The sun hung low over Crater Village, casting a warm, golden light over the sprawling farmlands that framed its outskirts. Rows of crops stretched endlessly into the horizon, and the faint hum of buzzing insects filled the air with a peaceful rhythm. Near the edge of the village, a dirt path led to the Ruoc family farm, where a figure was already making his way toward the wooden fence that marked the road.

Theo adjusted the wide-brimmed hat on his head, shielding his violet eyes from the afternoon glare. His well-worn boots kicked up small puffs of dust as he walked with an easy gait, whistling a cheerful tune. Up ahead, the village’s familiar mail carrier waved a hand from his perch on an old, creaky wagon.

“Afternoon, Theo!” the mail carrier called, his voice tinged with the gruffness of age. He reached for a small bundle of envelopes and handed them down. “Got something special in here for ya—a letter from Ajal! Bet you’re excited to hear from him, huh?”

Theo grinned as he took the mail, his fingers brushing over the slightly crumpled letter addressed in the unmistakable scrawl of his younger brother. “We sure are,” he said, his voice warm. “Thanks, Mr. Tress.”

The old man tipped his hat with a chuckle before snapping the reins on his horse, the wagon creaking as it rolled away down the road.

Theo waited until the wagon was out of sight before tearing open Ajal’s letter, his anticipation growing. As soon as he unfolded the paper, he couldn’t help but laugh. The handwriting was absolutely atrocious, uneven and jagged, as if Ajal had scrawled it out in a hurry—or perhaps mid-battle, knowing his brother’s chaotic tendencies.

“Big responsibility, huh?” Theo muttered with a chuckle, shaking his head. “Still can’t hold a pen to save your life.”

The letter itself was classic Ajal—equal parts excitement, complaints, and fiery enthusiasm. He detailed his reactions to Arkphis, the chaos of his new life, and the peculiarities of his teammates. There were even a few clumsy doodles in the margins of what Theo assumed were supposed to be dragons or explosions. But what made Theo laugh the hardest was the not-so-subtle rant halfway down the page:

“HEY THEO, HOW COME YOU DIDN’T TELL ME YOU WENT TO ARKPHIS?! YOU COULD HAVE WARNED ME ABOUT THIS CRAZY PLACE! WHAT ELSE ARE YOU HIDING?!”

Theo chuckled, folding the letter neatly in half before casually ripping it into pieces. As the shredded paper fell to the ground, he sighed and smirked to himself. “You’ll find out eventually, little brother.”

Before he could linger on the thought, a loud voice rang out from the direction of the farmhouse.

“Theo! Do you have the mail or not?!”

Theo turned to see Katria, standing on the porch with her hands on her hips, her jet black hair glinting in the sunlight. Even from a distance, her expression was clear—impatient and demanding, like always.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve got it!” Theo called back, tucking the remaining envelopes under his arm as he started back toward the house.

As he reached the porch, Katria skipped down the steps to meet him, her curious eyes scanning the bundle in his hands. “Anything from Ajal?” she asked, her tone a mix of excitement and expectation.

Theo shook his head, his grin turning teasing. “Nope. Looks like your favorite brother forgot about us again.”

“What?!” Katria’s face immediately flushed with frustration, her hands balling into fists. “I swear, I’m gonna march down there myself and beat some sense into him! How dare he not write to his family!”

Theo laughed, ruffling her hair despite her protests. “Relax, kid. I’m sure he’s got a lot on his plate. You should forgive him just this once.”

Katria huffed, crossing her arms with a pout. “Fine. But if he doesn’t write soon, I’m dragging him back here myself.”

Theo chuckled, patting her head one last time as they walked back toward the farmhouse. “Fair enough, sis. Fair enough.”

⁂

Ajal stood in the middle of the bustling streets of Campus City, clutching a folded piece of paper in one hand. The noise of the city surrounded him—students laughing, street vendors calling out their wares, the faint hum of vehicles in the distance. It was lively, chaotic, and almost overwhelming, but Ajal’s focus remained fixed on the directions scrawled in Professor Lucius’s handwriting.

“For a cat, his handwriting isn’t bad,” Ajal muttered to himself, glancing at the neatly written instructions. “Not as good as mine, though. Definitely not.” He smirked at his own comment before folding the paper and slipping it into his pocket.

After winding through a maze of streets, he finally arrived at his destination. A neon sign hung above the building, casting a warm, retro glow: Eclipse Diner.

