[Location: Friedrich’s Office - Evocaier Academy – Evening – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

After visiting Drifter in the hospital, Friedrich Rosenthal returned to his office. Evening had arrived. He sat at his desk, but suddenly, the Lumina Core on his wrist vibrated. Glancing at it, he saw a message from Grandmaster Ragnar Ashmane.

Before replying, Friedrich paused to think,

"That was fast... The Aether Nexus network and Grandmaster Amisha are certainly reliable."

He pressed the screen, and a holographic image of Ragnar appeared.

"Friedrich. Assemble your team immediately. The Cube has been located in Nusa Union. Our informant will brief you directly upon arrival," ordered Grandmaster Ragnar, his tone sharp.

Friedrich straightened in his seat and gave a curt nod.

"Understood, Grandmaster. My team will prepare. But with respect, why assign this mission to us? Wouldn’t the Aether Nexus team, with their expertise, be better suited for this operation?"

Ragnar’s gaze hardened.

"This decision is final. The Sarjavah Festival is imminent, and foreign delegates from across the world will gather in the Union for the main event. Deploying Aether Nexus operatives risks exposure, and any suspicion could irreparably damage our relations with the Union. Your team will operate covertly. Drifter’s connection to the Cube may provide an advantage."

He paused, his expression unwavering.

"For this reason, this mission will remain classified. I have withheld it from the Evocaier Order’s Nusa Union branch to minimize the risk of leaks. You are to carry out this operation in absolute secrecy. No one beyond this room must know you’re there."

Friedrich gave a brisk nod.

"Acknowledged, Grandmaster. We’ll maintain full operational discretion. How will we identify the informant?"

"I’m transmitting their details to your Lumina Core. Their alias is HR, and the contact protocol is as follows," Ragnar said as Friedrich’s device lit up. The display showed two coded phrases:

"The storm arrives at dusk."

"And the wind carries it across the sea."

Friedrich read the phrases and nodded again.

"Understood, Grandmaster."

Ragnar’s tone grew heavier.

"This mission is critical, Friedrich. If the artifact falls into the wrong hands, it could shift the balance of power in Vesteria—and not in our favor. You must ensure success. Failure is not an option."

Friedrich locked his gaze on the hologram, his voice unwavering.

"We will complete the mission. I give you my word, Grandmaster."

"Good. Stay vigilant. Dismissed," Ragnar concluded before the holographic feed cut off, leaving Friedrich alone in silence.

He leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable as he processed the conversation. After a moment, he straightened and tapped his Lumina Core.

He tapped his Lumina Core again.

"Call Luna, Alina, and Jaxon to my office. Thank you," he said simply.

Friedrich stood by the window of his office, his gaze sweeping over the academy grounds. He took a deep breath, as if trying to steady the weight pressing on his shoulders.

Outside, the campus was eerily silent. The once-majestic buildings with their crystal domes, which had been full of life, now stood in solemn stillness, some wrapped in scaffolding for repairs. The once-pristine crystal floor tiles were cracked and broken, many shattered into fragments.

The ornamental plants that once adorned the campus gardens had vanished, replaced by gaping holes that marred the earth. Ancient trees that had stood tall now lay toppled, their branches scattered across dry, lifeless soil where grass no longer grew.

Friedrich pressed another button on his Lumina Core, connecting to Alina. Her hologram appeared, revealing her weary yet resolute demeanor.

"Alina, how are the students?" Friedrich asked, his tone steady but tinged with concern.

Alina sighed before answering,

"Most of them are dealing with depression... and signs of severe trauma. Nightmares, excessive anxiety... especially the first-year students. I think we’ll need to suspend classes temporarily."

Friedrich fell silent for a moment, narrowing his eyes.

"I see…," he muttered. His gaze shifted briefly to the window before returning to the hologram.

"It seems you won’t be joining this mission," Friedrich thought silently.

"Alina, I’m taking Luna and Jaxon with me to Nusa Union. Our intelligence has located the Cube. I need you to remain here, assist Headmaster Gideon, and take charge of military operations in my absence."

