[Training & Recreation Zone – Verm Evocaier Academy – Morning – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]
Drifter walked slowly across the courtyard of Verm Evocaier Academy, surrounded by a landscape that seemed to breathe with energy. Evocyte lamps lined the polished stone pathways, their soft light spreading across surfaces that shimmered like gemstones. Each lamp pulsed faintly, a subtle rhythm that seemed almost alive, resonating in the air and settling deep into his bones. The atmosphere quivered gently, filled with an unseen presence that made every step feel like entering another world.
Drifter took a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs. This energy… though unfamiliar, carried a faint echo of something he had once known. A distant memory from a different era when the world was neither as infused with magic nor as intertwined with technology.
As he walked, his eyes roved over the scenery. Beneath the warm sunlight, clusters of students gathered in small groups. Their Lumina Cores glimmered on their wrists, each reflecting a unique light, almost as though imbued with their own personalities. These lights didn’t merely adorn; they spoke—of who these students were, of their strengths, and of the potential that lay within them. Drifter observed the energy flows connecting them, like an invisible web weaving individuals into a harmonious network.
In the distance, a student raised their hand. A small object floated in the air, moving gently without any visible touch. Telekinesis. Drifter paused, watching closely. The object drifted slowly, its movements graceful, almost like a dance in midair. He held his breath, a memory surfacing—similar training sessions in his time, driven by the same determination, though far less refined and elegant than what he witnessed now.
Nearby, a group of students attempted to materialize armor and weapons. Drifter saw a small glowing shield materialize in a student’s hand, only to shatter moments later into shards of energy. They tried to form swords, spears, even greatswords; some succeeded, though their creations wavered and flickered, unstable. He recognized their struggles, feeling a quiet empathy. He knew how difficult it was to materialize armor, even as an adult. Yet these students persevered, their resolve evident despite repeated failures.
Not far off, another group practiced basic magic. Radiant sigils appeared in the air, complex patterns forming from their hands. Drifter watched in silence, a faint smile creeping across his face as memories of his early days at the Mage Association surfaced. His strict teachers, the grueling lessons that had once felt insurmountable—it all came rushing back.
As he continued walking, the soft sound of water trickling from a small fountain caught his attention. Nearby, students navigated an obstacle course designed to test their Evocyte Link. Glowing threads of energy formed paths in midair, connecting floating platforms. The students leapt gracefully, using their energy to traverse the course. Their movements were fluid, like a choreographed dance in the sky.
The training ground buzzed with energy as Drifter approached the Training Arena. Students honed their skills with various elements—fire that roared and devoured, ice that froze and sparkled, lightning that crackled, geo energy that shaped structures, wind that howled, light that radiated, darkness that cloaked, and Exalt energy that shimmered in a spectrum of colors. Each Exalt element mirrored the essence of its wielder—soft blues, fiery reds, serene greens—every hue a testament to their unique spirit.
At the arena’s center, a digital monster from the Simulation Nexus emerged with a rumbling roar, challenging students to test their abilities. Drifter stood at the arena’s edge, his gaze fixed on the unfolding battle. The monster’s movements were fast and aggressive. When one student fell, a natural barrier of energy enveloped them—a blue Evocyte Barrier, aligning with the ice element the student wielded, shielding them from a fatal blow. Drifter watched intently, feeling the tension ripple through the air.
"The methods are different, but the essence is the same," he mused silently.
The sound of approaching footsteps drew Drifter’s attention. Alma Rosenthal walked toward him, her bright pink hair catching the sunlight with every step, as though carrying fragments of light wherever she went. Beside her was Nadia Fernleaf, moving cautiously, her green skirt fluttering softly. Nadia’s short brown hair partially covered her face, giving her an air of quiet mystery.
"Hey, Drifter! That outfit really suits you!"
Alma’s voice rang out, warm and cheerful, a stark contrast to the chilly morning air. Her eyes sparkled with energy, a vibrant counterpoint to Drifter’s reserved demeanor.
"How are you doing? Adjusting well?"
Drifter offered a faint smile, his tailored black coat—its sharp collar and vine-like embroidery—seeming to merge with the shadows, as though he were a silhouette in the stillness
image [https://i.ibb.co.com/JqLd7vt/01-3.jpg].
"I’m still adjusting," he replied softly, his hand brushing against the fabric of his coat.
