[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Dining Hall – Evening – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The grand dining hall was illuminated by the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. The clinking of cutlery blended with murmured conversations, creating a calm rhythm typical of the evening. At the end of a long table, Luna Sabriel sat quietly. Her movements were precise as she sliced her food. Though her gaze appeared focused on her plate, her ice-blue eyes seemed far away, detached from the room.

Across from her, Alina Walsh leaned back in her chair, an inquisitive expression on her face. Her sharp eyes scanned Luna's every move, looking for clues behind her silence.

“That time, Drifter was so serious talking to you. What’s going on?” Alina asked, her tone probing.

Luna's gaze remained on her plate. The fork in her hand moved slowly, almost aimlessly.

“Ah, it’s nothing,” Luna replied curtly.

Suddenly, the voice of Vestra System, a woman’s voice, firm and emotionless, echoed throughout the hall.

“Attention all teaching staff, instructors, and veteran members of the Evocaier Order. This is an emergency announcement. Please proceed to the Grand Hall immediately. Condition II has been activated.”

The clinking of cutlery ceased. Glances of concern and confusion began to exchange among the instructors. Alina froze mid-motion and turned to Luna.

“Condition II? That… has never happened before,” Alina murmured in disbelief, her eyes shifting to Luna.

Luna placed her utensils down with deliberate calm, her movements as poised as ever. She pushed her chair back, her tone measured as she spoke.

"I figured this would happen. Drifter must have talked to Friedrich," she said quietly.

Alina leaned forward, her sharp eyes narrowing. "See? I knew something’s up. Come on, Luna, spill it."

Luna met her gaze for a moment, then shook her head gently. "I’m sorry, Alina. It’s better if Drifter explains it. He’ll tell you everything you need to know."

Alina let out an exasperated groan, throwing her hands up. "You’re so frustrating, you know that? Always with the half-answers!"

Luna’s lips quirked in the faintest ghost of a smile, but she didn’t reply. Instead, she stood and adjusted her posture, leaving Alina muttering under her breath as they both prepared to head toward the Grand Hall.

[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Jaxon’s Room – Evening – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

Jaxon Virelli lay sprawled on his bed, hands folded behind his head, staring blankly at the ceiling. A soft melody played from a small device on his desk, filling the room with a lazy rhythm.

“So tired… When can I get a week off?” he mumbled softly, almost like a complaint. His eyes closed briefly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“The Sarjavah Festival is coming up soon. No way I’m going to miss that.”

He stretched out, his mind wandering to Maranagara—white sandy beaches, luxurious seaside resorts, basking under the sun, the sound of music mingling with laughter, and the tantalizing aroma of street food. He imagined vibrant parades, mesmerizing underwater shows, and the advanced technology from the Arcadia Republic that always left people in awe.

“Fireworks over the water… beautiful beaches… and a whole week of the best food and drinks from across Vesteria. Perfect.” His smile widened, his eyes closing again as he indulged in the vivid daydream.

But the tranquility shattered instantly when the gentle hum of the Vestra System filled the room. The mechanical voice, cold and formal, cut through the air, bringing a faint sense of unease.

“Attention all teaching staff, instructors, and veteran members of the Evocaier Order. This is an emergency announcement. Please proceed to the Grand Hall immediately. Condition II has been activated.”

The relaxed smile on Jaxon’s face vanished. He opened his eyes and slowly sat up, his movements a mix of reluctance and annoyance. Running a hand over his face, he tried to process what he’d just heard.

“Condition II? Ugh, seriously?” he groaned louder, frustration evident in his tone. He turned, lowering his feet to the floor as he gazed at the window glowing with the remnants of sunset.

With a heavy sigh, he grabbed his brown jacket, sunglasses, and cowboy hat lying near the desk. He put them on with a casual motion, though the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders.

“Goodbye, quiet evening… Alright, let’s see what’s going on this time.”

With one last glance at the darkening horizon, he stepped out of his room. The earlier calm was now a distant memory, replaced by the urgency calling him to the Grand Hall.

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

The Academy Library was filled with its characteristic silence. Sunlight from the evening sun slipped through tall windows, casting gentle patterns on the towering shelves of books. In a corner, Vellya sat on a low stool, a picture book in her hands. On either side, Alma Rosenthal and Nadia Fernleaf, keeping her company. Behind Vellya, two towering figures loomed—Guardian Skeleton, her ever-present protectors, stood motionless, watching over her like living shadows.

