[Location: Maranagara Underwater City – Maranagara Administration Office – Morning – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

The Maranagara Underwater City, located just beneath the surface of Maranagara, was a breathtaking feat of engineering. A sprawling, transparent metropolis with schools of fish swimming gracefully through the water, all connected by shimmering, transparent skyrails track—tunnels lit by bioluminescent flora.

At the heart of the city stood the tallest tower, where the Head Administrator’s decisions shaped the city's future and its territories.

An azure figure stepped forward, his armor dissolving into shimmering blue particle as he entered. Revealed beneath was a man with a messy undercut, dark gray hair, and a well-groomed beard and mustache that lent him a slightly rugged charm.

image [https://i.ibb.co.com/twLrK599/01-42.jpg]

He moved with deliberate steps, his dark blue coat flowing over a black sleeveless shirt that clung to his muscular frame. As he neared the building, he came to a halt at the door, where a woman in a sharp suit gestured for him to enter.

Inside, his brown eyes seen Sarvan Einar, a young man with neatly combed light brown hair sat, wearing a neat suit and emerald-green robes. His posture was lazy, his gaze filled with irritation as he eyed Lance. His green eyes narrowed in disdain.

image [https://i.ibb.co.com/NdCPq8VD/01-43.jpg]

"Why are you still here, Lance?" Sarvan said. "I gave you a simple order—wipe them out. Make an example of them. What's the delay?"

Lance's jaw worked before he spoke. "I... failed. The situation's more—"

"Failed?" Now Sarvan looked up, disbelief flickering across his face before settling into something colder. "You were defeated by just civilians?"

Lance's fingers curled at his sides. "You ordered us not to kill her. Capturing her alive... it's not simple. And they weren't just civilians. Their allies—"

"Their allies?" Sarvan cut him off with a bark of laughter.

"You're a commander in the Union Evocaier Order, and you're standing here giving me excuses about allies?"

He waved a dismissive hand. "I want her to be captured and that village burned. Every last building, every last person. By tonight."

He leaned forward, voice dropping. "You understand the consequences of failure, don't you, Lance?"

"Understood." Lance's voice stayed stead.

“Good. Glad we’re clear. Now, go.” Sarvan waved him off dismissively, already turning his attention back to the window.

Lance nails dug into his palms as he forced himself to maintain composure.

Sitting there like a king on his throne, the familiar taste of bile rose in Lance’s throat as he watched Sarvan’s dismissive gesture. His jaw tightened, muscles in his hands twitching with the urge to strike, but he forced them to relax, fingers still clenched into fists at his sides.

Damn it... stay calm, Lance... if he weren't some big shot's kid, I'd knock that arrogant little brat out.

As Lance turned toward the door, it creaked open, halting his steps. A figure entered the room— a man with long brown hair and wolf-like ears. The air shifted with his presence—intense, commanding.

image [https://i.ibb.co.com/jv5Dw4C5/01-44.jpg]

"So... how did it go, Sarvan?" His voice was low and even.

"Ah, perfect timing, Virendra... my friend." Sarvan's lips curved into a smirk as he gestured toward Lance. "Our commander here was just explaining his spectacular failure."

Virendra's brown eyes settled on Lance. "That bad?"

Lance ground his teeth before replying. "They had combat evocaiers..." He shook his head. "But there's one guy that keeps haunting me. I've never seen anything like it. Teal armor... fighting like... hell, like he was both a Mage and a Rune Arbiter at once."

"Interesting..." Virendra's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. He turned toward Sarvan. "I'll handle this one." His voice light but firm.

"Huh? You sure?" Sarvan raised an eyebrow.

"No worries. I'll get it done." A half-smirk played at Virendra's lips as he glanced back at Lance, giving him a mocking bow. "Please... lead the way, Commander."

Lance stiffened. "Now? We just got—"

He cut himself off at Virendra's unrelenting stare. Those eyes, sharp as daggers but cool as ice.

Something in his gut twisted.

"Understood, Major." The words came out low, resigned.

"Take care, my friend." Sarvan's lazy chuckle followed them. "I'll be waiting for your return... with good news, of course."

"Sure." Virendra's dry response carried a hint of amusement.

The heavy doors closed behind them with a muted thud. Outside, the serene expanse of the Maranagara Underwater City shimmered in the soft light—an illusion of peace amidst the looming violence.

Virendra, personally stepping in? Since when does he care about... Lance's thoughts trailed off as he followed the Major's purposeful stride.

[Location: Hidden Village – Abandoned Island – Nusa Union – Morning – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]

As Drifter, Luna, and Alma made their way toward the village, they noticed the villagers in a hurried panic, carrying their belongings. They kept to the cliff's edge, the ocean stretching below them. Down in the cove, mostly hidden from view, the villagers gathered around a large wooden ship, its sails billowing in the wind.