Alina’s eyes widened in surprise.

"I’m sorry, Professor, but… I’m not ready for a responsibility like that," she stammered.

Friedrich’s gaze softened, though his tone remained firm.

"I trust you, Alina. If there are any issues, the Vilreth Team and all remaining members in the city are under your command. Thank you."

Alina was silent for a moment before nodding slowly.

"Understood, Professor. I won’t let you down."

Friedrich gave a faint smile before ending the hologram call. The display faded, leaving his office in silence once again.

Moments later, hurried footsteps echoed from outside. The door opened without a knock as Alma entered, followed by Luna and Jaxon, both arriving after being called via the Vestra System that resonated throughout the campus.

"Dad… has the Cube been found?" Alma asked.

Friedrich glanced at her briefly, exhaling deeply before turning his attention to Luna and Jaxon.

"Thank you for coming. I know you need rest, but this is urgent. We leave for Nusa Union tomorrow morning. Mission details will be sent to you shortly. For now, get some rest."

"Alina and Drifter aren’t coming?" Jaxon asked.

"Alina is needed here... and Drifter…" Friedrich hesitated for a moment. "He’s still in the hospital."

Jaxon gave a slight nod. Luna glanced at the two of them silently.

"Understood, Professor. We’ll take our leave, then," Luna said, before she and Jaxon exited the room. Alma, however, remained behind.

"Dad, can I come too?" Alma asked, her voice tinged with a pleading tone.

Friedrich looked at her for a moment before replying,

"Stay here. The academy’s medical team and Nethia Hospital need you."

Disappointed, Alma lowered her gaze but eventually nodded.

"Alright… stay safe, Dad." She left the room shortly after.

The next morning, Friedrich, Luna, and Jaxon prepared for their mission in casual attire. Friedrich wore a gray shirt and black pants, simple yet tidy. Luna dressed in a black jacket, black shirt, and matching black shorts paired with long stockings. Jaxon sported his signature brown coat, cowboy hat, and aviator glasses.

At the campus gates, the Alcherider Titan hovered low before landing smoothly. As the vehicle’s doors opened, Friedrich was surprised to see Drifter in the driver’s seat, with Alma sitting beside him.

Friedrich quickly boarded, followed by Jaxon and Luna.

"You’re not resting, Drifter?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.

"I’m fine now. Please, let me join the mission," Drifter replied firmly, his hands steady on the controls.

Friedrich smiled faintly and nodded.

"Alright, but don’t push yourself. Welcome aboard."

Jaxon patted Drifter’s shoulder warmly.

"Glad to have you back, pal. It wouldn’t be the same without you."

"Yeah… glad to be back. It’s a shame Alina can’t join us," Drifter said, glancing briefly at Luna and Jaxon before focusing on the controls.

Luna gave a small smile as her eyes met Drifter’s.

"Aren’t you going to ask why I’m here?" Alma teased, a playful lilt in her voice.

Friedrich let out a long sigh, fixing her with a knowing look.

"I had a feeling. You were suspiciously cooperative yesterday, and now, here you are, bright and early." He raised an eyebrow.

"Let me guess—you went straight to Drifter and dragged him into this, didn’t you?"

Alma flashed a mischievous grin. "Guilty as charged. But you’ll need me on this mission, won’t you?"

Friedrich stared at her for a moment, his expression a mix of exasperation and affection. Finally, he sighed again, his voice softening.

"Alright, fine. Just promise me you won’t push yourself too hard."

Alma beamed, leaning in slightly.

"I promise, Dad. Don’t worry, I’ve got this!"

The group set off toward Nethia City Airport aboard the Alcherider Titan and soon arrived. They boarded a small gray Skyship Transport Class with the name "Rindos Agricultural Company" painted clearly along its sides. The ship’s design was simple, with a rectangular frame.

As they took the lift up to the skyship’s cabin, Friedrich turned to Drifter.

This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

"One thing, Drifter… change your outfit. That black suit of yours draws too much attention. Wear something more casual."

"Understood, Professor," Drifter replied calmly.