The sign was mesmerizing, its letters gilded with a metallic sheen that seemed to ripple like sunlight reflected on water. Behind the text was an intricate mosaic of celestial symbols—stars, moons, and a radiant sunburst etched in gold and silver. It almost felt like stepping into a legend, a place that whispered stories of the bygone Golden Age when Gods walked among mortals.

“Hey,” a voice called out.

Ajal turned to see Cassian and Molly approaching. Cassian offered a small wave, his nervous smile already showing hints of strain. Molly, as expected, looked like she’d rather be anywhere else.

“You here for the job?” Cassian asked, his voice soft but friendly.

Ajal nodded. “Yeah, Professor Lucius recommended to me.”

Molly groaned under her breath, folding her arms tightly. “Just my luck,” she muttered.

Cassian glanced at her, then back at Ajal. “Molly,” he said gently, though his voice wavered, “maybe we can, uh, at least pretend to get along? You know, just for work?”

“I’m not pretending anything,” Molly snapped. “Faking isn’t in my personality.”

Ajal smiled awkwardly. “I take it you’re both here for the job, too?”

Cassian nodded quickly. “Yeah. I, uh, I’m looking forward to working with you, Ajal.”

Ajal stepped ahead and held the door open for them. Cassian offered a quiet but genuine, “Thanks,” while Molly ignored him entirely as she walked past.

The inside of the diner was breathtaking. It didn’t resemble the retro diners of the past but instead looked like something plucked straight from the heavens. The walls shimmered with a faint, golden glow, their surfaces carved with intricate patterns that depicted scenes of divine creation—figures of celestial beings shaping mountains, rivers, and stars. The floor was a polished obsidian black, reflecting the radiant murals above like a mirror.

The tables were sleek and circular, each one topped with what looked like translucent crystal. Beneath the glass, constellations flickered softly, their stars shifting ever so slightly like a living map of the heavens. The chairs were crafted from smooth, dark wood, their backs adorned with golden inlays of mythical creatures—phoenixes, gryphons, and hydras.

The workers were dressed to match the ethereal theme. Their uniforms were white with gold accents: crisp, tailored shirts with flowing sashes and stylized collars that mimicked the shape of wings. Each employee wore a brooch at their chest shaped like a sunburst, faintly glowing as if imbued with Divinity itself.

As the three of them stood there, Ajal suddenly realized how heavy the air felt. It wasn’t oppressive in a physical sense, but it was thick—dense with an invisible energy that seemed to seep into every corner of the room. His chest felt tight, and each breath came slower than the last. Even moving his legs felt like wading through deep water.

“Is it just the three of you?” a waitress asked as she approached. She was moving swiftly, her steps light and effortless despite the overwhelming weight of the atmosphere.

Ajal struggled to respond, the words catching in his throat. After a moment, he managed to rasp out, “We’re here for the job.”

The waitress smiled warmly. “Follow me,” she said, her voice calm and steady.

The three followed, each step becoming harder than the last. Ajal glanced at the waitress in awe. “How is she moving so easily in this…?” he thought to himself, beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead. Molly’s scowl deepened, and even Cassian looked paler than usual.

By the time they reached the back, all three of them were breathing heavily, sweat dripping down their faces. The waitress stopped at a door and gestured for them to enter. Inside, the air felt only slightly lighter, though the tension didn’t fully fade.

Sitting behind a desk cluttered with papers and a steaming mug of coffee was Phil, the diner’s owner. His sharp, golden eyes scrutinized them, his beak set in what could only be described as a perpetual scowl. The eagle Especia radiated authority, his broad shoulders and imposing stature making the small room feel even smaller. His denim jacket was rolled at the sleeves, revealing feathered arms that flexed subtly as he leaned back in his chair.

The first thing Phil said to them was, “Leave.”

Ajal blinked in confusion. “Wait—what?”

“You heard me,” Phil said, his voice as sharp as his beak. “If you can’t handle this much Divinity, you won’t last an hour here. Save yourselves the embarrassment and go.”

Molly immediately bristled, her fists clenching at her sides. “Excuse me?!” she snapped, stepping forward. “Who do you think you are—?”

Cassian quickly grabbed her arm, pulling her back with trembling hands. “M-Molly, please,” he stammered, his feathers ruffling with anxiety. “Let’s not—uh—make a scene, okay?”

Ajal glanced at Cassian and chuckled faintly. “You're really shy outside of school, huh?”

