In a neatly arranged classic room adorned with dark wooden furniture and thick red carpets, Fernando Aponze Vargas sat calmly behind his desk. His age, well over sixty, did nothing to diminish the aura of power and control that radiated from him. His sharp eyes were fixed straight ahead, where another man stood with a respectful yet eager expression. This man was Pedro Mendez Segarra, Fernando's loyal right-hand man, known for his intelligence and his knack for keeping abreast of the latest information.

In Pedro's hand was a small silver sphere, its surface softly shimmering under the light. Fernando observed it for a moment with a scrutinizing gaze before lifting his chin slightly, signaling Pedro to elaborate.

"As I mentioned before, Don Fernando," Pedro began with a tone filled with respect, "this is a magical device from the ruins of Evernoir that we discovered three years ago. We refer to it as a pocket dimension. We've tried to replicate its function, but…" Pedro hesitated, pondering the best way to explain their failures.

Fernando nodded slowly, indicating that he was listening. "Speak plainly, Pedro," he replied in a low but authoritative tone. "How far have you gotten?"

Pedro took a deep breath. "We managed to create a replica capable of forming a small dimension, but our version is still limited. The user must enter the dimension to fully utilize its functions, Don Fernando. Meanwhile, the original device, believed to have been crafted by the genius sorcerers of Evernoir, doesn't require the user to enter. They can control the device from outside."

Fernando furrowed his brow, a hint of dissatisfaction evident in his expression. He tapped his fingers on the desk—a small habit that emerged when he was deep in thought. "So, we can say this device isn't fully functional yet?" he asked, his tone smooth yet pressuring.

Pedro nodded slowly, but then continued, "However, Don Fernando, despite its imperfections, this device has several strategic uses. We could utilize it to create hideouts or interrogation rooms that cannot be breached from the outside, as the dimension created is self-contained and can only be accessed from within."

Fernando gazed at the device with a serious expression. "Hmm… So even the powerful sorcerers in my land cannot breach this dimension without direct access?"

"Exactly, Don Fernando," Pedro replied, leaning slightly forward. "This pocket dimension is incredibly secure, almost like a space outside our reality. We could use it as a prison for those who are hard to handle… or as a storage place for valuable items that no one can access."

Fernando nodded, but then squinted slightly, studying Pedro. "Pedro, who exactly created this device? The one who discovered the pocket dimension first—it's said that this object originates from the ruins of Evernoir. But who could make something like this?"

Pedro nodded, as if anticipating that question. "We don't have complete information on its creator, Don Fernando. However, based on our research, this pocket dimension originates from the Evernoir kingdom, which is believed to have vanished. There are legends suggesting that Evernoir was the center of advanced magical research in its time, where elite sorcerers experimented with powers that exceeded ordinary capabilities."

Fernando smiled slightly, but his eyes sparkled with interest. "Legendary. Magic that transcends ordinary reality and possibly has the power to change the world. Is it possible, Pedro, that someone still lives who can wield these abilities like in the past?"

Pedro paused for a moment, looking uncertain. "We've heard rumors, Don Fernando, that direct descendants of Evernoir may still be out there. They might be the only ones capable of fully controlling this device." He continued in a lower tone, "But that's just a rumor."

Fernando looked at Pedro with piercing eyes, as if assessing the seriousness of his words. "An intriguing rumor. If the descendants of Evernoir still exist, it means we are facing something much more dangerous than we anticipated."

Pedro nodded slowly, but he couldn't hide the worried expression on his face. "Don Fernando, if the descendants of Evernoir are indeed alive, then that person would pose a significant threat to anyone who doesn't share their understanding."

Fernando let out a short laugh, devoid of fear. "Pedro, power is not a threat; it's an opportunity. If we can find this person and make them our ally, our organization will wield unmatched influence throughout the land. Cestisia, perhaps even the world, will respect us." Fernando leaned back in his chair, a satisfied expression on his face as he envisioned the possibilities ahead.

Pedro smiled, though with a hint of hesitation. "Then I will investigate further about the descendants of Evernoir, Don Fernando. Perhaps we can trace them through the magical artifacts left behind by Evernoir that have scattered into the black market. If there are other magical devices connected to this pocket dimension, then it's likely we can find clues about the person who created it."