Once inside the cabin, Luna, Alma, and Friedrich settled into their seats. Jaxon headed straight for the cockpit, sitting in the pilot’s chair and activating the glowing console. A low hum filled the air as the once-enclosed metal walls transformed, revealing the vast Nethia Airport and a clear blue sky bathed in sunlight.

"We’re taking off," Jaxon announced, his voice firm.

The skyship roared to life as its blue thrusters ignited, propelling it into the sky with stunning speed.

image [https://i.ibb.co.com/SvfNytx/WM1.jpg]

Moments later, cruising through the air, Jaxon engaged the autopilot and turned his seat toward the group. He noticed Drifter had changed into a dark blue jacket, matching jeans, and a black shirt.

"Wow, that was quick. Also, you three look so different without your usual outfits," Jaxon joked with a chuckle.

Drifter and Friedrich exchanged faint smiles, while Luna glanced their way briefly.

"Speaking of outfits, do you even own anything else? That hat and those glasses seem glued to you," Drifter teased, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Jaxon chuckled, tapping the brim of his hat.

"This is my signature look, pal."

"Can I borrow them, Mr.Jaxon?" Alma chimed in playfully.

Jaxon rolled his eyes, letting out an exaggerated sigh.

"Alma, we’re not at the academy. Just drop the ‘Mister,’ okay?"

"Alright, old man," Alma quipped, her grin mischievous.

Jaxon groaned, shaking his head.

"Seriously? Just call me Jaxon, alright?"

Suddenly, a beeping sound interrupted the banter. Jaxon swiveled his chair back to the console, quickly adjusting the controls. Below them, a magnificent coastal city came into view.

The city was perched by a pristine white-sand beach, surrounded by crystal-clear waters dotted with small islands. At its center stood a towering spire, encircled by uniquely designed buildings with curved, blue roofs. Long bridges connected various parts of the city, creating a seamless network. The backdrop of towering mountains completed the breathtaking view.

image [https://i.ibb.co.com/569CxkW/maranagara.jpg]

Drifter stared at the city intently, his thoughts momentarily drifting.

"What a beautiful place," he mused silently.

"We’re almost there. Jaxon will take point once the inspection is complete. We’ll disembark immediately after," said Friedrich, his tone firm.

"And one more thing… do not materialize your weapons or armor in public. This isn’t a neutral zone. Doing so is considered a criminal act here… you could be imprisoned. Be cautious, especially since this mission must remain under the radar. You’ve read the mission details, right, Drifter?" Friedrich continued.

"Yes, Professor. I’ve got it," Drifter replied with a nod.

Their Skyship descended smoothly onto one of the runways at Maranagara Airport. Around them, a symphony of noise filled the air—dockworkers shouting orders, the roar of ships taking off and landing, and the rhythmic thuds of crates being loaded onto freighters.

Nearby, the cargo door of a large vessel opened, and a team of automatons accompanied by staff approached to inspect the load.

As the Skyship’s door opened, a Lupidae male—a humanoid wolf with dark gray fur—approached, accompanied by a Capriae male, a humanoid goat with white fur. Both wore deep blue and emerald-green uniforms. They walked toward the cabin as Jaxon stepped forward to greet them.

"Agricultural goods. Nothing too interesting. Just another delivery from Nethia. You know how it is," said Jaxon casually.

"Quite the team you’ve got here," the Lupidae remarked, his gaze shifting to Drifter, Luna, Alma, and Friedrich.

"Yeah, we had some trouble with an automaton earlier. Nothing serious," replied Jaxon, handing over his Vytros Seal ID card.

The Capriae officer tapped the Lumina Core on his wrist, cross-checking the hologram against the ID card. After a moment, a notification appeared on his device. He nodded toward the Lupidae.

"Everything checks out. Lots of agricultural shipments today, thanks to the Sarjavah Festival," the Lupidae commented.

Returning the Vytros Seal to Jaxon, he gestured for the group to proceed before exiting the cabin with the other staff and automatons. The cargo door of the Skyship sealed shut behind them.

"Festival season always keeps the docks busy. Thanks, officers," said Jaxon politely.