At another table, a few students stole glances at them, their quiet whispers creating a sense of awkwardness in the air. But Vellya didn’t care. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she closed the book she had just finished reading.

“Yay! That story was amazing! Thank you, Papa! Thank you, Mama!” she exclaimed, her cheerful voice filling the corner of the library. She turned to her sisters.

“Big Sis Alma, Big Sis Nadia, do you have another good storybook?” Vellya asked, her voice bright and eager as she swung her legs.

Nadia gave her a small, warm smile and grabbed a book from a nearby shelf. “Here, try this one, Vellya. I think you’ll really like it.”

Alma, with a glint of excitement in her eyes, handed over another book. “And this one’s just as fun. You’ll love it, I’m sure.”

Vellya’s eyes lit up as she took both books. But before she could even open one, a deep, mechanical voice boomed through the library, cutting through the tranquil air.

“Attention all teaching staff, instructors, and veteran members of the Evocaier Order. This is an emergency announcement. Please proceed to the Grand Hall immediately. Condition II has been activated.”

The words seemed to linger in the room, heavy and foreboding. The quiet calm of the library shattered as whispers and uneasy glances spread among the students. A few sat up straighter, their faces lined with growing concern.

Vellya blinked, confused, her large eyes scanning the room.

“Big Sis, what does that mean? What’s Condition II?” she asked, clutching the books tightly to her chest.

Alma forced a reassuring smile as she knelt beside Vellya.

“It’s probably just a drill, little one. Nothing to worry about, okay? Everything’s fine.”

But Vellya’s gaze wandered, noticing the nervous glances and hurried movements of the older students. Her grip on the books tightened as a flicker of doubt crossed her face.

Nearby, Nadia’s hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her glasses. Her wide eyes darted toward Alma, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Alma… what’s going on? Condition II… it’s not something we’ve seen before, right? Do you think… we’re in trouble?”

Alma turned to Nadia and gently grasped her cold, shaking hands. “Sshh… it’s okay, Nadia,” she said softly, trying to calm her.

“It’s probably just a precaution. They’re being extra careful, that’s all.”

But even as she spoke, Alma’s eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty. The tension in the air felt too thick for a simple precaution, and the unease spreading through the room was impossible to ignore. She wanted to believe her own words, but the growing restlessness around them hinted at something far more serious.

Nadia nodded slowly, though her grip on Alma’s hand didn’t loosen. Her gaze drifted toward the window, where the darkening evening cast shifting shadows that seemed more ominous than usual.

Vellya watched them both closely, her innocent curiosity giving way to a small, nervous knot in her stomach.

“Is everything really okay?” she asked quietly, her voice laced with doubt.

Alma smiled again, softer this time, and gently brushed a strand of hair away from Vellya’s face. “Of course it is, sweetheart. Don’t you worry about a thing.”

Though her words were kind, the weight in her tone suggested otherwise. Alma and Nadia exchanged a glance before rising to their feet. Whatever was happening, they needed to prepare—for themselves and for the little sister looking up at them with wide, trusting eyes.

Between them, Vellya simply sat quietly, watching the people around her with growing curiosity and a touch of worry. Her innocent eyes caught every expression, trying to piece together what was happening, but no one gave her a satisfying answer.

Slowly, Alma and Nadia stood, their hands still clasped together. They knew, without saying it, that something was coming. And whatever it was, they had to be ready. Vellya gazed at them with curiosity, but her sisters only gave her faint smiles, trying to shield her from the fear that now filled the library.

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

The evening sky painted a golden-orange hue over the Verm Evocaier Academy Courtyard, bustling with students preparing to head home. A gentle breeze swayed the leaves of nearby trees, creating a calm, pleasant atmosphere. At the front of the crowd, Vaeloria, Mia, and Lily walked briskly, their faces lit with excitement as they planned to make the most of the remaining day outside the academy.

Trailing behind them, another group moved at a leisurely pace: Lorcan, Sloane, Reine, Alyssa, Bryan, Erick, and Caelus, chatting casually while soaking in the final moments of the day.

“Hey, did you see Drifter earlier?” Lorcan asked, glancing curiously at Caelus.

Caelus gave a slight shrug.

“Nope. Did something happen to him?”