"This place… it’s different. Everything feels different."
His gaze swept across the vast, serene space, struggling to grasp the new world around him.
"It’s hard to believe how much has changed..." he murmured, searching for words to describe the transformation he was witnessing.
Alma broke the silence with her characteristic enthusiasm.
"You’ll get used to it in no time! This place grows on you," she said with a wide smile, her attempt to reassure him genuine.
Drifter’s eyes shifted to Nadia, who stood quietly behind Alma. She adjusted her glasses, her slender fingers brushing the frame delicately. Her shoulders slouched slightly, exuding a deep uncertainty.
image [https://i.ibb.co.com/vmPKzsH/01-25.jpg]
"Nice to meet you, Nadia," Drifter said gently.
"Nice to meet you too... Drifter," Nadia replied almost in a whisper, a small smile gracing her lips. Her eyes met his briefly before flickering downward, her cheeks tinged with a shy blush.
"So, Drifter, what’s the future like? What’s different?" Alma asked eagerly, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Drifter looked down at the Lumina Core on his wrist—a sleek, modern device worlds apart from the technology of his past. Its polished design caught the sunlight, its surface flawless and elegant. With a light touch, a holographic interface materialized, displaying vivid, detailed data.
"This new Lumina Core is extraordinary,"
Drifter began, his voice tinged with genuine awe.
"It can display images, sound—connect with others in an instant. It feels like carrying an entire library in your hand."
Alma Rosenthal’s eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically.
"Right? It must’ve been so inconvenient back then. Now it’s everywhere—communication, research, combat... you name it!"
Drifter’s thoughts drifted to the past—how the old Lumina Core worked only within a limited range, often disconnecting if he moved too far away.
"Yes... back then, we could only communicate over short distances," he reminisced.
"Professor Elion would’ve been proud to see his invention evolve like this."
Nadia shifted slightly, her curiosity barely veiled by her quiet demeanor. Alma’s excitement only grew, her words spilling out quickly.
"Exactly! It’s incredible to think how much this has advanced. Oh! Speaking of which, I have an alchemy assignment at Verm Plain. I’ll tell you more later!"
Drifter tilted his head, intrigued. Alchemy was something he hadn’t encountered much in this era, and the idea of learning about its progress piqued his interest.
"Alchemy? I used to practice as a Mage too. It’d be fascinating to see how far it’s come," he replied.
Nadia looked up, her warm brown eyes widening slightly.
"Are... are you sure? I mean, I’m sorry—it’s kind of a quick errand. We wouldn’t want to bother you," she said, her voice wavering between doubt and hope.
"It’s no trouble. Besides, I’m genuinely curious to see how Alchemy has evolved in this time. Let’s go," Drifter said firmly.
Alma beamed, while Nadia’s cheeks flushed pink. Though she remained quiet, a hint of gratitude flickered in her smile as she adjusted her glasses and began walking alongside Alma.
The three of them set out toward the translocator outside the city, the morning light casting long shadows across the courtyard. The hum of Evocyte energy blended with the anticipation of discovery, carrying them toward a yet-unfolding adventure.
[Location: Verm Plain – Morning]
Verm Plain stretched wide under the warm glow of the morning sun, its golden grasses swaying gently like waves stirred by a soft breeze. The air carried a tranquil stillness, as if time itself had paused amidst the rustling leaves and whispered symphony of nature.
Suddenly, blue particles enveloped Drifter, materializing black armor that flowed like living shadows across his body. A black cape billowed behind him, creating a silhouette that cut through the light. Each movement of the armor seemed deliberate, purposeful—like a second skin that breathed alongside him.
His eyes narrowed, scanning the horizon with an almost inhuman sharpness. His posture was rigid, every fiber of his being tense. The air carried a fragile tension, like a crystal veil ready to shatter with the slightest disturbance.
"If there’s trouble, leave it to me," he muttered, his voice low—a whisper etched into the stillness, carrying the weight of an unspoken promise.
Ahead of him, Alma Rosenthal walked with confident strides, her bright pink hair catching the sunlight. Each step exuded certainty, a sharp contrast to Nadia Fernleaf, who trailed behind with trembling hands and uncertain glances.
Nadia clutched the strap of her satchel with quivering fingers. Her dark brown eyes flicked nervously toward the horizon, as though searching for secrets hidden beyond its reach. A star-shaped pin in her hair glimmered faintly, a quiet attempt to soothe her inner turmoil.