"Good work, Jaxon. Let’s move. We need to find our contact before nightfall," ordered Friedrich, his voice sharp.

The group nodded in agreement and followed Friedrich toward the Skyrail station.

While riding the Skyrail, Drifter gazed out at the bustling city below. The streets were packed with people, and streams of Alcheriders filled the highways in a seemingly endless flow.

"Is it always this crowded here?" Drifter asked.

"Not always. But with the Sarjavah Festival approaching, the city is packed. It’s one of the biggest celebrations in the Union. They say people travel from all over for it. Makes it the perfect time for us to blend in, right?" Jaxon replied with a grin, seated next to Drifter.

Suddenly, a man’s voice came from beside Drifter.

"Six victims already. Who’s next? The police are doing nothing," muttered a middle-aged man with curly brown hair.

"With the festival coming up, this city isn’t safe. A serial killer is on the loose right under their noses, and they can’t catch them?" added a Leonari man, a humanoid lion with fiery red hair.

"Haven’t you heard? No clues. No traces, no weapon. It’s like they disappear after every murder," the middle-aged man replied.

Drifter glanced at the Leonari, noting how his hands clenched into fists, his voice trembling with restrained anger.

"That’s… horrifying," the Leonari said quietly, his tone heavy.

[Location: Emerald Haven Motel – Room 201 – Noon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The group disembarked in the Old Harbor district. The air was thick with the salty tang of the sea. Towering cranes, loomed over the docks, hoisting crates shielded with magical wards.

The Emerald Haven came into view, nestled among leaning warehouses. Its cracked stone façade blended with the harbor’s dull, industrial tones. Above the entrance, a flickering neon sign cast a faint green glow onto the cobblestone streets.

Inside, the air was damp and carried the scent of salt and decay. The receptionist barely looked up, sliding over a room key with the same lifeless expression as the peeling wallpaper behind them. Without a word, Friedrich Rosenthal took the key and led the group down the dimly lit corridor, their footsteps muffled by threadbare carpet.

At the door to Room 201, Friedrich knocked.

"The storm arrives at dusk," he said evenly.

For a moment, silence filled the room. Then, a deep, metallic voice replied, "And the wind carries it across the sea."

Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a simple room with just a bed, a desk, and a chair. A figure began to stand—black-hooded, wearing armor with a metallic frame and blue-glowing eyes.

image [https://i.ibb.co.com/k3Hcswn/01-39.jpg]

"You can call me Hunter," he said. "In three days, during the Sarjavah Festival, the Black Cube will change hands. Mercenaries have arranged the exchange aboard the Yuvaka Cruise Ship—one of the most exclusive vessels in the Union. Whether the timing is coincidental or deliberately chosen for the festival's climax, I can't say. But it's clearly no accident."

"So, you’re saying the Nusa Union government is involved in the theft of the Black Cube?" Friedrich asked, his tone sharp.

"Most likely. The messages I intercepted came from someone high up in their ranks," Hunter continued.

"But there’s more to it. This festival isn’t just a celebration. A separatist group is planning an attack. The government is trying to cover it up—too afraid of causing panic. Or maybe… it’s all part of their plan. A perfect excuse to tighten security and keep the Black Cube trade under wraps."

"I see... That’s complicated. The cruise ship’s security will be tight. If we plan to infiltrate using disguises and fake IDs, do you think it’ll work?" Friedrich asked.

"Forged documents won’t cut it. Security on the Yuvaka Cruise Ship is airtight. They’re expecting VIPs from all over the Union and beyond. Fake IDs will be sniffed out instantly. You’ll need to get one of the VIPs to trust you," Hunter said grimly.

After a pause, he added,

"But there is one person who could be your way in, Commander."

"I’ve heard there’s someone recruiting mercenaries, connected to a Union general. But he’s not the trusting type. You’ll need to prove yourselves first—he tests his allies before revealing anything of importance," Hunter explained.

"Any idea which general we’re talking about?" Friedrich asked.

