[Verm Evocaier Academy - Academy Wing Zone - Morning - Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
Drifter walked through the courtyard, his eyes catching sight of instructors rushing around, their coats billowing in the wind. Jaxon, who was usually laid-back, now sprinted forward with Alina following behind, her breath ragged. Without hesitation, Drifter decided to follow them.
When he reached the front of the academy building in the Academy Wing, Drifter spotted Friedrich Rosenthal standing tall, his golden hair shimmering under the morning sun. His brow furrowed as his sharp gaze scanned the instructors bustling around. Beside him stood Gideon Frostwhisper, calm and composed, his long silver hair flowing neatly, and his blue eyes radiating both tranquility and vigilance.
"What’s going on, sir?" asked Friedrich, his voice curious, his brow slightly raised.
Headmaster Gideon turned slightly, his gaze sharp yet steady.
"An unplanned visit, Fred," he replied in a low, firm tone.
Suddenly, a woman with long wavy burgundy hair appeared, her steps firm and measured. Her red, white, and black dress exuded elegance. It was Grandmaster Mina Hildebrand.
As Mina approached, Friedrich straightened up, raising his chin slightly before bowing his head in a brief motion. He stepped forward, his hand instinctively touching his chest.
"Grandmaster Mina, it’s an honor to see you at the academy. We didn’t expect—" he began, his voice steady despite a hint of surprise.
Mina raised her hand, palm open, stopping Friedrich mid-sentence.
"No need for formalities, Friedrich. I’m not here on official business," she said, her voice calm yet authoritative, causing Friedrich to take half a step back, his head slightly bowed.
Students began to gather around her, some jogging over excitedly, others bouncing on their toes. Younger ones tugged at their friends’ sleeves, while older ones moved quickly, their eyes bright, jostling for a closer spot near Mina. Their voices overlapped in an eager chatter.
"Grandmaster, what will you teach today?" asked a young girl, her eyes sparkling.
"Thank you for your guidance last month, Grandmaster," added a boy enthusiastically.
Mina smiled gently, her voice soft.
"I’m sorry, not today. Maybe next time, alright?"
Drifter stood at a distance, his gaze fixed on Mina. Her face was unchanged, looking exactly the same as the last time he had seen her.
"She hasn’t aged… but I guess that’s normal for a Primordial," he thought, holding his breath for a moment as old memories began to resurface, creeping in like shadows that refused to stay buried.
"There’s no way she’d remember me… I was just another ordinary member," Drifter thought, his lips pressed into a tight line, his eyes avoiding the gazes of those around him.
Mina scanned the crowd, her gaze pausing for a moment. She tilted her head slightly, the corner of her lips curving into a faint smile.
"Oh, there he is," she said softly, her eyes locking onto Drifter.
Then she turned to Friedrich, her subtle smile unchanged.
"Friedrich, that’s him, isn’t it? Drifter from the past?"
Friedrich glanced at Drifter briefly before turning back to Mina, standing tall as he replied firmly.
"Yes, Grandmaster."
Drifter took a deep breath, his shoulders slumping slightly as he stepped forward, his pace slow and deliberate.
Mina shifted her gaze, the corner of her lips curving slightly. Her eyes narrowed for a brief moment before settling into a focused stare.
"Strange... it feels like I know you," she said softly, almost like a murmur.
Drifter remained silent. His eyes widened briefly in surprise, but his body stayed still, as if frozen.
Mina straightened up, her gaze locking onto Drifter, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"You... you were always with them, weren’t you? Jaden... and the girl, Vina."
Her voice slowed, heavy with emotion, her gaze momentarily distant before sharpening again. She drew a quick breath, her tone shifting.
"Yes, yes, I remember now."
The names struck Drifter like a storm, making his body tense instantly. His right hand reflexively gripped the Elysian Wardstone in the pocket of his black trousers. His breathing faltered, his chest tightening.
Taking a slow, shaky breath, Drifter finally spoke, his voice raspy, barely above a whisper.
"I didn’t think you’d still remember, Grandmaster."
Mina Hildebrand let out a soft chuckle, a faint smile flickering across her face—briefly, before it vanished. Her gaze turned sharp, cold as steel.
"Of course, I remember more than you think," she said, her tone now firm, cutting. She turned away from Drifter, her posture rigid, brimming with authority.
"But I’m not here to dwell on the past."
