d like to invite you to dinner. It’s been too long since we’ve truly talked." His voice was low and calm, but each word held a restrained warmth.

Luna Sabriel lifted her head, her usually unreadable expression softening. Something different flickered in her eyes as she looked at Lysander, a mixture of respect and distant memories.

"Very well. I’ll come. Thank you, Grandmaster," she replied succinctly, her tone clear, accompanied by a slight nod.

Across the room, Jaxon Virelli leaned casually against the wall, a relaxed smile never leaving his face. His curly brown hair was slightly tousled, though he didn’t seem to care. His gaze turned playful as he looked at Alina Walsh.

"Formal dinners for them, huh? How about we go for something more casual? This time, it’s my treat," he offered lightly.

Alina Walsh glanced briefly at Jaxon Virelli, the corner of her lips curving into a faint, nearly imperceptible smile.

"Fine, but invite the others. I’m not interested if it’s just the two of us."

Jaxon chuckled, raising both hands in mock surrender.

"Alright, alright, we’ll make it a group outing. I heard the Artificial Savanna at night is pretty amazing. Let’s check it out."

Alina shifted her gaze toward Lorcan Grindelwald, Sloane Gast, and Reine Lindt, her eyes firm yet gentle, like a leader who knows when to let her team rest.

"You’ve all worked hard. It’s time to relax a little."

Drifter, standing slightly behind them, simply nodded without saying much. His sharp eyes remained calm, but there was a sincerity in his smile.

"Good idea. Let’s go."

The group began to leave the hall, though Sloane, Lorcan, and Reine lagged behind, walking in silence, each lost in their thoughts. The quiet between them felt heavy, like the shadow of the long journey they had just endured.

Sloane stared at the path ahead, his voice soft, barely above a whisper.

"At least it’s over. For now."

Lorcan glanced at him briefly, his jaw tightening.

"If that creature was just the beginning, we need to prepare for worse."

Reine nodded slowly, his voice calm yet resolute.

"We’ll have to push ourselves harder. There’s no room to relax now."

They exchanged a brief glance, no further words needed. A shared understanding passed between them before they quickened their pace to catch up with the others.

Outside, the city of Riemabour greeted them with its vibrant nightlife. The Tier 3 district, filled with residential and commercial areas, seemed like a world awakening anew. The artificial sun dimmed, replaced by the gentle glow of bioluminescent flora lining the streets. Automatons moved about, carrying goods or accompanying their owners engaged in lively conversations.

Ahead, Friedrich, accompanied by Alma, Nadia, Caelus, Bryan, Erick, Vaeloria, Mia, and Lily, waited for them. Friedrich stepped forward, a small, relieved smile gracing his face.

"It’s good to see you all back safely." His words were simple, but his tone carried genuine gratitude.

Hugs and laughter filled the air. Alma, Nadia, and Lily chuckled at one of Sloane’s amusing tales, while Lorcan stood confidently, recounting his "accomplishments" to Alyssa, Caelus, Bryan, and Vaeloria.

Alyssa looked at him with a mix of admiration and exasperation, but Mia quickly interjected,

"That creature ran off because it was bored listening to you, not scared."

Vaeloria added with a laugh,

"Funny, I heard it was you who ran away!"

In another corner, Erick stood quietly, observing the group with a faint smile. The tension from their long journey began to melt away, replaced by a warm atmosphere filled with lighthearted jokes and laughter.

Jaxon, already in the center of the commotion, took a deep breath and spread his arms wide.

"This is what I needed—fresh air, good vibes, and no ancient portals trying to kill us."

Sloane chuckled, glancing at Jaxon.

"You know, boss, this place might be perfect for our 'research.' Don’t you think?"

Jaxon grinned, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Ah, yes. Research. Strictly academic, of course."

"Of course. All for the advancement of knowledge. The Academy would be proud," Sloane replied with a playful tone.

Their laughter mingled with the gentle rustling of artificial leaves swaying in the soft breeze. The tension that had once gripped them now gave way to a lighter mood, one they shared together.

The group strolled toward the wide artificial savanna, surrounded by lush green trees and bushes. They walked leisurely until they reached a building marked “Rest Zone Artificial Savanna Riemabour.” Inside, they sat together, ordered food, and watched the artificial sunset paint the horizon in brilliant colors.

Lorcan’s gaze was drawn to a glowing fox leaping gracefully between the bushes. Wonder shone clearly in his eyes.

"This place… it feels like the surface. How did they make it like this?"

With a teasing tone, Vaeloria replied,

"Surprising, Lorcan. That’s actually a decent question."

Lorcan snorted, glaring at her.

"Do you even know the answer?"

Vaeloria crossed her arms, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

"Of course I do… it’s all artificial. The light, the air system, even the sky we’re looking at now."

Lorcan frowned, replying sarcastically.

"Wow, genius answer. Even a kid could figure that out."

That evening, light conversation and laughter continued to fill the air. For a moment, the harshness of the world felt softer, offering them a rare peace that warmed their hearts—a brief respite in the midst of a long and arduous journey still ahead.