[Training & Recreation Zone – Verm Evocaier Academy – Morning – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]
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Drifter walked through the Training & Recreation Zone of Verm Evocaier Academy, surrounded by a landscape brimming with energy. Evocyte lamps lined the polished pathways, their faint pulses resonating like a heartbeat in the air. The seamless blend of magic and technology created a world he barely recognized but faintly remembered.
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Clusters of students practiced nearby, the Lumina Cores on their wrists glowing. A young girl raised her hand, telekinetically guiding a floating object with graceful precision. Others worked to materialize armor and weapons, their creations flickering but driven by sheer determination.
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Nearby, radiant sigils glowed as students practiced basic magic, crafting intricate patterns in the air. At the obstacle course, vibrant energy threads connected floating platforms, and students leapt between them with agility, their Evocyte Links guiding each precise movement.
The Training Arena hummed with activity. Students unleashed elemental powers—fire roared, ice sparkled, lightning crackled, and wind howled. At the center, a simulated monster challenged them, its ferocity met by their coordinated efforts. When a student fell and attacked by monsters, an Evocyte Barrier formed, natural barrier that shield them from harm.
Drifter stood silently, observing the energy and resilience that defined this new world.
"The methods are different, but the essence is the same," he mused silently.
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The sound of approaching footsteps drew Drifter’s attention. Alma Rosenthal walked toward him, accompanied by a petite, brown-haired girl with glasses, dressed in a white blouse and a light green long skirt.
"Hey, Drifter! That outfit really suits you!" Alma said, her bright smile lighting up her face. "How are you doing? Adjusting well?"
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Drifter offered a faint smile, his gaze briefly shifting to his attire—a black high-collared suit jacket adorned with intricate vine-like embroidery.
"I’m still adjusting," he admitted. "This place… it’s different. Everything feels different."
He paused for a moment, his voice softening as he murmured, "It’s hard to believe how much has changed."
"You’ll get used to it in no time! This place grows on you. Oh, by the way, this is my friend, Nadia," Alma said with a wide smile, gesturing to the girl beside her.
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Drifter’s eyes shifted to the petite girl standing quietly next to Alma.
"Nice to meet you, Nadia," Drifter said gently.
"Nice to meet you too... Drifter," Nadia replied, her voice soft and almost a whisper. A small smile played on her lips as her eyes met his briefly before flickering downward, a shy blush coloring her cheeks.
"So, Drifter, what’s the future like? What’s different?" she asked eagerly, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Drifter looked down at the Lumina Core on his wrist—a sleek, modern device worlds apart from the technology of his past. Its polished design caught the sunlight, its surface flawless and elegant. With a light touch, a holographic interface materialized, displaying vivid, detailed data.
"This new Lumina Core is extraordinary,"
Drifter began, his voice tinged with genuine awe.
"It can display images, sound—connect with others in an instant. It feels like carrying an entire library in your hand."
Alma Rosenthal’s eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically.
"Right? It must’ve been so inconvenient back then. Now it’s everywhere—communication, research, combat... you name it!"
Drifter’s thoughts drifted to the past—how the old Lumina Core worked only within a limited range, often disconnecting if he moved too far away.
"Yes... back then, we could only communicate over short distances," he reminisced.
"Professor Elion would’ve been proud to see his invention evolve like this."
Nadia shifted slightly. Alma’s excitement only grew, her words spilling out quickly.
"Exactly! It’s incredible to think how much this has advanced. Oh! Speaking of which, I have an alchemy assignment at Verm Plain. I’ll tell you more later!"
Drifter tilted his head, intrigued. Alchemy was something he hadn’t encountered much in this era, and the idea of learning about its progress piqued his interest.
"Alchemy? I used to practice as a Mage too. It’d be fascinating to see how far it’s come," he replied.
Nadia looked up, her warm brown eyes widening slightly.
"Are... are you sure? I mean, I’m sorry—it’s kind of a quick errand. We wouldn’t want to bother you," she said, her voice wavering between doubt and hope.
"It’s no trouble. Besides, I’m genuinely curious to see how Alchemy has evolved in this time. Let’s go," Drifter said firmly.
Alma beamed, while Nadia’s cheeks flushed pink. Though she remained quiet, a hint of gratitude flickered in her smile as she adjusted her glasses and began walking alongside Alma.