"We saw him," Sloane cut in, his hands shoved into his pockets. "Looked like he had a lot on his mind. Any idea what’s going on?"

Caelus frowned slightly, his gaze falling to the ground. "If I had to guess... it might be something to do with the Black Cube."

Bryan let out a deep sigh, concern flashing across his face.

"Poor guy. Maybe we should check in on him, bring him something. He’s done so much for us."

Erick nodded in agreement, his tone growing more serious.

"Yeah, we owe him. If it weren’t for him, the three of us wouldn’t even be here."

Alyssa rolled her eyes, but the flicker of guilt in her expression was unmistakable.

“Ugh, that was just because I messed up. But fine, you’re right. We do owe him.”

Reine offered a soft smile and said gently,

“Let’s do it. What should we give him?”

Lorcan raised an eyebrow and quipped,

“How about a cube-shaped black cake?”

But the only response was the sound of other students chatting in the background, as everyone turned to him with flat, unimpressed looks.

Caelus shot him a flat look, one eyebrow raised.

"Really, Lorcan? That’s more likely to give him a panic attack."

Sloane laughed lightly, giving Lorcan a firm pat on the shoulder.

"Okay, okay. Let’s just get moving. We can figure it out along the way."

But before they could take another step, the heavy voice of the Vestra System echoed through the air, shattering the evening’s peace.

"Attention all teaching staff, instructors, and veteran members of the Evocaier Order. This is an emergency announcement. Please proceed to the Grand Hall immediately. Condition II has been activated."

Everyone froze. The breeze, once soothing, now carried a strange chill, heavy and unsettling. The cheerful chatter and laughter that had filled the air moments before vanished, replaced by a tense silence.

"What the… did you guys hear that?" Sloane muttered, his voice low.

Caelus, Reine, Erick, Alyssa, and Bryan stopped in their tracks, their expressions growing tense as their gazes turned toward the academy.

"Yeah… we’ve been here for years, and I’ve never heard anything like that.," Lorcan said, his usual casual tone replaced with quiet unease.

Ahead, the students near the gates began to turn back, their faces etched with confusion and unease. Vaeloria, Mia, and Lily, who had been leading the way, also stopped in their tracks.

Lily glanced over at Vaeloria, her voice shaking. "Ria, what do we do now?"

Vaeloria stared back toward the academy, her eyes momentarily distant as if weighing her options. Finally, she spoke, her tone soft but firm.

"Looks like our plans are off. This has to be serious."

Mia, usually brimming with energy, dropped her head, her face pale.

"Oh no… What if we’re under attack? I’m toast. Should’ve trained more."

Vaeloria gave her a faint smile, though her own worry bled through.

"We’ll figure it out, Mia. Just stay calm for now."

They all turned, moving back toward the academy with slower, heavier steps. The earlier lighthearted atmosphere was gone, replaced by murmurs of uncertainty and the weight of unspoken fears. The sun’s descent seemed to foreshadow the night ahead, full of unknowns and growing tension.

[Location: Grand Hall – Verm Evocaier Academy – Evening – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

Drifter’s footsteps echoed softly down the corridor leading to the Grand Hall, each step feeling heavy as if the air around him carried an invisible weight. When he reached the large, open doors, his eyes immediately scanned the crowd filling the room.

Among the familiar faces, he spotted Jaxon Virelli waving casually, a faint smile on his face as though attempting to lighten the mood. Without much thought, Drifter approached, but he could feel Jaxon’s gaze studying him from beneath his sunglasses.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

On the other side of the room, Luna Sabriel stood still, as steady as a shadow, while Alina Walsh appeared serious, her narrowed eyes catching sight of Drifter as he entered.

The tension in the Grand Hall grew heavier as Friedrich Rosenthal and Headmaster Gideon stepped onto the podium. The quiet conversations that had filled the room gradually faded, replaced by a heavy silence that seemed to fill every corner.

"As you’ve heard, we are now in Condition II," Friedrich began, his voice steady but weighted with gravity. "This is not a drill."

The room fell deathly silent. Among the veterans of the Evocaier Order, a few exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions tightening with tension.

Headmaster Gideon raised a hand, his commanding presence drawing everyone’s attention.

"To clarify, let me remind you all—Condition II signifies heightened alert status. The situation involving the Black Cube has escalated. While there is no immediate threat, we must remain vigilant."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink into the room. His sharp gaze scanned the crowd, lingering on the veterans, who stood rigidly, their faces lined with grim determination.