Cassian flushed, avoiding eye contact as he muttered, “Yeah, interacting with strangers isn't my thing. I'm working on it, though.”

Phil raised an eyebrow at their exchange, clearly unimpressed. “This place isn’t for the weak,” he continued, his tone unyielding. “The Divinity flowing through this diner isn’t something just anyone can handle. It’s rooted in the Gods’ creations, and if you can’t adapt, you’ll break.”

Ajal tilted his head, ignoring the insult and focusing on Phil’s words. “So that’s what it was,” he murmured. “The weight we felt—it’s from the Divinity here?”

Phil’s sharp gaze shifted to him, and he nodded once. “That’s right.”

The waitress from earlier stepped forward, addressing Phil with a tone that was both firm and pleading. “Phil, we really need the help. You know we’re short-staffed.”

Phil sighed, rubbing the bridge of his beak. “Not my fault people can’t handle the effects of the diner,” he muttered.

“Then let them handle deliveries,” the waitress suggested. “It’ll keep them out of the diner most of the time and lighten the load for the rest of us.”

Phil’s piercing eyes studied the trio for a moment before he let out a sharp huff. “Fine,” he said finally. “Deliveries it is.”

The three of them were led out the back door, where they collapsed against the wall, gasping for breath. The open air was a relief, the weight of the Divinity lessening significantly.

Phil reappeared a moment later, holding three neatly folded uniforms in his clawed hands. He handed one to each of them, his expression unreadable. “Put these on. You’re representing my diner now, so look the part.”

Molly held up her uniform, squinting at the celestial embroidery on the sleeves. “What’s the deal with this diner anyway?” she asked, her tone still sharp.

Phil folded his arms, his sharp gaze fixed on Molly. “Eclipse Diner,” he began, his tone calm but firm, “isn’t just some ordinary restaurant. It’s a callback to the Golden Age—back when the Gods lived alongside all the beings of the Midrealm.”

Ajal tilted his head. “Midrealm?” he repeated.

Phil’s piercing eyes shifted to him. “You know, everyone living here—humans, Especias, Drapabarn, The Forgotten. All of you. Thought you Arkphis kids would’ve come across the term by now.”

Ajal nodded thoughtfully. “That does make more sense than just saying ‘humans.’”

Phil waved off the tangent and continued. “I’ve got a friend. His Gift allows him to trap any type of energy—Electric, kinetic, divine, you name it—inside constructs of his creation. For Eclipse Diner, he created a box around the building that traps Divinity. It recreates the same atmosphere that existed during the Golden Age, back when the Gods’ presence saturated every corner of the world.”

Cassian nervously adjusted his glasses and raised a hand slightly, like he was asking a question in class. “Um… w-who’s your friend? That’s a pretty… uh… impressive feat.”

“His name’s Zagaka,” Phil answered, his voice casual but carrying weight.

The three teenagers exchanged glances, each of them silently trying to place the name.

“Never heard of him,” Ajal admitted, crossing his arms.

“Me neither,” Molly said, frowning.

Cassian shook his head. “Nope.”

Phil shrugged, clearly unconcerned by their lack of recognition. “Not surprising. He’s not the type to seek out fame.”

Ajal’s curiosity got the better of him. “But… how did people even live in that kind of atmosphere? It feels like we’re being crushed just standing here.”

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

Phil let out a deep chuckle, the sound rumbling like distant thunder. “Midrealmers’ bodies adapt quickly. Back in the Golden Age, it wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. Similar to how your eyes adjust to light, the body adapts to Divinity. Not nearly as fast, obviously. There are also methods to lessen the strain, which is why the customers here aren’t passed out on their tables.”

Cassian’s eyes widened slightly. “Methods? Like what?”

Phil gave him a pointed look. “Divinity locking, for one. You stop the atmospheric Divinity mixing with your Intrinsic Divinity too much and you won't feel that pressure as much. There are other methods as well, of course.”

“Divinity locking,” Molly repeated, raising an eyebrow. “We haven’t learned anything about that yet.”

Phil’s expression hardened, his gaze flicking between the three of them. “You’re Arkphis students and haven’t learned Divinity locking yet? What the hell are they teaching you up there?”

The three exchanged uncertain glances.

Phil sighed heavily, shaking his head. “Never mind. You’ll figure it out soon enough. But for now, get changed. You’re completing a delivery before you leave.”

