[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Residential Zones – Morning – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
Drifter stepped out of his room, his gaze sweeping over his surroundings. The academy was unusually quiet on this holiday morning. The Residential Zones exuded tranquility, with the air carrying the soft melodies of Skysinger birds. The gentle murmur of a fountain added a soothing rhythm in the distance. Occasionally, the heavy footsteps and brief barks of Skylins accompanying instructors broke the stillness, but they quickly faded, allowing the serene silence to settle once more.
Drifter slowed his pace. A faint meowing, like a whisper, stopped him in his tracks. He turned, his gaze scanning the area, searching for the source of the sound. Morning sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting moving shadows across the grass. Amidst the light and shadow, he saw an unusual scene.
Alina Walsh knelt on the ground, a ribbon swaying in her hand. A sleek Vellcat with deep blue fur leapt, its sharp claws extending. Its movement was so fluid it seemed like a living shadow. Not far away, Luna Sabriel sat cross-legged, a small black Vellcat perched on her lap. Its glowing green eyes blinked softly as Luna gently stroked its fur with calm, steady motions.
Drifter remained still. His gaze shifted from Alina, energetic and lively, to Luna, serene and composed, and finally to the other Vellcats sitting watchfully. Their eyes were sharp, calculating, and a few had their fur raised defensively. One silver-coated Vellcat approached Alina, sniffed her boot, and curled up beside her, utterly relaxed.
Without warning, Luna turned. Her icy blue eyes met Drifter's with a calm, steady gaze.
"Good morning, Drifter. Are you settling in here?" she asked, her voice flat but warm.
Drifter gave a small nod. His eyes flickered to the bowls of water and food under the shade, blankets loosely scattered, and toys spread out across the grass. Taking a deep breath, he replied in a low voice, "Yes, though not entirely. I'm still adjusting."
Alina turned, her cheerful smile lighting up her face. She tossed a small treat toward a hesitant Vellcat, which sniffed it cautiously before quickly retreating to Luna’s side.
"These little ones can surprise you. If you give them a chance, they can teach you a lot," she said with a glance toward Drifter.
A bright-eyed Vellcat with glowing blue eyes crept toward Drifter, sniffed the air briefly, then darted back to Luna in a flash. Drifter raised an eyebrow but said nothing, crossing his arms tighter across his chest.
"Do you like cats?" he asked flatly.
Alina chuckled softly, her hand gently scratching a Vellcat’s ear.
"They’re smart and incredibly intuitive."
Without looking up from the small Vellcat in her lap, Luna added, "They’re sensitive to energy. They can sense things, like us." Her sharp gaze swept over Drifter's face as if assessing his reaction.
After a moment of silence, Alina broke it with a playful grin.
"Oh, by the way, we were just talking. We think you'd make a great guest instructor. There's a special class next week. The students need someone who truly knows what’s out there."
Drifter's eyes widened briefly, then narrowed.
"Instructor?" he repeated, disbelief clear in his tone.
Luna nodded slowly, her expression unchanged.
"Just once. A special class. Next Solvas."
Drifter stood still. His expression tightened, though a mix of doubt and duty flickered in his eyes. After a heavy sigh, he nodded slightly.
"I don’t think I’m the right person... but fine, I’ll try."
Alina nearly cheered, patting Drifter’s shoulder enthusiastically.
"Thank you, Drifter. You have no idea how much this means."
As they left, a dark blue Vellcat trailed Drifter’s steps, its amber eyes locked on him as if judging his worth. Alina picked it up, scratching its chin with a playful smile toward Drifter.
"See? Even the Vellcat thinks you’d make a great teacher."
Drifter didn’t respond immediately, but a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. His steps slowed briefly before he walked on, disappearing into the shadow of the buildings, leaving the song of the Skysingers and the fountain’s murmur behind.
[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Classroom – Morning – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
Morning light streamed through the large windows, casting soft patterns on the floor scattered with desks and chairs. The lively chatter of students filled the room, their energy a hallmark of mornings before lessons began.
