[Location: Maranagara City – Noon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
Drifter saw the girl running quickly, and they pushed through the crowd toward her. They arrived at a large square building with crystal walls, a lotus logo, and the wings of the Evocaier Order in front.
Suddenly, Drifter heard Friedrich's voice from behind and turned to look at him.
“Sorry, I'll wait here... It's dangerous if I go in. They probably recognize me,” Friedrich said.
“Alright... We'll take care of this,” Luna replied, then walked ahead.
Drifter trailed behind Luna and Jaxon, with Alma joining their group. As they approached the building, he was struck by its immense scale.
Meticulously landscaped gardens surrounded the structure, with a stunning fountain centerpiece featuring a graceful statue of a woman pouring water from an ornate jug. The building's architecture was imposing, forming a grand square reminiscent of a royal palace. Drifter cast a quick glance at his companions - Luna, Alma, and Jaxon - as they walked alongside him.
"First time here?" Drifter asked casually.
"You bet," Jaxon replied with a grin.
Alma gazed around, her eyes wide with wonder. "Wow... This building is massive. It's even bigger than the main building at the academy," she said, clearly impressed.
Luna nodded in agreement. "Definitely. I think it's even larger than the headquarters in Nethia."
"Pretty incredible, right?" Jaxon chuckled. "This branch is something else."
They approached the entrance gate, where a mustached man with curly brown hair stepped forward. "Can I help you?" he asked.
Jaxon immediately flashed a friendly smile, smoothly pulling out a "Vytros Seal" ID card from his brown coat. The card identified him as "David Akmer".
"We're with Rindos Agricultural Corporation," he explained smoothly.
"We'd like to discuss a small sponsorship—just a donation of food supplies for the Sarjavah Festival. It's our way of showing appreciation for all the work the Evocaier Order does."
The man quickly verified the ID, then nodded and gestured toward the building's center. "Reception's right through there."
"Thanks," Jaxon said, pocketing the card with a warm smile.
Alma, Luna, and Drifter followed Jaxon, exchanging polite smiles with the guard. As they walked, an eerie silence enveloped them. Only the gentle splash of water and their footsteps broke the quiet. Entering the main building, the walls seemed to shimmer, and crystal floors reflected their movement. Automatic doors sealed shut behind them with a soft hiss.
Alma leaned closer to Drifter, her voice hushed. "Is it just me, or is this place unusually empty? Was that guy at the entrance the only security?"
Luna glanced at her. "Probably because of the festival. Everyone's likely preparing for the event."
Jaxon nodded, "Good point, but it's still pretty strange how quiet the headquarters is."
Drifter scanned the expansive circular room. An aquarium dominated the center, casting soft blue light. At the far end, a Nereid girl hunched over a holographic screen, visibly tense beside a woman with long orange hair.
"There she is," Drifter muttered.
As they approached, the Nereid girl recoiled, sliding to the furthest chair. Her hands trembled, and she deliberately avoided making eye contact, turning her face away.
Jaxon approached the woman with orange hair, while Alma and Luna settled into chairs nearby. Drifter sat next to Alma.
The woman greeted them with a warm smile. "How can I help you today?"
"We're from Rindos Agricultural Corporation," Jaxon explained smoothly. "We'd like to offer a sponsorship—food supplies for the festival, as a token of appreciation for the Evocaier Order's work."
She nodded, her fingers dancing across the console. "That's incredibly thoughtful. We always welcome support, especially with the festival approaching." She gestured to the seats. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. I'll notify Sir Lance Vermonth. He'll handle the sponsorship details and should be here shortly."
Jaxon glanced at the visibly distressed Nereid girl. "That girl seems a bit... off. Is everything alright?"
The woman's smile remained fixed. "She's been separated from her parents during festival preparations. We're handling the situation. Nothing to worry about."
Jaxon nodded and sat down beside Drifter. Alma waved at the Nereid girl, and Luna offered a gentle smile. The girl remained motionless, her fingers twisting her skirt into tight knots.
"Should we go talk to her?" Alma whispered to Luna.
"Let's wait and see," Luna cautioned.
Drifter sat with his arms crossed, scanning the room periodically. Moments later, the woman with orange hair spoke.
"Dhea... your parents are here to pick you up," she said, her smile unwavering.
Drifter caught the girl's knuckles turning white as she gripped her skirt, her eyes wide with terror.
Suddenly, a desperate female voice erupted from outside.
"NO! THOSE AREN'T YOUR PARENTS! RUN!!!"
The Nereid girl bolted. Drifter, Luna, and Alma were instantly on their feet. Alma sprinted after her.