A waitress burst out of the kitchen, her golden brooch catching the light as she carried a small but intricately carved delivery box. The polished surface was adorned with faintly glowing runes, the lines of energy pulsing like a heartbeat. She handed it to Phil, who held it effortlessly in one clawed hand before extending it toward Cassian.

“Here. Take it,” Phil said.

Cassian hesitated but stepped forward, carefully reaching for the box. The moment it touched his hands, it dropped straight to the ground with a deafening thud, cracking the floor beneath it. Cassian let out a startled yelp, his glasses nearly falling off as he stumbled back.

“W-what the hell?!” he stammered, staring at the box like it had betrayed him.

Phil smirked faintly. “Forgot to mention—that box is heavy because it’s forcing you to use Rye, one of the Nine Steps.”

“The Nine-Steps?” Ajal asked, furrowing his brow. “Why?”

Phil leaned against the wall, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement. “The Nine-Step System was used far more prominently during the Golden Age. This diner’s workers only use the Nine Steps, no Gifts at all. It’s a requirement.”

Ajal turned to Cassian, his tone light but teasing. “I take it you don’t know any of the Nine Steps yet?”

Cassian shook his head rapidly, his nervous wings twitching. “Nope. Not a clue.”

“Same here,” Ajal admitted with a shrug.

Molly rolled her eyes, sighing loudly. “You two are hopeless.” She stepped forward and lifted the box with relative ease, balancing it on her hip as though it weighed nothing.

Phil gave a curt nod of approval. “Good. The address is written on the box. Make sure it gets there in one piece.”

Ajal glanced at the address, his face scrunching in irritation. “Seriously? It’s back up on campus?”

“Looks like it,” Molly said flatly, already walking toward the exit.

Ajal groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Great. Back up to campus, then back down here. This is going to be such a pain.”

⁂

The rhythmic flapping of wings filled the air as the Basil Drake carriage carried Ajal, Molly, and Cassian through the skies of Campus City. The soft, golden glow of evening sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm hues over the three students, all now dressed in the Eclipse Diner’s uniforms.

Molly crossed her arms, glaring down at the outfit. The uniform consisted of a sleek black shirt with golden trim, a matching vest adorned with the diner’s crescent-moon emblem, and tailored slacks. The material shimmered faintly with traces of embedded Divinity, hinting at its unique craftsmanship.

“This outfit sucks,” Molly muttered, tugging at her sleeves.

Cassian, sitting stiffly beside her, looked over and gave her an awkward smile. “I think it looks good on you.”

Molly froze for a split second before her face flushed faintly. She quickly turned away, scowling. “Whatever.”

Sitting across from them, Ajal watched the exchange with a knowing smirk. His violet eyes darted between the two, his expression amused.

“What are you smiling about, idiot?” Molly snapped, her blush deepening. “It’s gross. Stop it.”

Ajal shrugged casually, resting his chin in his hand. “Nothing. Just enjoying the ride.”

Molly narrowed her eyes. “It’s already annoying enough that we have to work together. Don’t make it worse with that smug face of yours.”

Cassian nervously raised his hands, trying to mediate. “H-he was just smiling, Molly. Let’s not… y’know, get worked up.”

Ajal waved him off. “It’s fine, Cassian. I’m used to her yelling by now.”

Molly grumbled under her breath, leaning back in her seat.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the carriage seemed to settle, the steady clatter of wheels providing a brief sense of calm. But Ajal’s gaze shifted, his usual lighthearted demeanor fading. His voice turned serious as he spoke.

“Molly,” he said, breaking the silence, “back when we fought… were you using Rye?”

Molly didn’t respond immediately, her jaw tightening as she looked out the window.

“Molly,” Cassian said softly, his tone pleading.

With a frustrated sigh, Molly finally turned back to them. “No, I wasn’t using Rye.”

Ajal’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of anger flashing across his face. “Why not?” he asked, his tone sharp.

Molly crossed her arms, her expression defiant. “Because it wouldn’t have been fair. Why would I go all out against someone who can barely use their Divinity?” She leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing. “I don’t need to push myself just to stroke your ego, Ajal.”

Ajal clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. “It’s not about my ego! You don’t get it, do you? I’m jealous of you—both of you!”

Both Molly and Cassian blinked, their confusion evident.

“Jealous?” Molly repeated, her tone skeptical. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Ajal leaned back, exhaling sharply as he ran a hand through his hair. “You both have something I don’t—a dream.”