Among them, Devita and Dheandita moved gracefully, using telekinesis to help with the heavy loads.

The trio descended and approached.

Devita, spotting them, turned with a relieved smile.

“Hey, you guys are back... Thank you... I... I appreciate it.” She paused, her gaze lingering on them briefly. “I know I can trust you guys...”

“Sorry... some of us left. We thought it was better to split up for now. It just felt like the right move,” Luna said, her tone apologetic but resolute.

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Devita’s eyes flicked to them, but only for a moment. Trust wasn’t something she expected to be freely given. She knew it had to be earned over time—and she hadn’t yet proven herself. But she wasn’t about to give up. Not now.

“What’s the plan now?” Luna asked, her eyes shifting toward the ship.

“We’ve decided to head for the resistance’s main base,” Devita replied.

“You mean by this thing?” Luna raised an eyebrow, her tone skeptical.

“It’s our only option. But out on the water, we’re sitting ducks. Vulnerable. Let’s just hope they don’t decide to strike while we’re exposed,” Devita said, her voice tinged with concern.

“You’re part of the resistance, aren’t you?” Luna asked, eyeing Devita closely.

“I’m not exactly one of their members, but... we share a few goals,” Devita said, her voice guarded.

“How’s the resistance holding up?” Luna asked, her expression serious.

“It’s... bad. They’re on the brink of defeat. Na’theva, their leader, got captured. Most of the key members, either dead or taken.” Devita paused, her voice heavy as she swallowed back the truth. “The combat units stationed here? They’re connected to the resistance, in their own way.”

Dheandita remained silent, her focus steady as she continued to use telekinesis to move the villagers' goods.

“Is there really no other way?” Alma asked, her voice filled with concern as she looked between Devita and Dheandita.

“Let’s just hope they made it to the base safely. If we’re lucky, they’ll get there before the attack comes.”

Devita shook her head, her voice firm with resolve. She turned to Alma, her expression softening slightly.

“And about Invitation to Yuvaka... don’t worry. I made a promise. I’m not backing down from it.”

As the villagers continued their tasks, Devita, Alma, and Dheandita moved through the crowd, offering what little help they could. Drifter and Luna, however, stayed near the ship, keeping an eye on their surroundings.

“By the way, what’s the resistance?” Drifter asked, glancing at Luna.

“I hear it’s some kind of group fighting against the government,” Luna responded, her tone thoughtful.

“Unlike the separatists, some of them on the Arcane Network forum say they’re fighting for civilian rights. The government officials, though, claim they’re just separatists in disguise, threatening the nation’s integrity.”

“I see…” Drifter nodded, his gaze still distant.

“By the way, even in my time, this stuff wasn’t really used anymore.” Drifter said, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Well... let's make a miracle out of this.”

“Sure thing.” Luna gave him a faint smile.

“So, what did you used to do in the Order, Devita?” Alma asked, using her telekinesis to help carry a load of goods.

Devita gave a short, dry laugh.

“To be honest, the Evocaier Order here was more like a side gig. You join, but there's no real purpose to it. Most of the members? They were just... lazy. Didn't care much about anything.” Her lips curled into a faint, self-aware smile, though her voice carried the weight of disappointment.

She paused, her eyes drifting to the horizon for a moment.

“I thought joining the Order would give me a chance to do something good, protect people... but it turned out to be the same as everything else. Corruption, inefficiency. Just like the government.” Devita sighed, her voice darkening. “It was all a façade. In the end, it didn’t matter.”

“I see... Do you regret it?” Alma asked softly, her tone quiet and reflective.

“Yeah, but what’s the point of regret? It’s in the past,” Devita said with a shrug, her voice hardened but resigned. “As long as I stay true to my path, the affiliation doesn’t matter.”

“You’re right,” Alma nodded slowly.

“What about you, Alma? I’m guessing you’re a student, right? How’s that going?” Devita asked, glancing at Alma with mild curiosity.

“Yeah... mostly missions, a bit of training, a few classes here and there. It’s not much, but it keeps us busy,” Alma replied with a small shrug.

“If you ever have time, you should visit us. We’d love to have you,” Alma said with a warm smile.

“Sure thing,” Devita replied with smile back.

Alma glanced toward Dheandita, who stood apart from the group, still helping the villagers with their goods using her telekinesis. Her gaze was vacant, lost in thought. Alma could only stare, her heart aching for the girl, feeling powerless to do anything. There was only so much sympathy one could give.

A man with shaggy blue hair and fin-like ears approached Drifter and Luna.

“Thank you for helping us...” the man said, offering his hand.

Drifter glanced at him and accepted the offer.

“Anytime… happy to help.” Drifter replied with a smile.