Mia, a girl with wavy orange hair, leaned forward on her desk, her bright green eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"So, Ria, how was the study program at the Conclave of Eldoria? Was it fun?" she asked eagerly, almost unable to contain herself.
Opposite her, Vaeloria lounged casually, her shoulders relaxed. Her fingers idly twirled the end of her golden hair, which gleamed under the morning light.
"Meh," she said lazily. "Honestly, I hated going back. Seeing all those faces lecturing me every day? No, thanks. I prefer it here. At least it’s over."
image [https://i.ibb.co.com/TWWwxh2/01-30.jpg]
After a brief pause, she raised an eyebrow at Mia.
"So, what’s the hot news I missed?"
Mia grinned as she turned her wrist, activating her Lumina Core. A hologram of Quazar Cafe appeared, perched atop a towering crystal structure that shimmered in vibrant blues, its futuristic design mesmerizing.
"Look at this! A new cafe just opened—Quazar Cafe. We need to check it out!"
Vaeloria’s golden eyes narrowed slightly, the hologram’s reflection dancing in her irises.
"Oh... new, huh? What’s so special about it?" she asked skeptically.
With a small smile, Mia switched the hologram to a sleek Starlace Couture bag, its elegant design sparkling.
"There’s a promo! One of the first 100 visitors gets a brand-new bag from Levana!"
Vaeloria let out a quiet snort, her face unmoved.
"Great. It’ll be packed. No thanks if it’s crowded."
Next to Mia, Lily, a petite girl with a purple bob-cut, leaned in. Her voice was low and laced with intrigue, while her violet eyes darted toward Vaeloria.
"Mia, you’re missing the big news. We’ve got a guest, Ria." A sly smile crept onto her lips.
"The time traveler from the past."
Vaeloria turned sharply toward Lily, her brows furrowing.
"No way. Seriously? There’s no way someone can travel through time."
Before Lily could respond, Mia cut in with a confident tone.
"Oh, it’s true. Even the Grandmaster believes it! Why would we lie? And, honestly,"
she added with a wink, "he’s kind of handsome, right, Lily?"
Lily nodded shyly, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"Yeah…"
Vaeloria scoffed but a flicker of curiosity lit her eyes.
"Now I am curious."
On the other side of the room, Caelus Amelioris frowned, his messy blond hair falling across the open collar of his black shirt. His dark eyes narrowed in confusion.
"From the past? Seriously?"
image [https://i.ibb.co.com/7WK8xsX/01-1.jpg]
Nearby, Bryan, a tall student with short dark brown hair, glanced at him with a small smile.
"You’re back, Caelus? How was your study program at the Conclave of Eldoria?"
Caelus responded with a faint smile, his voice calm but polite.
"The country’s beautiful... serene, lots of trees. But I think the students here are stronger." He paused briefly before adding, "
By the way, where’s Lorcan?"
Bryan chuckled, leaning back casually in his chair.
"Him? Probably late as usual."
Alyssa, a girl with red ponytail hair sitting nearby, smiled brightly and nudged Bryan's arm.
"Miss him, huh? Aren’t you tired of him always challenging you to duels? He’ll probably be thrilled to see you back."
The student with wavy, short light brown hair, sitting near the door, Erick, nodded toward it, his voice low but clear.
"Hey, Alina’s here. And... looks like she brought the guy from the past."
The door opened. Drifter entered, his gaze sweeping across the classroom, which instantly fell silent. Alina moved to the front, but the quiet was shattered as the door swung open again with force. Laughter echoed as three figures walked in.
Lorcan Grindelwald led the way, his strides wide and confident, a mischievous grin plastered across his face. His reddish-brown eyes sparkled with playfulness.
"Morning, Alina! You’re way too early, you know."
A few students chuckled. Alina remained expressionless. Behind him, Sloane Gast sauntered in, his hands buried in the pockets of his black trench coat.