Molly stared at him, her expression unreadable, while Cassian glanced between them, unsure of what to say.

“What’s your point?” Molly asked, her voice sharp.

Ajal met her gaze, his eyes steady and sincere. “My point is because of that, no matter how much you hate me, I look up to you.”

Molly’s expression twisted, her anger bubbling to the surface. “You look up to me?” she said, her voice dripping with disbelief. “Don’t give me that shit!”

Cassian instinctively shifted closer to Molly, ready to restrain her if her temper got the better of her.

But Ajal pressed on, his voice unwavering. “You’re someone who knows what they want. You have a goal, a purpose, and the drive to chase it. That’s something I admire. And that’s why I don’t want you to hold back—against anyone.”

Molly’s fists tightened, her nails digging into her palms.

Ajal leaned forward, his violet eyes burning with determination. “How much do you want to be a hero, Molly?”

“More than you could ever know,” Molly snapped, her voice trembling with raw emotion.

“Then don’t hold back,” Ajal said firmly. “Not just for your sake, but for the sake of the people you want to be a hero for. You can hate me as much as you want—I don’t care. But hate me with everything you have.”

The carriage fell silent.

Molly’s eyes widened slightly, her usual fire momentarily extinguished by Ajal’s words. Even Cassian seemed stunned, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to process the moment.

Ajal leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms and gazing out the window as though the conversation had already ended.

Molly stared at him, her anger mingling with something she couldn’t quite identify. She wanted to yell at him, to tell him he was wrong—but the words wouldn’t come.

When the carriage finally landed on the Campus, Molly wordlessly hopped out first, the weight of the box making her arms strain slightly but never faltering. Ajal and Cassian followed, their footsteps crunching softly on the gravel path.

As they approached the address, the towering silhouette of the dormitory came into view. The building was nestled behind an ornate gate, its iron bars etched with flowing, elegant patterns that glowed faintly with traces of Divinity. The path leading up to the gate was paved with smooth stone and flanked by meticulously pruned hedges. Small floating lanterns bobbed gently above the greenery, their warm light casting a soft glow across the area.

Molly adjusted her grip on the box, her expression neutral but her pace steady. Cassian lagged slightly behind, nervously tugging at the hem of his shirt as his eyes darted around, clearly out of his comfort zone.

When they reached the gate, two upperclassmen standing guard turned their attention to them. Their sharp eyes quickly landed on Ajal, and their lips curled into amused smirks.

“What are you three doing here?” one of them asked, his tone casual but tinged with amusement.

Molly shifted the box slightly. “Delivery from Eclipse Diner,” she said bluntly, her tone curt.

The second upperclassman nudged his friend with a grin. “Wait, is that Ajal?”

The first one chuckled, clearly amused. “Oh, man. Good luck, buddy.”

They stepped aside, one of them waving his hand to activate the gate. With a soft hum, the ornate iron bars parted, allowing the trio to pass.

“What was that about?” Cassian muttered nervously as they entered.

“No idea,” Ajal replied, his voice low but annoyed.

The path beyond the gate was even more extravagant. Vibrant flowers lined the stone trail, their petals shimmering faintly in the moonlight. Small ponds scattered across the area reflected the soft glow of the floating lanterns, their surfaces so still they looked like glass. The entire area exuded an almost surreal tranquility, yet neither Ajal nor Molly seemed impressed.

“Fancy,” Cassian muttered under his breath, though his nervousness was still evident.

Molly, still carrying the box, didn’t comment, her focus on reaching the dorm. Ajal walked ahead, his expression unreadable, though his pace quickened slightly.

When they finally arrived at the dorm’s large wooden door, Ajal stepped forward and knocked firmly.

“Coming!” a familiar voice called from inside.

A moment later, the door swung open to reveal Ophelia, now dressed in a casual outfit that contrasted her usual grandeur. She wore a loose cardigan over a sleeveless top, paired with flowing pants that gave her a laid-back, effortless elegance. Her black hair with blonde ends framed her face perfectly, and her halo was faint, almost unnoticeable in the soft glow of the evening.

The moment her golden eyes landed on Ajal in his Eclipse Diner uniform, her lips twitched, barely suppressing a laugh.

“Oh, this is perfect,” she said, finally giving in to a giggle. “Buying lunch for everyone was worth it just for this.”

Ajal’s brows furrowed, clearly annoyed. “I thought your territory was at the edge of the country, not on campus,” he shot back.