Friedrich continued, his voice cutting through the heavy silence like a blade.

"Patrol schedules will be issued shortly. Key areas, especially the Research Center, must be secured at all times. Report anything suspicious immediately. The Black Cube must remain protected."

As the speech ended, the murmurs of the crowd grew louder, and people began to shuffle out of the hall in groups.

Jaxon, standing near Drifter, exhaled a quiet sigh, breaking the silence.

"Well, there goes my vacation," he muttered, glancing sideways. "Any idea what’s going on? Why the sudden alert?" His casual tone carried a hint of genuine curiosity.

Drifter turned slightly, his expression impassive.

"I’m the one who requested it from Professor Friedrich," he said evenly.

Jaxon raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.

"Seriously? Did you find something?"

Drifter gave a small nod, his tone revealing little.

"Yeah… just stay alert. Don’t let your guard down."

Jaxon studied him for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to read something from Drifter’s expression. Finally, he murmured,

"Alright… got it."

Nearby, Alina shot a sharp glance toward them, her eyes critical but her lips unmoving. Luna, standing tall with her arms crossed, kept her cold gaze locked on Friedrich. Her chin dipped slightly, her fingers tracing faintly along the sleeve of her teal-green coat, betraying a hint of restless thought.

Drifter finally raised his voice, clear enough for those nearby to hear.

"Stay sharp, everyone. I’m heading to the Research Center to keep watch."

The others nodded in quiet acknowledgment as Drifter stepped toward the door, his movements steady but laden with an unseen weight.

Behind him, the tension in the hall lingered like a shadow. Each person stood burdened with unspoken fears. Condition II was more than just a protocol—it was a warning, a signal that a storm was brewing. And when it arrived, they would have to be ready for whatever came their way.

[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Path to the Research Center – Night - Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The footsteps of Drifter felt heavy as he approached the Research Center. Faint whispers began to echo—inhuman voices, a mixture of commands, complaints, and screams resounding in his ears. His head throbbed with pain, like being pierced by a thousand needles.

As he drew closer, the voices became clearer, infiltrating his mind.

“Help… stop it… Destroy… Attack… Conquer…” The words overlapped, some incomprehensibly foreign. The pain in his head now felt like a hammer striking repeatedly. He clutched his head.

His steps faltered. Drifter stood frozen in the corridor, his body weighed down. His back stiffened as though bound by something unseen. The cold glow of magical lights above cast long shadows on the crystal floor. His breathing was short and labored.

“Hold on… I have to hold on…” he thought.

His legs ached, each step an effort.

Suddenly, a soft voice broke the silence.

“Good evening, Drifter. Are you okay? You look pale,” said Alma, standing beside him, her smile warm.

He turned his head. Alma stood there, her face radiating kindness. Beside her, Nadia and Vellya smiled as well.

“Alma? I’m fine... Thanks,” he replied with a faint smile.

Before he could say more, another voice called out from behind.

“Hey, old man! You sure you’re okay? Just say the word, no need to act tough,” teased Lorcan, his tone light but tinged with concern.

Turning around, he saw Lorcan, along with Sloane, Reine, Vaeloria, and Caelus standing not far away.

From the left, a soft voice chimed in once more. He turned and saw Luna, standing with Friedrich, Alina, and Jaxon.

“Drifter… you don’t have to worry,” said Luna, smiling.

A sudden deafening blast shook the air, throwing Drifter backward. His body slammed onto the cold floor, his breath coming in gasps as heat and dust enveloped the space. His vision blurred, his eyes stung by the smoke and flashes of light from raging flames.

When he opened his eyes, the world before him lay in ruins. A small hand, detached from its body, lay under a pile of debris. Disfigured faces were scattered, unrecognizable, mere fragments of flesh fused with the blood-soaked blackened earth. Fire danced over what was left of life, spewing choking heat.

His knees hit the ground as he took a trembling, heavy breath. His hands clutched the soil beneath him, a mix of dust and blood staining his fingers. Looking up at the darkened sky, he then lowered his gaze, tears slowly streaking down his cheeks.

“Damn it… Whatever this is… I won’t let it happen...” he thought.

He rose. His body wavered, but his steps were resolute. His breath hitched, his chest tight, but he moved forward. His hand reached into his pocket, finding a familiar warmth—Elysian Wardstone. The stone pulsed softly in his palm.