The three of them set out toward the translocator outside the city, the morning light casting long shadows across the courtyard. The hum of Evocyte energy blended with the anticipation of discovery, carrying them toward a yet-unfolding adventure.
[Location: Verm Plain – Morning]
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Verm Plain stretched wide under the warm morning sun, its green grasses swaying gently like waves in a soft breeze. The air carried a tranquil stillness, as if time had paused amidst the rustling leaves and the quiet symphony of nature.
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Suddenly, blue particles surrounded Drifter, forming a black armor with a cape that shifted subtly in the breeze. The armor felt weightless, as though it was an extension of his own body.
His eyes narrowed, scanning the horizon with a sharp, focused gaze. His posture was rigid, every muscle coiled with tension.
"If there’s trouble, leave it to me," he muttered, his voice low and steady.
Ahead of him, Alma Rosenthal strode confidently, each step exuding a sense of purpose. In stark contrast, Nadia Fernleaf trailed behind, her hands trembling and her eyes darting nervously, uncertainty etched on her face.
Nadia clutched the strap of her satchel with quivering fingers. Her dark brown eyes flicked nervously toward the horizon, as though searching for secrets hidden beyond its reach.
"I hope we don’t run into trouble…" she murmured, her voice barely audible.
They moved through the grasslands, their hands raised slightly above the earth. Soft pulses of telekinesis worked delicately, gathering plants without ever touching them. The faint hum of Evocyte energy shimmered in the air, weaving an unseen thread of harmony around them.
It was an unspoken symphony, power moving in quiet balance, but Drifter remained vigilant. His sharp mind dissected every detail, scanning the environment for hidden threats.
Suddenly, there was movement on the horizon. Drifter’s eyes narrowed, detecting an unseen menace.
"They’re in trouble."
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He spotted a girl with a red ponytail hair wielding a flaming spear, a tall boy with dark brown hair gripping dark elemental daggers, and a boy with wavy brown hair, his hands glowing with white sigils.
Surrounding them was a horde of Sky Serpents—medium-sized black-and-purple creatures with six wings, slicing through the air above. Below, Sandstalkers erupted from the earth, their large, scorpion-like forms armored with brown, chitinous exoskeletons.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Amid the chaos, a hulking Dreadstalker Lion flickered in and out of sight, its dark mane shimmering with malevolent energy—a predator cloaked in shadow, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"Those… they’re our classmates," Nadia whispered, her body trembling.
Alma nodded.
"Yes, that’s Alyssa, Bryan, and Erick. We need to help them."
"Let’s move," Drifter commanded, his voice sharp.
Alyssa spotted them, raising a weary arm.
"We can handle this… just need a little more time!" she called out, her breath ragged, her movements increasingly frantic.
Bryan shouted in frustration.
"Alyssa, we can’t hold them off much longer! We have to fall back—now!"
Erick interjected, his tone desperate.
"Focus on fighting! Arguing won’t save us!"
"Watch out!" Drifter’s shouted.
The Sky Serpents launched a synchronized assault, their shrieks creating shockwaves that caused the natural barriers to flare brightly. The force scattered the group like autumn leaves in a gale.
Sandstalkers burst from the ground, their claws rending through Bryan and Erick’s faltering defenses. Blinding flashes of light erupted as their barriers shattered.
Alyssa staggered, her spear slipping from trembling hands as she struggled to rise. Bryan and Erick lay nearby, battered and vulnerable. Predators closed in, their hisses and growls filling the air as they tightened the circle.
The Dreadstalker Lion reappeared in a blur of motion, its dark energy claws raised for a devastating strike aimed at Alyssa. The strike shattered Alyssa’s barrier, sending her flying and bloodied. As she fell, her red armor and spear dissolved into crimson particles.
"Let’s help them!" Drifter’s voice was cold and resolute.
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In a flash, Exaltare and dozens of blue spectral swords materialized. With a swift slash and a coordinated strike from the spectral swords, the Sandstalkers surrounding them were obliterated. The few that survived quickly burrowed back into the ground, retreating from sight.
Drifter knelt beside Alyssa, his left hand glowing with radiant blue light as he cast Healing Surge over her wounds.
"Hold on. I’ve got you," he whispered gently.