Ophelia leaned against the doorframe, still smirking. “It is. My classmates are keeping an eye on things for me. This dorm? It’s actually under Bellona’s territory.”

Before Ajal could reply, another figure appeared behind Ophelia. Bellona stepped into view, her stern expression a stark contrast to Ophelia’s playfulness. She wore her usual dark, reserved attire, her braided hair neat and her glasses perched perfectly on her nose. Without a word, she bonked Ophelia on the head with her fan.

“Stop being a nuisance,” Bellona said coolly.

Ophelia rubbed her head, pouting slightly.

Bellona turned to Ajal, her tone polite but firm. “I apologize for her behavior. Thank you for the delivery.” She reached for the box, which Molly handed over without hesitation.

As Bellona carried the box inside, Ophelia stepped forward, holding out a 5 Dinari bill with an exaggerated flourish. “Here, consider this a tip,” she said, smirking.

Ajal stared at the bill, clearly unimpressed. “Thanks,” he muttered sarcastically, snatching it from her hand.

Ophelia grinned, clearly enjoying herself.

Without another word, Ajal turned and stomped off, his irritation evident. Molly and Cassian followed, though Molly shot Ophelia a glare on her way out.

As they walked away, Ophelia’s gaze lingered on Cassian for a moment, her expression briefly thoughtful. She shrugged and disappeared back into the dorm.

Cassian, glancing nervously at Ajal, finally asked, “Why does she get under your skin so much?”

Ajal sighed, his footsteps heavy against the stone pathway. “I don’t know. She just does.”

Molly raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed. “Maybe it’s because she’s the Inheritor of Life, and you’re the Inheritor of Death. Could be some instinctual dislike or something.”

Ajal shrugged. “Nope. It’s because she’s annoying, plain and simple.”

He unfolded the 5 Dinari bill in his hand, and as he did, a small piece of paper fluttered to the ground.

Ajal picked it up, frowning. It was a hand-drawn map of the campus with a small “X” marked at a specific spot. At the bottom, written in messy handwriting, were the words:

“Meet here ASAP, loser.”

Ajal sighed, his annoyance growing. “Of course.” He crumpled the note and stuffed it into his pocket, continuing to walk.

Cassian tilted his head. “Are you just going to ignore that?”

“Yes,” Ajal replied flatly. “I’m not in the mood to listen to her right now.”

Cassian hesitated, his hands fidgeting nervously. “But… what if it’s important? Shouldn’t you at least check it out?”

Ajal stopped and turned to him, raising an eyebrow. “Why do you care so much?”

Cassian scratched the back of his neck, his gaze darting away. “I don’t know… I guess I’m just curious.”

Ajal stared at him for a moment before sighing in defeat. “Fine. But if this turns out to be a waste of time, I’m blaming you.”

The trio followed the map; the sun dipping below the horizon as they made their way to the marked location. By the time they arrived, the campus was bathed in moonlight, the stars twinkling above.

They stood in front of a large pond, its surface so still and reflective that it looked like a mirror. The surrounding trees swayed gently in the evening breeze, their silhouettes casting long shadows.

Ajal stared at the pond, a strange sense of familiarity washing over him. “I feel like I’ve been here before,” he muttered under his breath.

Molly crossed her arms. “Well, she’s not here. Can we leave now?”

Ajal tapped his foot impatiently. “She better not be messing with us. Phil’s gonna be mad that we didn’t go straight back.”

“The bird probably forgot we even left.” Molly commented.

“Fair point,” Ajal admitted.

A voice suddenly cut through the air, light and teasing. “You’re late.”

The trio turned to see Ophelia standing beside them, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. Her casual demeanor only added to their irritation.

Ophelia tilted her head, her halo faintly glowing. “Why are they here?” She gestured to Cassian and Molly.

Ajal scowled. “Why are you late?”

Ophelia smiled sweetly. “Oh, I wasn’t. I just wanted to inconvenience you a little.”

Cassian, fidgeting nervously, finally spoke up. “I-I was just curious, so I tagged along…”

Molly rolled her eyes. “I’m just keeping an eye on him.”

Ophelia sighed, "Whatever, you two meeting him won't make a difference."

Ajal furrowed his brow as he turned to Ophelia, confusion written all over his face. “Who’s ‘him’?” he asked, his tone sharp with curiosity.