"Most likely Grand Commander Lamont. He’s the highest-ranking official there. If you want to approach him, you’ll need to earn his trust," Hunter said calmly.

A heavy silence hung over the group.

"Then we go in as mercenaries. It’s our best shot," Friedrich concluded.

"Good luck, Commander. I’ll reach out if I uncover anything new," said Hunter.

As they exited the building, the weight of the mission hung heavily on the group. Drifter glanced at the others, his brow furrowed.

"Does anyone know who this separatist group really is? What are they after?"

"From what I’ve heard, they’re extremists who want to break up Nusa Union. They think this place is a forced alliance—too many ideologies and cultures crammed together. They want to tear it all down," Luna replied, her tone icy.

"So, we’re going from farmers to mercenaries now? Quite the career shift," Jaxon said with a smirk.

"Mercenaries, huh? Got any brilliant ideas for what I should wear, Jaxon?" Alma asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You can’t materialize armor, right? Just shave the sides of your head, leave a stripe down the middle. You’ll look scary enough," Jaxon teased with a grin.

"Seriously? That would be overkill," Alma said, laughing at the suggestion.

Suddenly, Alma was bumped by a petite girl with fin-like ears, long silver-white hair, and barefoot, wearing a pale blue-white dress. They both stumbled slightly.

image [https://i.ibb.co.com/wdBgp12/01-40.jpg]

"Sorry..." the girl mumbled.

"No worries," Alma replied.

Drifter glanced at the girl, noticing her anxious state and profuse sweating. Luna, Friedrich, and Jaxon also observed her and their surroundings.

"What's a Nereid doing on land?" Drifter wondered.

He heard heavy footsteps approaching—two men in suits and sunglasses drawing nearer. The girl's face instantly filled with panic, and she tried to flee. But Luna reached out and gently took her arm. The girl initially resisted, but Luna's soft gaze and faint smile gradually calmed her. Pressing a finger to her lips, Luna signaled for silence, then guided the girl to a nearby vacant stall. After ensuring her safety, Luna returned to her position.

Meanwhile, Drifter, Friedrich, and Jaxon intercepted the two men in black. Their steps slowed, suspicion flickering in their eyes as they approached. One of them, a Lupidae, raised a badge.

"Nusa Union Police. Step aside," the Lupidae said firmly.

"Oh, what a coincidence, Officer... Sorry, we're just lost tourists. Could you point us to the nearest hotel?" Jaxon replied with a casual smile.

"Sorry, Officer... it's so hot here, and this crowd is giving us a headache," Drifter added.

"We're very sorry, Officer," Friedrich chimed in.

The Leonari beside the Lupidae snorted impatiently. "Move. Now," he snapped.

After the men had moved on, the Nereid girl hesitantly emerged from her hiding spot. Alma rushed to her, speaking in a soothing voice. "It's okay. You're safe now. We won't let them hurt you."

The girl let out a small sob, her eyes welling with tears.

"T-Thank you… I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t—" her voice broke, trembling.

"Who are they? What do they want from you?" Luna asked, her tone soft yet firm.

The girl’s eyes darted nervously to the crowd, her body trembling. She shook her head quickly.

"I-I can’t… I have to go," she said in panic.

She tried to leave, but Luna’s gentle hand stopped her.

"Wait. You don’t have to run. Whatever this is, we can help you," Luna said, her voice reassuring.

After a moment of hesitation, the girl shook her head again and pulled away.

"I’m sorry… and thank you…," she whispered before vanishing into the crowd.

Drifter exhaled deeply, watching where she had disappeared.

"Those weren't real Nusa Union police. And that girl? She's definitely hiding something."

Jaxon nodded. "Agreed. She's in serious trouble, but too terrified to trust anyone."

Alma's eyes sharpened. "The Order doesn't abandon civilians in danger. I'm on it."

"The mission can wait. Professor?" asked Drifter, glancing at Friedrich.

Friedrich nodded, his expression resolute.

"We follow her. The meeting can be delayed."

"Let's move," Jaxon urged. "No time to waste."

The team wove through the crowded street. Their eyes remained fixed on the shimmering figure darting ahead.