Drifter noticed the woman with orange hair frozen in place, her fingers trembling as they flew across the holographic screen. Her shoulders sagged almost imperceptibly.
Jaxon approached her. "What's happening? That sounded serious."
"Nothing to worry about," she replied, her smile rigidly in place. "Just a small misunderstanding. Our team is handling it."
Drifter and Luna quickened their pace, trailing Alma. In the courtyard, a group of men in black suits converged on the Nereid girl. Beside her stood a Felidae girl—her gray fur spotted like a leopard, dressed entirely in black with a hood.
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image [https://i.ibb.co.com/DDFHwQN8/01-41.jpg]
With lightning-quick movements, she gripped the Nereid girl's hand and guided her toward the exit. Her agile maneuvers effortlessly kept the suited men at bay.
The man in the suit, sunglasses reflecting the light, turned toward them.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
"We're from Rindos Agriculture Company, we’re here to offer food aid," Luna replied calmly.
Instantly, he raised two fingers sharply toward the Nereid girl. With a subtle hand gesture, he signaled his team. Thundering footsteps filled the air, heavy with tension. The group moved swiftly, pursuing the terrified girl.
Alma lunged forward, but Luna's hand caught her arm. Alma turned, confusion and frustration etched across her face.
"Don't... Alma. You know this isn't the time," Luna said softly.
Alma paused, her fist clenched. Her lips trembled, holding back a storm of emotions. She glared sharply, then slowly lowered her eyes, taking a deep breath. After a moment, she nodded quietly, though her body still radiated tension.
"We'll report to Professor while we wait for Jaxon," Luna said.
Drifter nodded, and they began walking, Alma trailing behind.
They approached the Windy Bloom Café, its large frameless glass windows adorned with lush green plants. The space buzzed with chatter and life. Drifter scanned the room until he spotted Friedrich at a corner table, methodically sipping his drink.
They settled around him - Luna and Drifter across, Alma to his left.
"How is it? What happened?" Friedrich asked, his gaze sharp and piercing.
"Where's Jaxon?" he continued.
"Jaxon's still at the branch headquarters," Luna explained. "The girl ran again, guided by a Felidae girl. She's still being chased by those men in suits, just like before."
"Who are they? Why are they here from the branch office?" Friedrich's voice carried a thread of suspicion.
Luna furrowed her brows, fingers tapping softly on the table.
Drifter glanced at Luna before turning to Friedrich.
"We don't know, Professor. The receptionist claimed the girl was lost, separated from her parents. But then those men in suits appeared..." his voice trailed off meaningfully.
Friedrich nodded slowly.
"I see... We'll wait for Jaxon. Let's order something." He lifted his cup again.
After a while, Jaxon arrived, sliding in beside Drifter with a relaxed grin.
"Well, sorry for the wait. Did I miss anything?" he asked casually.
"Our Vytros Seal has been updated by HQ with a new identity. Check for yourself," Friedrich replied.
Drifter activated the Lumina Core on his wrist. A holographic screen flickered to life, displaying the Vytros Seal. His photo remained the same, but the name now read Jax Kade, occupation: mercenary.
Friedrich turned to Luna and Alma. "Luna, Alma, you don't need to come with us. It's better if you check the hotel and rest," he said.
"We can wait outside the meeting," Alma responded.
"That's a bad idea, Alma. Spies could be watching. Your appearance is more suited to a civilian, not a mercenary," Friedrich explained firmly.
Alma hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, dad. Stay safe, okay?"
"You too, take care," Luna added.
Drifter, Jaxon, and Friedrich left the café, Friedrich leading the way. They boarded the skyrail heading to the East District, leaving the Central District behind.
As they descended, Drifter took in the changing landscape. The buildings here were lower, with a white sandy beach stretching into the distance. Passengers wore casual beach attire - swimsuits, shorts, sunglasses perched atop their heads.
They arrived at the Tidal Horizon Bar, a sleek structure with dark gray walls nestled along the shoreline. Modern yet organic, the bar featured matte black walls, expansive glass windows, and natural wood accents softly illuminated by Evocyte lamps. A wooden deck with black woven furniture and marble tables created an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.
"Is this the meeting place?" Drifter asked Friedrich.
"No mistake... but don't judge the place by its looks," Friedrich answered calmly.
Inside, acoustic guitar music filled the air. A blonde elf singer performed on stage as they approached a large table. An Ursidae man - bear-like in appearance - manipulated drinks with telekinetic precision.