Ophelia didn’t answer. Instead, she rolled her eyes and gave him a hard shove, sending him tumbling backward into the lake.

“What the—?!” Ajal’s shout was cut off by a loud splash.

Molly and Cassian froze, their jaws dropping in shock.

“Did you just—” Molly began, but before she could finish, Ophelia leaped gracefully into the water after Ajal, the halo above her head shimmering faintly as it followed her descent.

Under the surface, the water felt oddly warm. Ajal blinked, his surroundings blurring momentarily before everything shifted. He found himself lying on his back, staring up at the sky—but it wasn’t the same sky he’d seen just moments ago.

A massive tree loomed above him, its trunk ashen grey and its sprawling branches adorned with vivid blue leaves that glowed faintly, casting the area in an otherworldly light. Ajal pushed himself to his feet, his eyes darting around the unfamiliar yet hauntingly beautiful forest.

“No way…” he muttered, his voice barely audible as realization hit him. “It can’t be.”

Ophelia’s voice rang out, snapping him from his thoughts. “Quit gawking and hurry up. He’s waiting.”

A wide grin spread across Ajal’s face, one filled with excitement and disbelief.

Behind him, Cassian’s timid voice broke through. “Who’s waiting?”

Ophelia whipped around, her expression startled. Her golden eyes widened as she saw Cassian and Molly standing not far behind Ajal, looking just as drenched as he was.

“What the hell are you two doing here?!” Ophelia barked.

Cassian rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “You weren’t coming back up, so… we jumped in after you.”

Molly crossed her arms and frowned. “Seriously, who’s waiting for you? What’s the big deal?”

Ophelia groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “Ugh. He’s a loudmouth show-off with way too much free time,” she muttered.

Molly’s eyes narrowed, unimpressed. She turned to Ajal for a better answer. “Well?”

To her dismay, Ajal just nodded in agreement with Ophelia, his grin refusing to fade. “She’s not wrong,” he said, though his voice carried an unmistakable note of anticipation.

Molly frowned but said nothing.

“Come on,” Ophelia said, heading deeper into the forest. “Might as well show you now that you’re here.”

The group followed her, weaving through the glowing trees and faintly luminescent undergrowth. Ajal’s excitement grew with every step, his gaze darting from the towering trunks to the forest floor that seemed to pulse faintly with light. Cassian, meanwhile, kept glancing around nervously, and Molly, despite her scowl, couldn’t hide her curiosity.

The trees began to thin, and the group stepped into a clearing. Molly and Cassian both froze at the sight before them. Massive white spikes jutted out of the ground in a circular formation, towering high into the sky. They gleamed faintly under the eerie blue light, their sharp tips piercing the heavens. At the center of the clearing was a dark cave, its entrance framed by the towering spikes.

“What… is this place?” Cassian whispered, his voice barely audible.

Neither Ajal nor Ophelia answered. The two of them strode forward with purpose, Ajal’s smile growing wider with each step.

The cave was dark, the air cool and damp. The faint sound of dripping water echoed softly around them as they ventured deeper inside. Ahead of them, a faint glow illuminated the darkness—a single figure sitting cross-legged in the center of the cavern.

Cassian slowed, his hands clenching nervously at his sides. “This… feels wrong,” he muttered.

Molly squinted at the figure. “Who the hell is that?”

The figure shifted slightly, the faint glow catching the outline of maroon hair. His posture was rigid, his presence exuding an air of mystery as he remained perfectly still.

Ajal let out a tired sigh. “Really?”

Ophelia rolled her eyes and casually spun her halo on her finger. With a flick of her wrist, she sent it flying, the glowing ring bouncing off the cavern walls. As it struck the crystals embedded in the stone, the entire cave lit up with a brilliant, shimmering glow.

The once-ominous figure in the center of the room was revealed in full—Kaito, sitting in a beanbag chair with a forced, overly serious expression. His maroon hair was slightly tousled, and his attempt at looking ominous immediately fell apart as his eyes darted toward the now-glowing walls.

“Hey! Who turned on the lights?!” Kaito said, scrambling to adjust his posture. He leaned back casually in the beanbag chair, trying to reclaim his composure.

Ophelia pinched the bridge of her nose. “You’re insufferable.”

Kaito ignored her, a wide grin spreading across his face as his eyes landed on Ajal. “Well, well. Long time no see, kid.”

Ajal couldn’t hold back his smile. “It’s been a while,” he replied, his voice filled with genuine excitement.