"Yeah, what’s the rush? Didn’t stop for breakfast, huh?"
Last came Reine Lindt, moving quietly. Her hood was pulled low over her pale blonde hair, almost covering her face. Her voice was soft, barely audible.
"Sorry, ma’am… we’re late."
Lorcan looked ahead, his eyes widening.
"Drifter? What are you doing here?"
Whispers filled the room until Alina cut through them with a sharp tone.
"Enough, Lorcan. Sit. Now."
The three of them exchanged glances before taking their seats. Sloane leaned back lazily, Reine hunched low at the back, and Lorcan kept his trademark grin, though his curiosity about Drifter was evident.
When the room finally quieted, Alina stood tall.
"Today, we have someone with the most experience battling Cataclysmaris. Drifter will share his knowledge with you."
The mood shifted immediately. Whispers ceased as the students’ gazes locked on Drifter, their expressions a mix of awe and nervousness.
Lorcan shot to his feet, brimming with enthusiasm.
"Wo-ho! Finally, a class that isn’t boring!"
Laughter broke out, but Alina’s sharp glare silenced it. Drifter stepped forward, his deep voice breaking the tension.
“Of course. First, have any of you ever faced a Cataclysmaris before?”
The room fell silent. The students’ eyes revealed a mix of fear and curiosity. Drifter nodded, his tone steady.
"Just as I thought. Most of you haven’t. The last Abyssal breach was sealed 700 years ago—except for the one in Paxluma."
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
He paused, scanning the students one by one.
"The rift at Paxluma was different. The largest ever recorded, with Cataclysmaris numbering like an endless sea. That’s where I fought last, before ending up here."
Mentioning Paxluma brought a palpable tension to the room. Drifter continued, his voice lower but resolute.
"To close an Abyssal Breach, you must destroy its core—the Void Rift. All artificial energy—whether from Skyships, Golems, or Skystrikers—will be absorbed and rendered useless. Technology can’t be relied on. All you’ll have is your training, your wits, and your courage."
The room seemed frozen. Lorcan leaned back, his grin fading, while Nadia Fernleaf clutched her book tightly, her knuckles white. The weight of Drifter’s words hung in the air.
He pressed on, his tone firm and unwavering.
"The first thing you need to understand is this: Cataclysmaris are not ordinary creatures. They’re entities bound to the rift. They don’t stop—until they’re dead... or we are."
He raised his hand and tapped the Lumina Core on his wrist. A soft blue glow illuminated the room as a holographic image appeared before the class.
The room dimmed as the image of an Othrupinel-Class Cataclysmaris came to life—a pulsating dark core with smooth, fractured surfaces glowing red. Jagged tendrils lashed out wildly, adorned with flickering red orbs. Its adaptive armor shifted constantly, exposing weak spots momentarily before sealing them.
Gasps rippled through the class. Some students leaned closer, curiosity overtaking fear, while others instinctively recoiled at the sight of the grotesque creature.
Drifter pointed at the image, his voice sharp and commanding.
"This is an Othrupinel-Class Cataclysmaris, the most common type. It will likely be your first encounter—and for some of you, it might be your last."
His words lingered heavily in the air, leaving no room for doubt.
Stepping closer to the projection, his expression darkened.
"That core you see? It’s alive. Those cracks? They’re weak points, but don’t be fooled. Each pulse is unstable. If you’re near when it explodes, you won’t even have time to regret it."
The room grew even quieter, tension thickening. Murmurs began to rise, but Drifter’s voice cut through them like a blade.
"They’re faster than you think. They strike without warning—destroying everything they touch. If you hesitate for even a second..."
He snapped his fingers, the sharp sound echoing through the room. Several students flinched, their eyes wide.
"...you’re dead."
The projection shifted to a Gravephoma-Class, resembling a living skyship with a massive core suspended in swirling dark energy. Crimson and violet tendrils dangled like roots, while obsidian-like plates occasionally revealed chaotic energy within. Dark lightning crackled across its limbs, silhouetted against a stormy sky.