“Vina… Jaden…” he murmured, his voice almost a whisper.

The rubble began to fade. The smoke dissipated, the sky cleared, and the world grew quiet again. But the voices persisted, shattering his thoughts. Each step felt heavier, as if chains bound his soul.

A...ra... Mu... la...

His breath grew shallow. With every step, the world shifted. He saw Alma crushed beneath the rubble. Another step, and the night turned serene again. Then, a charred corpse still ablaze came into view, making his heart pound faster.

When he reached the Research Center door, the large metal barrier slid open with a sharp hiss. White light spilled out, stabbing at his strained eyes. He squinted, but the voices only grew louder, drilling into his temples.

“Silence... please, silence...” he murmured, barely audible.

His hand trembled as it hovered over the holographic elevator button. The faint glow of the panel lit his face, but the chaos in his head refused to fade. Inside the lift, the noise swelled, crashing over him like a relentless tide. The doors slid open, and he stumbled forward, barely catching himself.

“QUIET!” he bellowed, his voice tearing through the empty corridor. But the screams and whispers kept clawing at his mind, relentless and suffocating.

The bright light ahead twisted, bleeding into shadows that curled at the edges of his vision. His breath hitched as his eyes darted through the room, searching.

“Who’s there… You again… Show yourself!”

The only reply was the faint hum of the Black Cube’s barrier, a broken, static buzz: zz... zz... zz...

His jaw clenched, and a fire flickered in his eyes, burning through the exhaustion.

Step by step, he pushed forward, his weakened frame dragging toward the chamber’s centerpiece—the Black Cube.

Bright light greeted him as the door opened, stabbing his tired eyes. He blinked, adjusting to the brilliance, but the room felt overwhelmingly radiant. In its center stood the Black Cube, hovering within its protective field. A soft blue glow pulsed around it, like a living heartbeat. Each glimmer seemed to call his name.

His steps faltered. Drifter’s eyes locked onto the artifact, his mind flooded with whispers—a strange compulsion driving his hand to move unconsciously. He took one step, then another, until his fingertips nearly touched the shield’s control panel.

“Just shut it down. Take it. End it all.” The distorted voice hissed in his ears.

His hand froze mid-air, suspended without the strength to push further. His body trembled, his breath caught.

“But... what if this thing... what if it’s manipulating me and I’m the source of all this?” he thought.

At last, his hand fell to his side. A long sigh escaped his lips, but his chest still felt constricted. He stepped back slowly until his back pressed against the cold wall behind him. His knees gave way, and he slumped to the floor. His gaze remained fixed on the Black Cube.

The voices continued to echo, but now they became background noise, like the irritating hum of distant insects. His unblinking eyes were drawn entirely to the blue shimmer, pulsing endlessly, pulling all his focus and making the world around him vanish.

The room seemed to shrink, closing in. There was only him, the cold wall at his back, and the Cube at the center of the room. There was no escape, no other place. His thoughts spiraled into a silent mantra, his only tether to sanity.

“No matter what happens, this thing must not fall into anyone’s hands.”

He didn’t know how long he sat there, speechless, as tension and silence enveloped him completely.

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

The soft morning light streamed through the large windows, casting a muted glow on the stone floor of the Research Center. Yet, the atmosphere inside felt heavy, as though something unseen was deeply wrong. Luna Sabriel, Jaxon Virelli, and Alina Walsh walked briskly, their footsteps echoing through the quiet hallways.

When they reached the guard station, Michael stood by the console, his face tense, his hands fidgeting nervously at his sides. He greeted them with an awkward smile that quickly faded.

"Michael, where is Drifter?" Luna asked, her tone soft but laden with concern.

Michael hesitated, lowering his head as he scratched the back of his neck. His movements were uncertain, as though searching for the right words.

"He’s... he’s been in the Cube room since yesterday. He hasn’t spoken. We’ve tried getting him to eat, to rest, but he just... stays silent."

Alina’s expression turned serious immediately. Without waiting for further explanation, she strode toward the Black Cube Room, her steps swift and determined. Luna and Jaxon exchanged a brief glance before following close behind.