Suddenly, Devita's voice rang out as she came closer.

“Ah, that’s Elijah. He’s kind of the leader here... runs the combat unit and handles most things,” Devita explained.

Luna and Drifter nodded in acknowledgment.

Elijah politely nodded back.

“Yeah, we’re thankful. I can see why they say the Order’s so highly regarded”

Drifter and Luna exchanged faint smiles as they started speaking with him. Meanwhile, Alma noticed two petite Capriae—sheep-like humanoids with white fur. One of them was carrying the other on his back.

“Hold on, I can help,” Alma said, rushing toward them.

“Thanks, but... she doesn’t want to be with anyone else,” the Capriae boy said, glancing over his shoulder.

Alma looked at the girl on his back, noticing a wound on her leg.

“I see..... she’s hurt. Hold on,” Alma said as she moved closer.

Alma cast her Exalt healing spell, a pink circle enveloping the little girl. The pain on the girl’s face gradually faded.

“Thanks, big sister... You're awesome,” the boy said, grinning.

“Hehehe... Am I? By the way, what’s your name?” Alma asked.

“I’m Alba, and she’s Dawn, my sister.” The boy said.

“Nice to meet you both... I’m Alma,” she replied, smiling at them.

The girl, walking slowly with her brother, both smiled back at Alma.

“Well... their parents are gone, but they’re tough kids,” Devita said quietly, standing next to Alma.

“I see...” Alma muttered, Alma’s gaze lingered on the siblings, a pang in her chest.

The boy’s smile reminded her of a time long past, of a pink haired girl, calling her big sister. The memory flickered, bittersweet, and she quickly looked away.

Suddenly, Alma heard Drifter’s voice.

“They’re back,” Drifter called out, gazing at the sky. A large formation of alcheriders was approaching.

Without hesitation, Drifter shot upward, heading toward the wooded area near the village.

Luna, Alma, Elijah, and the combat units followed, while Devita and Dheandita rushed to evacuate the villagers.

“Here...” Devita used her telekinesis to pass hoods and face masks to Alma and Luna.

“Thanks, that will do,” Alma said.

They grabbed them and quickly put them on.

Alma and Luna took their positions, forming a battle formation alongside the village combat units, with Elijah standing beside them—his sapphire armor, sword, and shield already materialized.

As Alma scanned the area, her eyes landed on another familiar face—now armed with a wind spear.

“Hey, Alba... You can actually fight?” Alma asked, raising an eyebrow, her tone edged with surprise.

“Uh... yeah,” Alba replied, hesitation in his voice.

Alma studied his face for a moment, then smiled.

“Alright, let’s give it our all,” Alma said, her smile determined.

Their Alcherider landed smoothly, and the group quickly assembled behind Virendra, who now stood tall in a dark emerald armor. Beside him, Lance took his place, his azure helmet and armor gleaming in the light.

“Last time… you surrounded them before you attacked?” Virendra asked, his gaze steely.

“Yeah. See those woods? Some of our boys got caught in an ambush before we could fully close the circle,” Lance replied, pointing toward the wooded area near the village.

“I see. Commander Lance, what do you think about letting me take command this time?” Virendra asked, a hint of challenge in his voice.

“Sure, Major. Be my guest.” Lance said with a shrug.

He turned to his men, his voice cutting through the air.

“You wait here, Lance. Ambush them when they try to pull back. Cut off their escape route—no mercy.”

“Yeah, yeah… that will do…” Lance replied dismissively.

Silent and swift, the armored figures moved into formation. At their head stood Virendra, his dark emerald armor gleaming beneath a flowing black cape, the matching helmet obscuring his face. Like a deadly arrow's point, he led his men forward.

Drifter watched them approach.

They’ve only brought a few men this time… Drifter thought to himself.

“What do you think they’re up to? This doesn’t feel like Lance calling the shots,” Devita said over ARF coms.

“Could be a trap... This could just be bait. They’re leaving themselves vulnerable—waiting for us to take the first move. Or worse—they could be preparing artillery golems,” Drifter replied over ARF.

“Just focus on stalling… Make sure the ship gets out while we hold them off here,” Luna said over ARF.

“Got it,” Devita responded, her tone firm.

As the enemy drew closer near the woods, Drifter moved first, launching a barrage of blue spectral swords in a deadly formation.

However, Virendra swiftly materialized his Vajrastra, the five dark-gray metallic appendages whipping through the air, deflecting the spectral swords with bursts of wind at each strike. The attack was repelled, and the swords faded into nothing.

“Move forward. I’ll handle this one,” Virendra commanded, his voice sharp and decisive, his gaze fixed on Drifter.

Without another word, the armored figures pushed forward, leaving Drifter and Virendra locked in a rising tension.