"Very good, Pedro. Complete this investigation as quickly as possible. We can't linger in uncertainty." Fernando nodded in satisfaction, his gaze returning to the device in Pedro's hand, filled with eagerness.

Pedro seemed to ponder for a moment before adding, "There's one more thing, Don Fernando. Some similar devices have been found in underground auctions, but… the prices are astronomical. Wealthy sorcerers and nobles from various countries are already starting to compete for them."

Fernando simply let out a small laugh, his voice cold yet authoritative. "Price is not an issue, Pedro. What we need is certainty that these devices are genuine. After all, money is merely a tool to obtain greater power."

Pedro nodded again, now with a wider smile, realizing just how ambitious the leader he served truly was. "Understood, Don Fernando. I will deploy all our resources to ensure that we gain access to these devices before anyone else approaches."

Fernando stroked his chin while continuing to gaze at the device, deep in thought. "Pedro, don't forget one more thing. In every hidden power, there is a weakness. If this device can hold someone inside it, then surely there must be a way out, right?"

Pedro was taken aback for a moment but nodded with understanding. "You're right, Don Fernando. Every system has its weak points. I will work to uncover if there's any flaw in this device. Perhaps… we can find something from the ruins of Evernoir that we have yet to explore."

"Excellent, Pedro. I appreciate your efforts." Fernando leaned back, and for the first time, a small smile appeared on his face. "If we can find that weakness or even gain full control of this device, just imagine how many secrets we could master."

With that conversation, Pedro left Fernando's office, pocket dimension still shrouded in mystery in his hand.

Fernando sat in silence for a moment after Pedro left his office, then pulled out a small holographic device shaped like a cube. This communication tool was used only when he needed to reach out to specific individuals. This time, he intended to contact a powerful official in Cestisia—someone who was not just an old ally but also held significant skills and high status: Reiner.

He tapped the cube lightly, and within moments, a signal began to glow. Soon, a hologram appeared, revealing the face of Reiner, a middle-aged man with neatly combed silver hair and sharp, calculating eyes.

"Fernando," Reiner greeted, his tone a mix of condescension and respect. "It's been a while. What brings you to contact your old friend at such an odd hour?"

Fernando smiled faintly, his gaze filled with irony. "Ah, Reiner, no need to be so formal. You know I've always preferred casual chats at night." His voice was soft, almost like a soothing whisper, but there was an underlying tension in his words.

Reiner let out a small laugh, trying to ease the tension that always accompanied dealings with Fernando. "Alright then, what can I do for the big boss of the underworld?"

Fernando's smile widened at Reiner's sarcastic tone. "Let's cut to the chase, Reiner. I want to know about your investigation into the fugitive from Evernoir. I've heard you've deployed some talented sorcerers from Cestisia, yet he's still at large."

Reiner frowned slightly, aware that Fernando's words carried a veiled jab. "Oh, Fernando, always so quick to judge, aren't you? We've put our best resources into capturing that fugitive. Just because we have talented sorcerers doesn't guarantee results. Besides, this individual possesses magic from Evernoir. You know as well as I do that Evernoir isn't easy to handle."

Fernando chuckled softly, intensifying the atmosphere. "Oh, I know, Reiner. But it seems you're underestimating your own team's capabilities. Or perhaps… you're just not motivated enough in this pursuit?"

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Reiner's tone sharpened. "You know very well that we're serious about this, Fernando. But there are limits to what sorcerers outside Evernoir can do when facing powers they don't fully understand." Taking a deep breath, he tried to shift the topic slightly. "How's your team, by the way? Aren't you also studying the magical device from Evernoir?"

Fernando grinned, pleased that Reiner took the bait. "That's exactly what I wanted to discuss. You're right, my team is working hard on that project. We're trying to replicate a device called the pocket dimension, but the results are still far from perfect. The version we've created only allows someone to enter that dimension, without the ability to confine others from outside."

Reiner listened intently, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. "So, you haven't achieved the full functionality of that device yet?" He infused a note of skepticism into his question.

"Not yet," Fernando replied, his tone tightly controlled, hinting at frustration. "However, I know this is far from over. We've made significant progress, even if it's not perfect." He leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes watching Reiner's silent reaction.