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"I hope we don’t run into trouble…" she murmured, her voice barely audible.
They moved through the grasslands, their hands raised slightly above the earth. Soft pulses of telekinesis worked delicately, gathering plants without ever touching them. The faint hum of Evocyte energy shimmered in the air, weaving an unseen thread of harmony around them.
It was an unspoken symphony, power moving in quiet balance, but Drifter remained vigilant. His sharp mind dissected every detail, scanning the environment for hidden threats.
The stillness was too perfect, too serene—a harbinger of something ominous.
Suddenly, there was movement on the horizon. Drifter’s eyes narrowed, detecting an unseen menace.
"They’re in trouble."
Drifter moved like a shadow, his black cape trailing behind him like dark wings. Alma and Nadia followed, their steps synchronized with the racing heartbeat of impending conflict.
The scene before them was brutal. Alyssa, her fiery red hair whipping wildly in the wind, fought desperately against a Sky Serpent. Her spear flashed like a bolt of lightning, her stance faltering as she struggled to maintain her position.
Bryan darted between enemies, his twin daggers carving streaks of light in the air. Every move was calculated, yet fatigue showed in his eyes. Sweat poured down his face, blurring his sharp vision.
In the distance, Erick stood with trembling hands, summoning a glowing shield that flickered weakly—his last line of defense, visibly failing.
Above them, the Sky Serpents dove and screeched, their winged forms slicing through the air with lethal precision. Below, Sandstalkers emerged like shadows from the earth, their predatory eyes glowing with malice.
A hulking Dreadstalker Lion flickered in and out of sight, its dark mane shimmering with malevolent energy—a predator cloaked in the unknown.
"Those… they’re our classmates," Nadia whispered, her body trembling.
Alma nodded.
"Yes, that’s Alyssa, Bryan, and Erick. We need to help them."
"Let’s move," Drifter commanded, his voice sharp as steel, cutting through the chaos.
Alyssa spotted them, raising a weary arm.
"We can handle this… just need a little more time!" she called out, her breath ragged, her movements increasingly frantic.
Bryan shouted in frustration.
"Alyssa, we can’t hold them off much longer! We have to fall back—now!"
Erick interjected, his tone desperate.
"Focus on fighting! Arguing won’t save us!"
"Watch out!" Drifter’s voice pierced the pandemonium.
The Sky Serpents launched a synchronized assault, their shrieks creating shockwaves that caused the Evocyte Barriers to flare brightly. The force scattered the group like autumn leaves in a gale.
Sandstalkers burst from the ground, their claws rending through Bryan and Erick’s faltering defenses. Blinding flashes of light erupted as their shields shattered.
Alyssa staggered, her spear slipping from trembling hands as she struggled to rise. Bryan and Erick lay nearby, battered and vulnerable. Predators closed in, their hisses and growls filling the air as they tightened the circle.
The Dreadstalker Lion reappeared in a blur of motion, its claws raised for a devastating strike aimed at Alyssa. The blow shattered her Evocyte Barrier, sending her flying. Blood stained her armor, marking the ferocity of the battle.
"Let’s help them!" Drifter’s voice was cold and resolute.
In a flash, Exaltare materialized. A single strike obliterated the nearest Sandstalker, its body disintegrating into glittering dust.
Drifter knelt beside Alyssa, his left hand glowing with radiant blue light as it touched her wounds.
"Hold on. I’ve got you," he whispered gently.
"Damn it..." Alyssa groaned weakly.
Healing energy from Drifter enveloped Alyssa, her injuries mending as strength returned to her limbs. But even as she recovered, Drifter’s focus shifted. The Sky Serpents closed in, their slender, lethal forms coiling for an attack.
Alma arrived just in time. Her pink hair glinted under the waning sunlight, her hands aglow with two radiant sigils—one red, the other pink.
"I’ve got this, Nadia!"
A Fireball shot forward in a sharp arc, exploding in a brilliant blaze that scorched the nearest Sky Serpent’s wings. She followed it up with a Blazing Burst, hurling a fiery orb that detonated like a bomb, incinerating the remaining Serpents in a deafening blast.
Nadia steadied herself, her focus locking onto the remaining Serpents. Her hands trembled, but determination flowed through her veins.