Drifter stepped back slightly, his tone grim.
"This is a Gravephoma-Class. It doesn’t hunt individuals—it hunts everything."
He crossed his arms, his gaze fixed on the image, unyielding.
"Those tendrils siphon energy—not just from the ground, but from you. Entire battalions have been drained before reaching its core. Cities vanish. Forests turn to ash."
The oppressive weight of the image seemed to fill the room. Even Sloane Gast, usually the first to crack a joke, sat straighter, his usual bravado gone.
The projection shifted again, revealing a Direntica-Class—a humanoid figure with a dense skeletal core, elongated sinewy limbs, and tendrils that morphed into spear-like weapons. Its crimson eyes burned within a shadowed skull-like head, while dark energy flickered like flames from its body. Its movements were erratic, predator-like, and unnervingly fast.
Drifter spoke with a softer tone, as if filled with respect.
"And this… is the Direntica-Class. If the others are chaos, this one is precision."
He turned to face the class, leaving the projection behind. The intensity of his presence filled the room, deepening the silence. His tone darkened.
"It doesn’t charge. It doesn’t rampage. It watches. It thinks. And it only attacks when it knows you can’t fight back."
Drifter scanned the room, his voice growing louder.
"If you encounter one, remember this—they aren’t mindless creatures. They’re predators, calculating forces of destruction. If you can’t escape, fight with everything you have, because it won’t give you a second chance."
He paused, letting his words sink in. The room was silent—too silent. The air felt heavier with the gravity of his statement.
His voice lowered, becoming sharper and more deliberate.
"And they’re not individual entities. Every Cataclysmaris is connected—to each other and to something far worse. Kill one, and another will rise to take its place. You’re not fighting one creature. You’re fighting a network, a system of destruction."
The projection faded, leaving the room in a profound silence. The faint hum of the Lumina Core was the only sound, its rhythmic pulse adding to the tension.
Drifter swept his gaze across the class, his eyes sharp and unyielding. His voice broke the quiet, calm but heavy with unspoken truths.
"Fighting these creatures outside an Abyssal Breach is hard enough. Inside? That’s a different world. There’s no room for mistakes. No mercy for doubt."
The silence lingered. Then, from the back, Nadia Fernleaf raised her hand. Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper.
"What… what does it feel like to be inside an Abyssal Breach, sir?"
All eyes turned to Drifter. He stood still, the question seeming to envelop him. His gaze remained firm, but something ancient and knowing flickered in his eyes.
He paused briefly, his voice steady but strained.
"A good question, Nadia. Fighting inside an Abyssal Breach… it’s disorienting. The air feels heavy, like breathing underwater. Gravity shifts without warning. Your vision blurs. Fear creeps into your mind, trying to distract you."
His voice sharpened, his eyes momentarily clouded with dark memories. Drifter continued, his gaze piercing through the class.
"But you can’t let it consume you. Inside the breach, doubt means death. Focus on what’s ahead—on surviving."
The class remained silent, the weight of Drifter’s words settling in. Unease spread among the students. Despite their training, the reality Drifter described was far more terrifying than they had imagined.
Nadia Fernleaf nodded slowly, her voice barely audible.
"Thank you, sir… I truly hope we never have to face it."
Drifter gave a faint, reassuring smile.
"I hope so too, Nadia. The fewer Abyssal Breaches, the fewer lives at risk."
From the back of the room, Caelus Amelioris raised his hand. He leaned forward, his dark eyes filled with curiosity—unafraid, yet deeply intrigued. His voice was measured and thoughtful.
"Sir, do you think another Abyssal Breach will appear in the future? And… how did you travel through time to our era?"
The room shifted. The mention of Drifter’s mysterious arrival immediately captured everyone’s attention. Whispers spread, students exchanging curious glances.
Drifter paused, his gaze narrowing slightly. His voice remained calm, but tension lingered beneath the surface.