Reiner sighed, then said, "Fernando, you know a device like that isn't safe in the wrong hands. The bad news is that fake pocket dimensions are already circulating among the public in Cestisia. There have been reports of ordinary people going missing, lost in dimensions they can't even comprehend."

Fernando let out a cold laugh at that. "Incredible, so our device has finally reached the masses?" He feigned ignorance, though he had already heard the news.

"Fernando, this isn't a joke," Reiner replied earnestly. "You and your people are spreading a half-baked magical device without considering the consequences. Ordinary people who aren't sorcerers could get lost or disappear forever in those dimensions! This could become a major problem."

Fernando glared at Reiner, his voice low and filled with a veiled threat. "Reiner, you know I wouldn't be foolish enough to spread a device like this without a clear advantage. My organization won't distribute this device without a strong reason. You know I prioritize profit above all else."

Reiner felt his heart race slightly. Fernando, with his calm yet sharp demeanor, was difficult to sway. Trying to maintain his composure, Reiner continued, "Regardless, Fernando, rumors say that underground organizations are selling these devices. There are whispers that your network is involved."

Fernando watched Reiner with keen interest, seemingly enjoying the moment as his old friend appeared slightly cornered. "Rumors, you say? I suppose in our world, everything begins with rumors. But let me emphasize this: if I were to sell such a device, I wouldn't do so without a commensurate profit. Do you think I would let such valuable devices sell without controlling where and to whom they go?"

Reiner flinched, starting to grasp the direction of the conversation. "Fernando… are you suggesting…?"

Fernando raised an eyebrow, fixing his sharp gaze on Reiner. "What I mean, Reiner, is that I don't sell this device casually. If it's truly spreading, then there's a chance someone is trying to replicate or steal it from my source. And if that happens, we need to find out who dares to meddle with the affairs of a major organization."

Reiner felt a slight chill from Fernando's firm tone, though he tried to mask his nervousness. "So, do you have any leads on who might be attempting to replicate this device?"

Fernando pondered for a moment before responding, "We suspect there's a third party interested in the technology from Evernoir, but they're not yet capable of creating the original device. They might be attempting to make cheaper knockoffs and sell them on the black market. Of course, we will trace every possible source."

Reiner nodded, relieved that Fernando wasn't angry with him. "Alright, Fernando. I hope we can handle this issue together. The Cestisia government is very concerned about the uncontrolled spread of this device."

Fernando gazed at Reiner with a cynical expression, though he held back the sharp remark he was about to make. "Fine, Reiner. Just focus on your task. I'll take care of the rest. After all, who understands the intricacies of this world better than I do?"

Reiner nodded and looked at Fernando one last time before the hologram flickered out. Once the connection was severed, Fernando stowed away his holographic device, his expression turning serious. He knew that someone out there was toying with the Evernoir magic that should have remained a closely guarded secret within his organization. If these rumors continued to spread, it would pose a threat not only to the balance maintained by his organization but also to the entire city of Cestisia.

Fernando gazed at the softly glowing holographic display in his office, intently reading the reports from the underground news network. One by one, he absorbed the unfolding stories—prices of pocket dimensions plummeting, images of fugitives, and updates on the shattered Evernoir royal family.

He narrowed his eyes, noticing how the once-rare pocket dimension devices were now flooding the black market in overwhelming numbers. What had once been considered priceless was now crashing in value. Whispers suggested these were nothing more than cheap, mass-produced versions. Fernando frowned, stroking his chin as he contemplated the possible scenarios.

"Who could manufacture devices in such large quantities and distribute them without a trace?" he pondered silently.

The screen shifted to a different topic: a fugitive whose status remained untracked, his face prominently displayed. It was Prince Archemidas of Evernoir—a man with dark hair and piercing eyes. Below the image, a note confirmed that Archemidas was still alive, hiding from the world that sought him, from the powers that wished to extinguish him. He was the last known member of the Evernoir family whose whereabouts could be traced, albeit with great difficulty.

Fernando let out a long sigh, finding himself ensnared in thought. Another image appeared: a girl with dark hair, smiling faintly at the camera. Beneath her picture read the name: Ellora Evernoir. The mysterious princess who had vanished without a trace since the collapse of their kingdom. Fernando knew little about Ellora; rumors swirled that she possessed incredible magical talent, surpassing that of any wizard. Yet, no one knew where she was now. The name Evernoir was shrouded in mystery, and for the underground world, Ellora was merely a lost figure. On the holographic display, her status read clearly: missing.