The tension thickened in the air. Without waiting for a response, Mina turned sharply, her gaze now fixed on Friedrich, her eyes piercing.
"I want to see the Cube."
Friedrich tensed, the lines on his forehead deepening before he responded.
"Of course. The Cube is in the Research Center," he said, his voice steady but slightly lower than usual.
Mina walked with purpose, each step deliberate. Students quickly stepped aside, some bowing their heads with respect. Drifter followed behind her, his gaze lingering on Mina. The intensity in her earlier look left something unsettled in his mind—not just recognition, but something deeper, hidden behind her cold demeanor.
They arrived at a large white building. The door opened with a soft hiss, revealing a sterile interior lit by bright white lights, windowless and clinical. Mina, Friedrich, and Gideon stepped into the elevator. Silence enveloped them, broken only by the faint hum of the elevator as it ascended.
In the center of the Research Center’s main room stood the Black Cube, gripped firmly by a massive mechanical claw, surrounded by a glowing blue barrier that pulsed rhythmically, almost as if it were breathing. Console magisterial devices lined the room, their holographic displays flickering with steady patterns.
Drifter scanned the room, his eyes moving over the researchers who paused briefly, glancing at Mina with a mix of respect and unease. Among them, his gaze fell on Luna Sabriel, a woman with long black hair, wearing a black dress and a white lab coat, typing on a console.
Suddenly, Drifter’s head throbbed, and his vision blurred. Voices without form erupted in his mind, faint echoes from a distant place.
“…em…no…troy…”
His eyes shut for a moment, and his hand clenched tightly around the edge of his black coat, steadying himself.
Mina stopped before the Black Cube, her gaze unyielding as it locked onto the artifact. Her brow furrowed slightly, and her fingers tapped lightly against her dress, a small sign of impatience.
Behind her, Friedrich stood tall, his eyes flicking briefly to Mina, his jaw tightening as if suppressing unease.
"Luna, what have you found?" Mina asked, her voice calm but laden with expectation.
Luna lifted her head, her expression serious.
"I’m sorry, our analysis comparing it with other artifacts in the database hasn’t yielded any results. We’ve matched it against all dark artifacts from the Cult of Shadronis, but there’s nothing… We’re trying other methods."
Mina gave a small nod and continued.
"And Ragnar’s order to destroy it with Lavium, have you tried it?"
Luna brought up a recording on the holographic console. The footage showed an automaton carrying the Cube to the Lavia ancient ruins and placing it on a box-shaped structure made of Lavium, a material radiating deep purple and electric blue hues. Despite this, the Cube remained completely inert, showing no reaction to the material.
Mina let out a small scoff, her gaze cold as it lingered on the recording.
"As I expected…"
Friedrich swallowed hard, then spoke softly, his voice steady despite the hesitation
"We’ve heightened security since the Cube arrived. But… Grandmaster, may I ask… what do you know about this artifact?"
The room fell into a heavy silence. Mina kept her gaze fixed on the Cube, her sharp eyes clouded with unreadable thoughts. After a moment, she finally spoke, her voice hoarse, carrying an almost unbearable weight.
"Chimia hasn’t discovered anything… But personally, I believe this is something that shouldn’t exist here."
She paused briefly, her tone dropping further, almost a whisper.
"I just hope it’s not the same cursed artifact… the one that drove people mad before."
Her words hung in the air like a heavy mist, filling the room with an unseen dread. Drifter felt his stomach tighten, the fear he had long tried to suppress about the Cube now surfacing, amplified by the certainty in Mina’s voice.
With a sharp motion, Mina turned toward Friedrich, her gaze now piercing and commanding.
"Fortify the academy’s defenses. I will send veterans from Varde to assist. This place must be heavily secured."
Without hesitation, Friedrich nodded firmly.
"Understood, Grandmaster."
A brief, tense silence followed, broken only by the faint hum of the Cube. Then, suddenly, Mina’s attention shifted to Drifter. A faint smile returned to her lips, but this time, her eyes held something sharper, more calculating.
Mina Hildebrand spoke with a tone that was almost playful but carried a dangerous edge.
"But before I leave…"
She stepped closer, her gaze probing with an undeniable intensity. Drifter felt his body tense, his instincts warning him.
Mina’s smile widened, her eyes glinting with a challenge.
"There’s something I want to test."
Drifter’s brow furrowed slightly, unease creeping in.
"Test?"