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"Damn it..." Alyssa groaned weakly, her voice barely audible.
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The healing energy enveloped Alyssa, mending her injuries and restoring strength to her limbs. As her breathing steadied, Drifter’s attention snapped toward the Sky Serpents. They unleashed a piercing wave of sound aimed at Alma and Nadia, who countered with bursts of fire, pink energy, and crystalline shards glowing with a golden-green hue.
"I’ve got this, Nadia!" Alma called out confidently
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A Fireball shot out as Alma gathered the red and pink sigils in her hands. Upon reaching its target, it exploded in a brilliant blaze, scorching a Sky Serpent’s wings. Without hesitation, she followed up with a Blazing Burst, hurling a fiery orb that detonated with a deafening blast, incinerating the remaining Serpents.
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Beside her, Nadia steadied herself as the brown sigils in her hands formed Earthen Bolts—shards of crystalline energy glowing with a golden-green hue.
"You’ve got this, Nadia. Focus," Alma said, flashing a reassuring smile.
Nadia cautiously fired her Earthen Bolts in succession. At last, one struck true, sending a Sky Serpent crashing to the ground.
"I… I did it!" Nadia exclaimed, a small, triumphant smile spreading across her face as her earlier hesitation gave way to pride.
Alma launched a series of Fire Bolts, finishing off the remaining Serpents. The remnants of the horde retreated, vanishing into the horizon.
The Dreadstalker Lion roared ferociously, its massive body shrouded in dark energy. It disappeared and reappeared in front of Drifter, lunging with dark elemental claws.
Drifter dissolved into blue particles.
"Too slow."
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In an instant, Drifter reappeared behind the creature, performing a series of slashes that left glowing blue trails in their wake. Dark energy and blood sprayed from the beast as it staggered under the assault.
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The Lion retreated, letting out a deafening Paralyzing Roar that shook the ground and froze the air with its sheer force.
Alma lifted her hand with determination.
"Exalt Barrier!"
A transparent pink dome shimmered into existence, absorbing the roar’s devastating energy.
As the lion’s body became nearly invisible again, Nadia knelt, pressing her hands to the earth.
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"Not this time."
A Seismic Pulse erupted, splitting the ground. Jagged spikes of rock impaled the Lion, immobilizing it in a stone prison.
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Drifter commanded his spectral swords to strike the Lion’s four legs repeatedly, each blow drawing a piercing cry from the beast.
"Let’s end this," Alma declared, her fire sigil blazing bright.
An Inferno Tornado swirled to life, engulfing the Dreadstalker Lion in a fiery storm. Its final roar was drowned out by the roaring flames, and its massive body disintegrated into ash.
Silence fell. The crackling flames subsided, leaving behind the acrid scent of scorched earth. Drifter stood tall as his black armor and Exaltare faded into soft blue particles.
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Alma and Nadia cast their healing spells—Exalt Healing with pink circles and Healing Earth with green circles—tending to the wounded. The injured novices slowly regained their footing.
"Thank you... we owe you," Alyssa said, her voice weary but grateful.
Drifter averted his gaze, his voice calm.
"I’m glad you’re all safe."
They began their trek back toward the glowing Translocator in the distance. Alma glanced at Drifter, her smile shifting into one of genuine appreciation. Nadia adjusted her glasses, offering a shy nod of thanks.
For a moment, Drifter lingered. His gaze swept across the battlefield, the weight of memories pressing down on his shoulders. Shadows of past battles loomed over him, haunting every step.
With one last glance at the remnants of the fight, he followed the group. The blue light of the Translocator guided them home, cutting through the endless blue sky.
[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Afternoon]
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The infirmary doors opened, revealing a pristine room bathed in golden light. Medics moved swiftly, their glowing hands weaving magic to mend the wounded novices. The soft hum of Evocyte lamps filled the space with a calming aura.
Alma and Nadia guided Alyssa, Bryan, and Erick to the beds before stepping back as the healers began their work. Drifter stood by the door, his vigilant gaze scanning the room.
After a moment, Alma gestured for Nadia and Drifter to follow her. The Academy corridors, lit by the gentle glow of Evocyte lamps, pulsed with quiet energy. Alma’s steps were energetic, Drifter’s deliberate, and Nadia’s calm.