"You’ve got this, Nadia. Focus," Alma encouraged with a confident smile.
An Earthen Bolt formed—a jagged stone charged with pulsing brown energy. Her first throw clipped a Serpent’s wing, and the second brought it crashing down.
"I… I did it!" A small, triumphant smile spread across Nadia’s lips.
Alma launched a series of Fire Bolts, finishing off the remaining Serpents. The remnants of the horde retreated, vanishing into the horizon.
The Dreadstalker Lion roared ferociously, its massive body shrouded in dark energy. It disappeared and reappeared in front of Drifter, lunging with razor-sharp claws.
Drifter dissolved into blue particles.
"Too slow."
In an instant, he reappeared behind the creature. Exaltare flared as he slashed, his blade cutting deep into the beast.
The Lion reeled, unleashing a Paralyzing Roar that shook the ground and froze the air with its sheer force.
Alma stepped forward, raising her hand.
"Exalt Barrier!"
A transparent pink dome shimmered into existence, absorbing the roar’s energy.
Nadia knelt, pressing her hands to the earth.
"Not this time."
A Seismic Pulse erupted, splitting the ground. Jagged spikes of rock impaled the Lion, immobilizing it in a stone prison.
Drifter moved swiftly. Dozens of glowing blue swords materialized, dancing in the air with lethal precision. They struck the Lion with relentless ferocity, tearing through its defenses.
"Let’s end this," Alma declared, her fire sigil blazing bright.
An Inferno Tornado swirled to life, engulfing the Dreadstalker Lion in a fiery storm. Its final roar was drowned out by the roaring flames, and its massive body disintegrated into ash.
Silence fell. The crackling flames subsided, leaving behind the acrid scent of scorched earth. Drifter stood tall as his black armor and Exaltare faded into soft blue light.
Alma and Nadia quickly tended to the wounded. The injured novices slowly regained their footing, pulling themselves back together.
Alyssa brushed soot from her armor, her voice weary yet filled with gratitude.
"Thank you... we owe you."
Drifter averted his gaze, his voice calm.
"I’m glad you’re all safe."
They began their trek back toward the glowing Translocator in the distance. Alma glanced at Drifter, her smile shifting into one of genuine appreciation. Nadia adjusted her glasses, offering a shy nod of thanks.
For a moment, Drifter lingered. His gaze swept across the battlefield, the weight of memories pressing down on his shoulders. Shadows of past battles loomed over him, haunting every step.
With one last glance at the remnants of the fight, he followed the group. The golden light of the Translocator guided them home, cutting through the endless blue sky.
[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Afternoon]
The infirmary doors opened with a soft whisper, revealing a pristine room bathed in golden light. Medics moved swiftly, their glowing hands weaving threads of magic to mend the battered bodies of the wounded novices. The gentle murmur of their incantations harmonized with the rhythmic hum of Evocyte-powered lamps, filling the space with an almost ethereal tranquility.
Alma and Nadia guided Alyssa, Bryan, and Erick to the nearest beds. Once the healers began their work, the two stepped back, giving them space to perform their duties. Drifter stood near the door, his posture straight and vigilant, his eyes scanning the room attentively.
After a few moments, Alma glanced down the hallway and gestured for Nadia and Drifter to follow her.
The corridors of the Academy hummed with the gentle pulse of Evocyte lamps, their light casting long shadows across the stone floors. As they walked, Alma’s boundless energy radiated around her, while Drifter followed with measured, deliberate steps. Nadia moved quietly, her usual uncertainty now replaced by a calm focus following the chaos of earlier.
The doors to the Alchemy Lab slid open with a soft hiss, revealing an impeccably organized workspace. Shelves were lined with neatly arranged herbs and vials of elixirs, while modern instruments hummed faintly, their crystalline surfaces glowing under the room’s gentle light.
Alma strode to the central worktable, carefully setting down the gathered materials. Nadia followed, her steady hands arranging the components beside Alma with precision and efficiency.
Drifter lingered by the door, his gaze sweeping the room with a mixture of curiosity and mild amusement.
"Alchemy has come a long way... I think I’ll need a manual for all of this."
Alma laughed, her pink hair bouncing as she turned to look at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"No need for a manual, Drifter! You’ve got us. We’ll show you—it’s easy!"