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Mina’s smile deepened, her eyes gleaming with something dangerous and curious. She turned sharply, her burgundy hair flowing behind her.
With a simple gesture, Mina Hildebrand spoke lightly, though her tone was resolute.
"A duel. I want to see how strong a warrior from the past truly is."
Her words hung in the air, laden with history and challenge. Drifter sighed softly to himself, the inevitability settling in. With Mina, challenges like this couldn’t be avoided.
Drifter spoke with a tone of resignation yet firmness, the voice of a soldier accepting a command.
"If that’s what you wish, Grandmaster."
Mina’s eyes gleamed with anticipation, her smile widening. Her voice carried a spark of excitement.
"Good. Let’s not waste any time."
[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Duel Arena – Noon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
Drifter stood motionless in the duel arena, his eyes locked on Mina Hildebrand, who stood on the opposite side. The enthusiastic cheers of the crowd echoed around them, familiar voices ringing out.
"You’ve got this, Drifter!" cheered Alma Rosenthal, her voice bursting with excitement.
"Be careful, Drifter!" added Nadia Fernleaf, her voice filled with concern.
Drifter turned briefly, giving a small nod in acknowledgment.
On the other side of the arena, a group of instructors observed quietly. Alina and Luna offered brief greetings with faint smiles. Meanwhile, Jaxon, ever casual, waved lazily while wearing his signature aviator glasses.
Drifter raised his hand in a brief salute to the crowd. At the edge of the arena, Sloane Gast leaned closer to Lorcan Grindelwald, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"So, who do you think will win?" he asked, nudging Lorcan playfully.
Lorcan crossed his arms, his voice full of confidence as he glanced at the two fighters.
"Drifter, obviously. Remember last time? I’ve never even seen Grandmaster Mina fight. She’s all talk and no action these days."
Next to them, Reine Lindt fidgeted nervously, his hands twisting together as he glanced between Lorcan and Sloane. His voice was soft, barely audible, tinged with uncertainty.
"Yeah… I think I agree with Lorcan. Drifter’s probably going to win."
Sloane chuckled, shaking his head with a playful grin.
"You guys are crazy. Grandmaster Mina is a legend. She’s got centuries of experience. My money’s on her."
He raised an eyebrow, his grin turning mischievous.
"And when I win, you two are treating me to lunch tomorrow."
Lorcan and Reine exchanged small smiles before nodding in agreement.
"Alright."
The crowd’s cheers swelled as the tension in the arena grew palpable. Mina Hildebrand stepped forward, two glowing burgundy sigils appearing in her hands, radiating a heavy, oppressive aura.
On the opposite side, Drifter stood calm and composed. Black armor and a long cape materialized over his body, while Exaltare, a dark gray blade, appeared in his hand, its length pulsating with faint blue energy.
A faint, predatory smile curved across Mina’s lips. Her voice cut through the charged air, sharp and commanding.
"Don’t hold back. Show me what you’re capable of."
Drifter, his tone calm yet resolute, responded simply.
"Understood, Grandmaster."
His eyes stayed locked on Mina, a flicker of old memories flashing through his mind. Back in the Mage Association, she had been a prodigy, her Quartz Sorcery mesmerizing everyone who witnessed it. Now, her intimidating presence felt even more overwhelming
The crystal floor of the Simulation Nexus Arena transformed into a Wasteland. Mina raised her hand, glowing sigils summoning red quartz that shot toward Drifter. He dodged swiftly, the quartz exploding on the ground and scattering sparks into the air.
"She’s starting with fire?"
Flames roared, surging toward him with ferocity. He moved quickly, feeling the heat graze his skin, but Mina was already in control, summoning green quartz to manipulate the wind, twisting the fire into a whirlwind. The battlefield descended into chaotic destruction.
Drifter, his voice steady, waved his hand toward the ground.
"Blade Swarm."
A storm of glowing blue swords spun rapidly around him, forming a tight defensive circle. Fire and wind clashed against the swords, producing sharp clinks and bursts of light that illuminated the arena.
Drifter initiated his Exalt Shift teleportation, reappearing at full speed, trying to close the distance to Mina. However, the relentless rain of red quartz forced him to keep dodging, each shot accurately predicting his steps.
The barren land shifted drastically, massive stone walls rising to block his paths. Explosions, fire, and wind pursued him relentlessly, disrupting his balance and rhythm. Gritting his teeth, Drifter fought against the mounting pressure of the battlefield.