When they entered the room, the sight before them made them stop in their tracks. Drifter was sitting slumped against the corner wall, his back slightly hunched. His face was blank, devoid of any expression, but his eyes—those eyes were filled with something indescribable. It was a storm of emotions: anger simmering beneath the surface, mingled with deep exhaustion. His gaze was locked onto the Black Cube, unmoving, as though the artifact had become the center of his world.

Jaxon stepped forward first, his voice light, trying to break the tension.

"Hey, pal... how was last night? Everything alright?" His tone was casual, like always, but there was no response. No movement. Not even a blink.

Without hesitation, Alina walked up to him and grabbed his shoulder firmly.

"Drifter! What’s going on with you?!" Her voice was sharp, bordering on commanding.

Still, nothing.

Luna moved in closer, her steps slow and deliberate. She knelt beside him, her hand resting gently on his back. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper.

"Drifter... we’re here. Come back to us."

The room was heavy with silence, broken only by the faint hum of the Cube’s protective field. Then, slowly, Drifter blinked. A small, almost imperceptible movement, but enough to show he was still present. His gaze shifted slightly, like waking from a deep nightmare.

"What are you doing here?" His voice was hoarse, barely above a murmur.

Jaxon let out a quiet breath of relief and patted his shoulder lightly.

"First things first, buddy—grab some food, then head home and rest. We’ve got this."

Alina nodded, her serious demeanor softening just a little.

"You can’t keep going like this. You need to look after yourself too."

Luna met his tired eyes, her gaze warm yet resolute.

"Let us handle it for now. Trust us. You need to take a break."

But something inside Drifter snapped. He pushed himself up suddenly, his breathing unsteady and sharp. His gaze burned with an intensity none of them were used to seeing.

"You can’t!" he burst out. "You won’t be able to handle it! Don’t try to stop me, alright?!" His voice echoed through the room, laced with frustration and desperation.

The three of them instinctively took a step back. Jaxon stared at him, wide-eyed, while Alina frowned, visibly unsettled. Luna remained quiet, though her eyes clouded with sorrow she couldn’t hide.

She stepped forward cautiously, her voice calm but firm.

"Drifter... you’re wearing yourself out. Let us help."

Drifter clenched his fists, his body trembling as if barely holding himself together.

"You don’t understand, Luna... if the Cube is lost... if it falls into the wrong hands..." His voice cracked, unable to finish the thought, but the weight of his emotions filled the gap.

Another wave of silence settled over the room. For a moment, Luna, usually composed and steady, lowered her head. She took a deep breath before looking at him again, her voice softer than before.

"I’m sorry if we’re pushing too hard... but please, eat something. You need it."

Drifter didn’t answer, his weary eyes searching theirs, silently pleading for understanding. After a beat, the three began to step away, their movements slow and reluctant, their hearts heavy with worry.

Just as they reached the door, Drifter’s voice cut through the stillness, low and filled with quiet remorse.

"I’m sorry... and thank you."

They paused briefly, glancing back at him. Luna, Jaxon, and Alina nodded in silent acknowledgment before finally leaving. Drifter remained behind, sinking back against the wall, his eyes drifting once again to the Black Cube, the weight of its presence pressing down on him like a storm he alone had to weather.

They stopped, glancing back at him. Luna, Jaxon, and Alina nodded silently before stepping out of the room. They left Drifter alone once more, sitting back against the corner, his gaze returning to the Black Cube, bearing a burden only he could understand.

[Location: Cafeteria – Verm Evocaier Academy – Five Days Later – Afternoon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The cafeteria buzzed with the sound of chatter and the clinking of cutlery. The aroma of hot soup and freshly baked bread filled the air as students tried to shake off the monotony of five days under Condition II. Despite the bright sunlight streaming through the windows, the atmosphere remained heavy, like an unseen weight pressing down on everyone.

At one of the long tables, Sloane leaned back in his chair, his exhaustion barely masked.

"Ugh, I’m so tired. Five days of this, and nothing’s even happened," he grumbled, lazily stirring his soup with his spoon.

Across from him, Reine let out a soft sigh of relief.

"Honestly, I’m fine with it. If five quiet days mean we’re safe, I’ll take it."

Seated beside her, Caelus nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on his bowl as if lost in thought.

"If it stays quiet for another two weeks, they might finally downgrade us from Condition II."

Bryan, sitting nearby, groaned loudly.

"Two weeks? Are you serious? Five days already feels like a year."

Even Mia, usually bubbling with energy, poked at her food with little enthusiasm.