The Alchemy Lab doors slid open, revealing an organized workspace filled with herbs, elixirs, and humming instruments. Alma placed the gathered materials on the central table, and Nadia efficiently arranged them. Drifter lingered near the door, observing the scene with quiet curiosity.
"Alchemy has come a long way... I think I’ll need a manual for all of this."
Alma laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"No need for a manual, Drifter! You’ve got us. We’ll show you—it’s easy!"
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Nadia, more at ease in this familiar environment, silently arranged the herbs with delicate care. Her fingers lingered on each item before moving to the next, her focus clear in every deliberate movement. She adjusted the star-shaped pin in her brown hair, stealing a brief glance at Drifter before returning to her work.
Together, the three began sorting herbs and preparing components for the potion.
Though unfamiliar with the modern tools, Drifter quickly adapted, his hands growing more confident with each passing moment.
There were minor missteps—a spilled vial here, a slight overmeasure there—but their teamwork resolved every issue, gradually finding a harmonious rhythm.
"We… we did it," Nadia said softly, relief evident in her tone as she inspected the finished product.
Drifter chuckled lightly, brushing his hands clean as he looked at the completed potion. Though awkward at first, the results spoke for themselves. The potion shimmered softly under the lab’s ambient light, its colors reflecting the success of their collaboration.
"Hopefully, I didn’t slow you down too much. This… is very different from what I’m used to."
Alma dismissed his concerns with a bright laugh, her warm gaze glowing with appreciation.
"Are you kidding? You were amazing! You helped so much!"
Nadia glanced at him, Her warm brown eyes met his for a fleeting moment before she quickly looked away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"Thank you… Drifter."
Drifter gave her a reassuring smile.
"I’m glad I could help. You two are incredible."
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"Hey, since we’re done, how about we check out the carnival in the city?" Alma said with a grin.
Drifter raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity.
"Aren’t you tired?"
Nadia let out a soft laugh, adjusting her glasses as a small but genuine smile crossed her face.
"She’s always like this."
Drifter hesitated. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"I’m sorry, I’ll have to pass—"
Alma crossed her arms, tilting her head playfully as she leaned slightly toward him.
"What, too shy to hang out with two girls?"
Drifter shrugged lightly, his tone even.
"Maybe…"
Alma burst into laughter, her voice bright and full of life, while Nadia stifled a small chuckle, a wide grin spreading across her face as she nudged Drifter’s arm with mock indignation.
"Oh, come on, Drifter. You still look young—you’re not some old man!"
Nadia nodded, her voice soft but encouraging.
"Please join us, if you don’t mind."
Drifter glanced between them, the faint smile lingering as he exhaled.
"Alright… let’s go."
The carnival was alive with energy, the air filled with music, laughter, and the sweet aroma of delectable treats. Alma darted from stall to stall with an almost childlike excitement, dragging Drifter and Nadia along to play games, try strange foods, and explore the vibrant chaos.
Drifter gradually let himself be swept up in the joy around him.
At a photo booth, Alma grabbed their hands, her grin brimming with excitement.
"Let’s take some pictures! It’s tradition!"
Nadia hesitated for a moment but eventually relented, her small but genuine smile lighting up as they squeezed into the booth together.
The camera flashed, capturing a moment of shared laughter and freezing it in time.
Later, Alma carefully placed the new photo into a small album, flipping through its pages with a tender smile.
Drifter, intrigued, leaned closer.
"An interesting collection," he remarked.
Alma beamed, holding out the album to him with boundless energy.
"Wanna take a look?"
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Drifter opened the album, his fingers lightly brushing against the pages. Each photo featured Alma, or Alma with Nadia—images of them as children running through fields; as teenagers huddled over shared projects; and now, as young adults at the Academy, their expressions reflecting shared triumphs and unwavering camaraderie.
Alma stepped closer, her voice soft but filled with gratitude.
"Thanks to you, tonight was really special."
As they parted near the Academy, Nadia gave Drifter a slight bow, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Goodnight, Alma… Drifter."
Drifter nodded, his voice calm but warm.
"Take care."
He walked alone, the sounds of the carnival still echoing in his mind. The night was quiet, yet his thoughts churned restlessly. This world wasn’t fully his—not yet. But in moments like this, he glimpsed the possibility of belonging.