"Abyssal Breaches are unpredictable. As long as we don’t fully understand their cause, the risk of another breach remains."
He tapped the Lumina Core on his wrist, and the room resonated with a low hum. A projection appeared—the Black Cube. Its dark surface pulsed, emitting an eerie light as shadows shifted unnaturally across the walls.
Drifter gestured toward the projection, his voice growing more intense but still composed.
"We fought a Cataclysmaris unlike any we’d ever faced. Stronger. Different."
His expression darkened, his voice lowering as if recalling a memory that weighed heavily on him.
"After we brought it down, we found this. At first, it looked like debris—a fragment of the creature. But the longer I held it..."
His hand moved instinctively to the pouch at his side, where the Black Cube had once been. His voice dropped, distant, as if reliving a moment long past.
"The world began to fade. My vision blurred, as though I was being swallowed by shadows. There was no light, no sound… only an endless darkness."
The projection dimmed further, amplifying the gravity of his words. Drifter’s expression hardened, his eyes flickering with the weight of that memory.
He steadied himself, his gaze returning to the students. His voice remained calm but carried an undeniable resolve.
"And when I came to… I was here. Not on the battlefield. Not in my time. Here."
The room buzzed with quiet murmurs, the students’ faces filled with awe and disbelief. The Black Cube, now a symbol of mystery and danger, seemed to grow even more significant.
Caelus leaned forward, his dark eyes sharp.
"Do you think that artifact could be the key to stopping future Abyssal Breaches?"
Drifter shook his head slightly.
"I wish I knew. Even the researchers may not have that answer yet."
A sharp bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson. The students began packing their belongings, the tense atmosphere gradually softening, though curiosity lingered in the air.
Alina stepped forward, her posture firm but a rare, faint smile on her lips.
"That’s all for today. Practical training resumes this week. Drifter, thank you for your insights."
The students exited slowly, whispers about Cataclysmaris, Abyssal Breaches, and the artifact filling the room. Near the door, Vaeloria smiled as she whispered,
"The instructor’s pretty cool, huh? Total mysterious mentor vibes."
The room fell silent again. Alina turned to Drifter, her smile softer now, her eyes reflecting rare approval.
"Good job. Today’s lesson meant more to them than they realize." She added with a teasing tone, "Who knows? We might make you an instructor someday."
Drifter gave a small smile, shaking his head lightly.
"Thank you, but teaching isn’t my calling."
They walked out together. In Drifter’s mind, the shadow of the Black Cube lingered, its dark energy a reminder that the battle was far from over.
[Location: Evocaier Academy – Training & Entertainment Zone – Afternoon – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]
Drifter stood in the middle of the training grounds, the Simulation Nexus platform spread out around him. The students gathered at the edges, sitting eagerly. Beside him, Alina glanced at him with a faint smile.
"Alright, Drifter. Ready? Don’t hold back, okay?"
Alina turned to the students, her voice clear.
"Before we begin, does anyone have any questions?"
From the back, Vaeloria raised her hand, her golden hair gleaming under the sunlight. She smiled, her tone light but curious.
"Drifter, I’m Vaeloria—just call me Ria. I want to ask… do Cataclysmaris have any weaknesses?"
Drifter paused, gripping Exaltare tighter. His sharp gaze turned serious, shifting the mood.
"The core is its weakness," he answered firmly. He continued, "The core is protected by rotating armor. The weak point only appears briefly before it’s covered again. If you’re not fast and precise, you’ll miss your chance."
The students fell silent, absorbing his words. From the edge of the group, Lorcan Grindelwald leaned back, arms crossed, a mischievous grin on his face.
"C’mon, old man. Talk’s cheap—let’s see what you’ve got."
Without a word, Drifter materialized his black armor. Exaltare appeared in his hand, glowing with a sapphire light that lit the air with tension.
Drifter’s voice, calm and controlled, broke the silence.