"Yeah... I’m so bored. I can’t imagine sitting through another week of this."

Erick, quiet until now, spoke up softly, his tone carrying a hopeful note.

"I just want all of this to be over. Doesn’t matter how long it takes, as long as we’re safe."

Lily, resting her chin in her hand, sighed wistfully.

"Same here. I miss home so much."

Their conversation lulled for a moment as Alyssa tilted her head, her sharp gaze settling on Lorcan, who sat unusually quiet, absentmindedly twirling his fork.

“Hey, Lorcan. What’s up with you? You’re weirdly quiet today. What’s on your mind?”

Lorcan gave a small shrug, his eyes distant.

“Just… thinking.”

Seated nearby, Vaeloria smirked and leaned in with a playful grin.

“Wow, Lorcan thinking? Should we be worried the world’s ending?”

Lorcan let out a soft huff but ignored the jab. Instead, his tone shifted, more serious now, as he glanced around the group.

“By the way, has anyone seen Drifter? It’s been five days, and I haven’t seen him anywhere. Anyone know what’s going on with him?”

Caelus shrugged, his voice calm.

“Probably off on some special assignment. My bet’s he’s at city headquarters.”

Reine shook his head, his brow furrowed in thought.

“No, he’s not. My sister’s stationed there, and she said she hasn’t seen him.”

Before anyone could speculate further, Vaeloria squinted toward the cafeteria entrance. Alma, Nadia, and Vellya had just walked in. She nodded toward them with a small smile.

“Hey, let’s just ask her. She’d know for sure.”

Mia perked up, a flicker of her usual energy returning.

“Good idea.”

As the three approached, Alma greeted them with her signature bright smile, though there was a faint tension behind it. Nadia, on the other hand, seemed uneasy, her eyes darting nervously around the room. Vellya followed close behind, cheerful but with a hint of confusion in her expression.

“Hi, everyone!” Alma said warmly.

“Hello...,” Nadia murmured, her voice barely audible.

“Hi, big sis, big bro!” Vellya chimed in, waving enthusiastically with her usual radiant smile.

Lorcan immediately stood and walked over to Alma.

"Hey, Alma. Do you know where Drifter is? We haven’t seen him in days."

Alma’s smile faltered slightly. She hesitated, glancing at Nadia, then back at the group.

"He’s... he’s at the Research Center."

Reine leaned forward, his brows furrowed in concern.

"Is he okay? Is something wrong?"

Alma let out a small, nervous laugh, though it sounded forced.

"No, he’s fine. He’s just... on guard duty. That’s all."

Erick raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical.

"Guard duty? Isn’t that where the Black Cube is?"

Vaeloria’s eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms. Her voice was firm.

“Cut the act, Alma. We know something’s up. Why not just tell us?”

Alma sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping as she lowered her gaze. After a pause, she finally spoke.

"Okay... He’s been acting strange. We saw him recently, and... he’s not himself."

The group went quiet, the weight of her words settling over them.

After a moment, Lorcan stood, his voice determined.

“Enough talk. Let’s go to the Research Center and see what’s really going on.”

Caelus raised a hand, his tone cautious.

"We’re novices. We can’t just walk in there, especially not in a big group like this."

Lorcan turned back to Alma, his expression hopeful.

"Can you talk to your dad? Maybe get us permission to see him?"

Alma hesitated, her uncertainty clear, but she nodded reluctantly.

"I’ll try.."

She returned a few moments later, her face apologetic.

"Sorry, guys. You’re not allowed in. My dad said it’s restricted."

Vaeloria sighed deeply, brushing a strand of hair back.

"If we can’t see him, how about we send him a message? All of us together."

Lorcan’s lips curved into a faint smile.

"That’s a good idea. Let’s do it."

The group quickly pulled out their Lumina Cores, typing heartfelt messages to Drifter in hopes of reaching him. Even Vellya, who had been unsure of what was happening, smiled brightly as she joined in, inspired by the group’s optimism.

Though the cafeteria still buzzed with background chatter, there was a renewed sense of hope among the friends as they worked together, determined to let Drifter know he wasn’t alone.

The group activated their Lumina Cores, typing their messages with care and hope. Even Vellya, who had been confused earlier, smiled at the sight of everyone coming together. Nadia, though still anxious, seemed a little more at ease, her eyes glimmering with the same hope that everything would soon return to normal.