Nadia, more at ease in this familiar environment, silently arranged the herbs with delicate precision. Her fingers brushed each item before moving to the next, her focus evident in every smooth movement. She adjusted the star-shaped pin in her brown hair, stealing a brief glance at Drifter before returning to her work.
Together, the three began sorting herbs and preparing components for the potion. Though unfamiliar with the modern tools, Drifter quickly adapted, his hands growing more confident with each passing moment. There were minor missteps—a spilled vial here, a slight overmeasure there—but their teamwork resolved every issue, gradually finding a harmonious rhythm.
"We… we did it," Nadia said softly, relief evident in her tone as she inspected the finished product.
Drifter chuckled lightly, brushing his hands clean as he looked at the completed potion. Though awkward at first, the results spoke for themselves. The potion shimmered softly under the lab’s ambient light, its colors reflecting the success of their collaboration.
"Hopefully, I didn’t slow you down too much. This… is very different from what I’m used to."
Alma dismissed his concerns with a bright laugh, her warm gaze glowing with appreciation.
"Are you kidding? You were amazing! You helped so much!"
Nadia glanced at him, her usual shyness replaced by genuine gratitude. Her warm brown eyes met his for a fleeting moment before she quickly looked away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"Thank you… Drifter."
Drifter gave her a reassuring smile, sensing the quiet strength beneath her reserved demeanor.
"I’m glad I could help. You two are incredible."
Alma wiped her hands on her skirt, her pink hair glinting in the lab’s light as she turned with a wide grin.
"Hey, since we’re done, how about we check out the carnival in the city?"
Drifter raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity.
"Aren’t you tired?"
Nadia let out a soft laugh, adjusting her glasses as a small but genuine smile crossed her face.
"She’s always like this."
Drifter hesitated, his typically composed demeanor momentarily faltering. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"I’m sorry, I’ll have to pass—"
Alma crossed her arms, tilting her head playfully as she leaned slightly toward him.
"What, too shy to hang out with two girls?"
Drifter shrugged lightly, his tone even.
"Maybe…"
Alma burst into laughter, her voice bright and full of life, while Nadia stifled a small chuckle, a wide grin spreading across her face as she nudged Drifter’s arm with mock indignation.
"Oh, come on, Drifter. You still look young—you’re not some old man!"
Nadia nodded, her voice soft but encouraging.
"Please join us, if you don’t mind."
Drifter glanced between them, the faint smile lingering as he exhaled in feigned defeat.
"Alright… let’s go."
The carnival was alive with energy, the air filled with music, laughter, and the sweet aroma of delectable treats. Alma darted from stall to stall with an almost childlike excitement, dragging Drifter and Nadia along to play games, try strange foods, and explore the vibrant chaos. Drifter, initially reserved, gradually let himself be swept up in the joy around him.
At a photo booth, Alma grabbed their hands, her grin brimming with excitement.
"Let’s take some pictures! It’s tradition!"
Nadia hesitated for a moment but eventually relented, her small but genuine smile lighting up as they squeezed into the booth together. The camera flashed, capturing a moment of shared laughter and freezing it in time.
Later, Alma carefully placed the new photo into a small album, flipping through its pages with a tender smile. The pictures revealed moments of joy, from their childhood days in sunlit meadows to the present, standing side by side at the Academy. Each image was a fragment of their story, a silent testament to their journey.
Drifter, intrigued, leaned closer.
"An interesting collection," he remarked.
Alma beamed, holding out the album to him with boundless energy.
"Wanna take a look?"
Drifter opened the album, his fingers brushing against the pages. Each photo told a tale of their bond—built through years of laughter, hard work, and quiet understanding. There were images of them as children, running through fields; as teenagers, huddled over shared projects; and now, as young adults, standing united at the Academy, their expressions reflecting shared triumphs and steadfast camaraderie.
Alma stepped closer, her voice soft but filled with gratitude.
"Thanks to you, tonight was really special."
As they parted near the Academy, Nadia gave Drifter a slight bow, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Goodnight, Alma… Drifter."
Drifter nodded, his voice calm but warm.
"Take care."
He walked alone, the sounds of the carnival still echoing in his mind. The night was quiet, yet his thoughts churned restlessly. This world wasn’t fully his—not yet. But in moments like this, amidst laughter, friendship, and fleeting joy, he glimpsed the possibility of belonging.
For now, there was only one path forward. And he would walk it.