"I hope this is just a warm-up, Drifter," Mina's voice rang out, cutting through the chaos of the clashing elements.
She continued her assault, launching yellow quartz that exploded in brilliant flashes upon colliding with Drifter’s swords. The dazzling light forced his eyes shut momentarily, and in that brief moment, a barrage of black quartz struck him. The resulting explosions unleashed spiraling black energy mixed with flashes of light, forming a vortex that consumed everything nearby. The air thundered, and fragments of light and debris were sucked into the roaring dark core.
In an instant, Drifter’s armor, Exaltare, and his swords dissolved into glowing blue particles. A faint blue shimmer of his natural Evocyte Barrier emerged, flaring as it absorbed the impact of the blast.
Cornered, Drifter swiftly reformed Exaltare and his black armor, the blue energy enveloping him once again. Without hesitation, he fired a barrage of Exalt Bolts from his left hand, sharp beams of blue energy streaking toward Mina.
But a glowing Quarzschild—a quartz shield—rose before her, blocking the attack. A thunderous explosion shook the air as fragments of the shattered shield scattered in all directions, leaving echoes of power across the arena.
Before the dust could settle, Mina moved with speed and precision. Burgundy sigils swirled around her, coalescing into Wächterfels, a massive Quartz Guardian radiating intense energy. The ground trembled under the weight of the giant as it stood ready to attack.
The crowd gasped in awe, their eyes widening at the sight of the towering Guardian looming over the battlefield.
"No way... she summoned a Guardian," someone muttered.
Sloane, laughing, nudged Reine, a wide grin on his face.
"See? There’s no way Drifter is winning this."
Wächterfels swung its massive fist at Drifter, narrowly missing its mark. Before Drifter could recover, the Guardian’s left hand shifted into a sharp spear, thrusting toward him with deadly precision. Reacting swiftly, Drifter summoned his energy swords, arranging them into a defensive formation. The spear collided with the glowing blades in a brilliant explosion of light, the clash reverberating across the battlefield.
The assault didn’t stop there. The Guardian’s other hand, once a fist, shifted into a colossal blade that came crashing down, aiming to cleave Drifter in two. He dodged skillfully, the blade carving a massive fissure into the land floor.
Unfazed, Drifter raised his left hand, firing another barrage of Exalt Bolts, the blue energy striking Wächterfels’ chest. The Guardian staggered slightly but remained standing, its immense frame unyielding.
Drifter pressed on, sending his spinning energy swords toward the Guardian’s joints, seeking weak points in its thick armor. But even as his attacks landed precisely, Wächterfels stood firm, a fortress of resilience.
Meanwhile, Mina moved swiftly, taking advantage of Drifter’s focus on the Guardian. With a wave of her hand, she manipulated the battlefield using Erdformer, shaping the ground into a labyrinth of stone and quartz. In moments, towering walls concealed her from view.
But Drifter wasn’t fooled. Bright blue sigils lit up the sky as he unleashed Exalt Storm. A surge of blue energy obliterated the labyrinth instantly, reducing the walls to flying debris. Amid the ruins, Mina counterattacked, sending waves of blue and purple quartz streaking toward Drifter, slicing through the air with lethal precision.
Drifter moved swiftly to evade the barrage. But the blue quartz left trails of rapidly freezing ice in its wake, trapping his surroundings. When the purple quartz struck the ice, violent arcs of purple lightning spread across the arena, enclosing Drifter in their grasp.
The energy surged through his natural Evocyte Barrier, forcing him to stagger and collapse to the ground. Pain coursed through his body as he struggled to steady his breath.
Meanwhile, Mina commanded Wächterfels forward. The massive Guardian’s arms transformed into giant swords, poised to strike Drifter.
A resounding boom of blue energy shattered the tense air. From the rising dust, hidden Exalt Storm Sigils flared brilliantly, unleashing a torrent of blue energy beams aimed directly at Mina with tremendous force.
The collision of blue energy with Mina’s Evocyte Barrier shook the battlefield. She summoned Wächterfels back, the Guardian standing firm as a shield, reinforced by a wall of glowing crystals formed from Quarzschild. The radiant quartz reflected shards of blue light across the arena.
But Drifter stood once more, his resolve burning brighter. He summoned additional glowing sigils, launching another wave of Exalt Storm straight at Wächterfels. The blue energy exploded against the Guardian, creating deep cracks in its thick armor. Seizing the opportunity, Drifter charged forward, Exaltare slicing through the Guardian with relentless precision, shattering it into scattered fragments.