Fernando studied Ellora's image for some time, trying to decipher something hidden in her gaze. Was she alive? Or had she perished like many suspected? He had no way of knowing. He then shifted to the third image: a younger, innocent-looking girl—Lily Evernoir, Ellora's younger sister. The sight of Lily made Fernando frown. Unlike her siblings, this little girl appeared naive and offered little hint of hidden secrets. Yet, her status was the same as Ellora's—missing, with no clues. For Fernando, the disappearance of these two princesses was more perplexing than a fugitive like Archemidas.

He concentrated hard, connecting one piece of information to another. The scattered pocket dimensions in the black market, the identity of the seller tightly concealed, and the status of the last three remaining Evernoir family members—all formed a tangled web that was difficult to unravel.

"If Archemidas is indeed alive, could he be searching for his family?" he murmured to himself. Fernando's mind quickly pieced together a theory; if Archemidas was truly alive and had not been captured, he was likely not just hiding. He must be seeking out his siblings, trying to discover if they were alive or dead.

Fernando rubbed his fingers together as he thought, "But what does all this have to do with the scattered pocket dimensions?" he questioned internally. If Archemidas was a fugitive with extraordinary magical abilities, it was highly possible he was involved in efforts to replicate Evernoir's magical technology. However, producing pocket dimensions on such a scale would require vast facilities and extensive networks—something that would be challenging for any fugitive. Fernando knew that even large organizations could not produce such items without drawing attention. If someone succeeded, then there were only two possibilities: they had access to the original Evernoir technology, or… they were collaborating with someone who did.

Fernando paused, recalling the Evernoir family's reputation as magical geniuses who transcended normal limits. Many great wizards and scholars had revered and even feared the name Evernoir. If Ellora and Lily were still alive, they likely inherited extraordinary abilities from their lineage. Such powers were what made the Evernoir family legendary to this day.

The holographic display changed again, now showing statistics on the black market trade, revealing a drop in prices and an increase in the number of pocket dimensions entering the underground market. Fernando studied the figures closely. Whoever supplied these devices was clearly not a mere street vendor. This entity was organized, had significant resources, and was deliberately hiding its identity to avoid detection. Fernando clenched his jaw, realizing that whatever their agenda, they had an unpredictable and grand plan in motion.

"If they can produce these devices in large quantities, could the same technology be used to abduct or even imprison certain individuals?" he thought, a flicker of anger sparking in his eyes. Fernando understood that devices with such capabilities were a major threat. They could trap targets within those narrow dimensions, making them vanish entirely from this world.

He was suddenly reminded of a message he had just received from Reiner, his partner in Cestisia. Reiner mentioned that more and more parties were becoming interested in these pocket dimensions. If all these powerful entities possessed the same technology, the balance of power that Fernando had meticulously maintained would be shattered.

"Reiner needs to keep a closer eye on this situation," Fernando murmured to himself. "If the information about the Evernoir descendants is accurate, they must be monitored. We need to know if they are still alive… and who is assisting them."

Fernando clenched his fists, feeling adrenaline surge through him. The plans that had been vague in his mind were now solidifying. He couldn't let this information go unaddressed. If the Evernoir descendants were alive, they were both an asset and a threat.

"We will find them," Fernando muttered, his eyes shining with determination. "We will uncover who is behind these devices. Whether they are the descendants of Evernoir or mere opportunists playing with power, we will expose them."

At the far end of the room, he finally shut off the holographic device. Rising from his chair, he surveyed the quiet confines of his office, his mind beginning to formulate a new plan. Silently, he pressed a small button on the wall, summoning one of his subordinates.

"From now on, we will monitor every movement in the black market more closely," he ordered sharply. "And make sure that anyone connected to these devices, anyone who seems suspicious, is noted and reported directly to me."

His subordinate bowed, taking the command seriously before swiftly exiting the room. Fernando stared blankly at the door that had just closed. Behind his cold, expressionless facade, his mind whirled, continuously analyzing all possibilities.

And within him, a resolution emerged: he would uncover the secrets behind these devices. Whoever was hiding, whoever remained from the Evernoir family, would be revealed in due time. Fernando would not rest until every truth lay beneath his control.

***