Friedrich stepped forward. "A Virellian Sunset," he said.
The man paused, studying them with a piercing gaze, then nodded. He tapped his Lumina Core. A man in a suit with shade appear behind them.
"Follow me," he said flatly.
The team was led through a narrow, dimly lit corridor at the bar's rear. Their footsteps whispered against the glossy floor. A door opened to reveal a small room, a blinding light suspended over a single table.
"Identification," the suited man demanded.
They tapped their Lumina Cores, holographic Vytros Seals flickering to life. After a brief inspection, the man exited, the door sealing with a soundless click.
A sharp synthetic voice sliced through the silence.
"Good evening… Garen Vexler. Jax Kade. Drake Rosier," it said coldly.
"You guys just arrived on time. We have work for you. A separatist hideout is located here," the voice continued.
A holographic map materialized, spinning to reveal an island dotted with box-like buildings.
"These coordinates have been sent to your Lumina Core. Your task is simple: destroy the location. No questions. No hesitation. Deadline is tomorrow night. We expect results."
"Understood. We'll take care of it," Friedrich responded firmly.
"Good. I hope you can be relied upon," the voice replied.
The hologram dissolved, leaving a heavy silence. The door opened automatically.
Friedrich, Drifter, and Jaxon quickly left the bar. Night had fallen, the beach now nearly empty. They boarded the skyrail to the Central District, heading to the Vanderlane Grand Hotel.
[Location: Vanderlane Grand Hotel – Maranagara – Night – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
The hotel towered above the city, its glass facade shimmering with Maranagara's vibrant lights. The lobby radiated cold elegance—marble floors, golden chandeliers, a central fountain's gentle cascade. Luxury personified, yet to the team, it felt more like a gilded prison.
Their suite continued the opulent theme—plush armchairs, rich mahogany, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic city view. But no one relaxed. The meeting's weight hung in the air, each person lost in private thoughts.
Alma looked up from her holographic screen. "Welcome back. How did it go?" she asked.
Luna settled beside her. "What did they say?"
Friedrich settled into an armchair near the window, his movements deliberate. He tapped his Lumina Core, connecting to their contact.
A mechanical voice responded. "I'm here. What's the report?"
"They assigned us a task to attack a separatist hideout. No details, no context. Strange—they have an entire army. Why hire mercenaries for this?" Friedrich said.
"While you were gone, we investigated Grand Commander Lamont. He has direct ties with Grand Chancellor Radmilla Einar. If the order came down, it most likely originated from the Chancellor himself," Luna explained.
"True. With their support, your team might be stationed on the Yuvaka Cruiser as mercenaries." Hunter said, his tone flat and mechanical.
"Hunter, how long have you been stationed here?" Friedrich asked.
"I'm not a member of the Evocaier Order, but I've been here almost ten years," Hunter responded.
Friedrich's brow furrowed, exchanging a meaningful glance with Luna, Jaxon and Drifter.
Not from the Order? That... wasn't expected. For Grandmaster Ragnar to rely on someone outside the Order....
"Alright... Let's continue. Tell me about the political situation in the Nusa Union. The Grand Chancellor's been in power for four terms now, right?" Friedrich asked.
"Rumors are flying,"
"Forced labor in the Eterion Mines seems to be an open secret. And there's something else brewing—a serial killer's been taking out high-ranking politicians. Six dead so far."
"This isn't just about the separatists. The resistance movement is growing stronger, exposing corruption and forced labor allegations. My advice? Stay away from their politics. Focus on the Black Cube." Hunter said.
"Thanks for the head's up. Whatever's there, we'll be careful. Observation first, action later," Friedrich said, looking around the room. "Anyone have any thoughts?"
Drifter stared into the distance, fingers tapping his knee.
Politics... something I never really understood. Seven hundred years have passed... Even though noble status is long gone... it seems to still cling in another form... like in the Elysium days... he thought bitterly.
After a moment of silence, Friedrich stood. "Good work today. Rest up. We move at dawn. The Alcheriders are ready—thanks to Hunter."
The group nodded in agreement, the weight of their conversation still heavy in the air. They began to disperse, each retreating to their corner of the suite to prepare for the challenges ahead.
"Take care, everyone," Luna said softly.
"Get some good rest," Drifter added quietly.
"Um... yeah. See you tomorrow," Alma said, her voice hesitant.
"Sweet dreams," Jaxon said with a hint of forced lightness.
As the suite door clicked shut, the tension from the meeting continued to hover. Each of them sank into their private thoughts, acutely aware that whatever awaited them would demand more than they felt prepared to give.