"This is just a simulation. It’s nothing compared to the real thing—facing a Cataclysmaris is far more intense. Watch my movements. Speed and precision matter more than strength."
Alina pressed the final glyph on the console, and the Simulation Nexus flared to life. The crystal pillars surrounding the platform emitted energy, arcs of light connecting them until a shimmering dome formed.
The Simulation Nexus grew even brighter as the towering projection of a Cataclysmaris materialized before them. Its core pulsed slowly, surrounded by shifting armor and tendrils whipping in all directions.
Without hesitation, Drifter moved. A group of glowing swords orbited around him. In an instant, they shot forward, distracting the creature as its tendrils lashed out at the decoys. Drifter followed its every move, his sharp eyes tracking each change in the creature’s defenses.
The Cataclysmaris shifted, its armor rotating. Suddenly, its core was exposed—a brief opening.
Drifter vanished in a blink with Exalt Shift, reappearing behind the creature. With one swift strike, Exaltare flared and unleashed a burst of energy, shattering the core before the entire projection collapsed into fragments.
The students were silent. They exchanged glances, still stunned by the speed and precision they had just witnessed.
Lowering his sword, Drifter spoke firmly.
"That’s how you break through its defenses. Use decoys to distract it. Watch for the opening, and when it comes, strike without hesitation."
From the back, Lorcan chuckled, his wide grin returning. His earlier challenge had shifted into lighthearted confidence.
"Man, that’s tough… good thing he’s an Arcane Saber. Imagine if it were a Sorc or Mage—they’d be toast!"
Standing next to him, Sloane nodded, appearing to agree.
"Yeah, Arcane Saber is practically designed to fight Cataclysmaris. Back in the day, this stuff was as common as dirt. Now? Almost nobody uses it anymore."
He shrugged casually, acting like an expert on outdated techniques, his grin widening.
Lorcan shot him a surprised look.
"Since when do you know anything useful?"
Sloane just nodded, smirking without saying much.
"Obviously."
Drifter raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he glanced at Lorcan.
The group chuckled, the tension easing, though the weight of the lesson still lingered.
At the back of the crowd, Erick hesitated, gripping his bag strap tightly. His voice was quiet, uncertain.
"Sir… is it true that most non-Primordials struggle in an Abyssal Breach?"
Drifter’s expression remained neutral, but his voice grew firmer, cutting through the group.
"Those who rely solely on their Lumina Core to control Evocyte are highly vulnerable. Inside an Abyssal Breach, the connection to the Lumina Core can be disrupted."
Erick nodded quickly, returning to his seat with measured steps.
Drifter scanned the students’ faces. Some sat relaxed, even flashing faint smiles as if unfazed by the warning. Others sat upright, gripping their desks or knees tightly, their eyes cast downward, their faces tense as if masking unease.
A loud bell rang, signaling the end of the session. The students began to rise, but their movements were slower. The room’s energy felt different, marked by an indefinable weight.
Alina stepped forward, her tone lighter as if to ease the atmosphere.
"That’s enough for today. Thank you, Drifter, for the demonstration."
She clapped her hands once. The students began packing their belongings with slow, deliberate motions. Their steps felt heavier, and the chatter quieted into scattered whispers as they left the training grounds. Some glanced at Drifter, their eyes full of unspoken questions—some with admiration, others quickly looking away.
At the front, Vaeloria leaned toward her friends, speaking softly. Her bright gaze still sparkled with energy, though her companions looked weary from the lesson.
"Let’s go to Nethia Mall, guys! Big sale today—don’t miss it!"
Her friends laughed, lightening the heavy mood slightly. One by one, the students disappeared into the academy halls, their footsteps fading as the grounds emptied.
Alina approached, her voice gentle.
"You made an impression. They’ll remember this."
Drifter gave a small nod.
"Let’s hope they never have to face what I have."
Alina nodded quietly before walking alongside Drifter, silence enveloping them as they headed toward the Residential Zones.