Without hesitation, Drifter raised his hand, forming a radiant Exalt Barrier to shield himself completely. In a flash of light, he vanished with Exalt Shift, teleporting directly in front of Mina. Exaltare was raised high, glowing with intense blue energy, ready to deliver the decisive blow.
But in an instant, Mina reacted. With a graceful motion, she unleashed Felsensturm. The ground beneath them trembled violently as massive fissures erupted, sending sharp rocks and quartz shards hurtling toward Drifter. The wave of attacks struck his Exalt Barrier with overwhelming force, shattering it into fading fragments of light.
Dozens of floating swords, concealed among the debris of the Erdformer labyrinth, began to move. With a swift command, the swords shot forward at incredible speed. In the blink of an eye, Drifter’s blades struck Mina head-on.
The clash of their attacks was deafening. Mina's Felsensturm collided with Drifter's swords, producing a shattering crack that echoed across the arena. Both their natural Evocyte Barriers shattered instantly, and the two fighters staggered back, panting heavily. It was a draw.
The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement filling every corner of the arena. The spectacle they had just witnessed was incredible, and the draw only heightened their euphoria.
The simulation arena reset in a flash of light, returning to its original state with the crystal floor restored. The crowd burst into applause, the tension finally breaking.
At the edge of the arena, Sloane laughed, giving Lorcan a pat on the back.
"Looks like no one won... guess we’re paying for ourselves."
Lorcan and Reine exchanged mischievous grins, their earlier confidence fading.
"Fine by me," Lorcan said with a shrug. "I didn’t want to owe you anything anyway."
Sloane raised an eyebrow, his sly grin growing.
"How about we invite Drifter? He’s probably hungry. Maybe he’ll pick up the tab."
Reine nodded, his tone playful.
"Sure, but let’s not guilt him into it. That’d be a bit mean."
Lorcan chuckled, his eyes lighting up with amusement.
"Alright, let’s go. I’m starving anyway."
As the crowd began to disperse, Mina walked purposefully toward Drifter, who was surrounded by Sloane, Reine, and Lorcan. The Duel Grounds had fallen quiet.
Mina, her voice low and calm, said,
"An excellent match, Drifter. It’s been a while since I’ve seen an Arcane Saber—nostalgic."
Drifter gave a small nod, his tone steady but sincere.
"Thank you, Grandmaster. You’re as incredible as I remember, Grandmaster."
Mina stepped closer, her gaze sharp, her voice quiet but intense.
"By the way, do you still hear whispers from the Black Cube?"
Drifter lowered his head, his expression dimming. His fingers fidgeted at the edge of his jacket before he let out a slow breath and shook his head gently.
"Not anymore."
Mina studied him closely for a moment before giving a slow nod.
"Good. That’s for the best." Her voice was soft but firm. She let out a small sigh, her eyes lowering briefly before she turned away.
"Take care of yourself, Drifter. We may need your strength again soon."
Mina walked away, raising her hand toward Friedrich and Headmaster Gideon, who followed her. Both men immediately straightened, their right hands touching their chests before dropping in a crisp salute. They stopped in place as Mina continued toward the gate.
Drifter watched Mina’s retreating figure, letting her words and the sadness in her gaze linger in his mind.
Behind him, the faint chatter of Sloane, Reine, and Lorcan about food drifted like whispers. He paid them no attention, his mind lost in a storm of silence. Standing rigid, his shoulders tensed, he was haunted by the faces of those long gone and the laughter now silenced—each memory a wound yet to heal.
Meanwhile, Mina walked slowly through the academy halls, her gaze lost in the visions forming in her mind. A man with crimson eyes, long silver hair, and black armor appeared, his jaw set, his sharp gaze that of an unyielding warrior. Next, another man with short brown hair and calm blue eyes, his face radiating kindness. Then, a woman with long silver hair and pointed ears stood gracefully, her red eyes holding an air of deep mystery. Finally, a woman with golden hair, pointed ears, and shining golden eyes that glimmered with unwavering determination, her steps steady as if ready to face the world without fear.
Her lips moved almost imperceptibly, a single name slipping from her breath, soft and heavy.
"Cecily..."
Her head dipped slightly, her eyes fixed blankly on the ground as though searching for something that no longer existed.