[Location: Verm Evocaier Academy – Morning – Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]


    Drifter woke up and went through his usual morning routine. Afterward, he stepped outside, the morning light brushing against his skin.


    As always, Luna Sabriel greeted him with an unreadable expression.


    "Morning, Drifter."


    How could she say that almost every morning? It had been a while since they’d done this. Couldn’t she say something more today?


    Drifter had noticed that she never engaged in small talk or unnecessary conversations. But lately, she had been messaging him.


    "I’m baking bread. Do you want some?"


    "Yeah," Drifter replied.


    A moment later, she handed him a piece of bread, shaped like a simple flower.


    He took a bite. It was... odd. Bland. He wasn’t sure how to respond, but she didn’t ask him how it tasted either. Still, today, he decided to bring it up.


    "Thanks for your gift before, Luna. It really tasted good," he said.


    "Good. That’s my favorite," Luna replied.


    Drifter wasn’t sure if she was being honest or if she was just saying it. She obviously wasn’t joking.


    After that, they headed to the Tower of Bluish-Gray Crystal, where the Skyship Simulator was located.


    Training with the students in the simulation had become routine over the past few days. It was simple—just place your hand on the holographic interface of the Command Nexus, and the Skystriker would respond to your command with a thought. Go right, and it turned right. Move, move... Fire arcane missile—there. The simulation was thrilling, but it was different from commanding Spectral Swords. He wasn’t as accustomed to it.


    By midday, he realized Alma Rosenthal had been absent for days. At the same time, he noticed Nadia Fernleaf sitting alone again, her gaze unfocused.


    Drifter quickly typed a message to both Alma and Nadia on his Lumina Core.


    Alma didn’t reply, but Nadia did.


    "I''ll explain later, after school, in the courtyard. Thank you."


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    As Drifter continued operating the Skystriker simulation, he glanced at his Lumina Core—16:00. He stood, ready to leave.


    "See you," he said to Luna.


    But Luna spoke before he could step away.


    “It seems you’re ready to accept public missions on your own. Congratulations.” She smiled.


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    "I see. Thanks, Luna." Drifter replied.


    For a moment, her lips curled into a smile—It was the first time he had ever seen her smile at him.


    Maybe… just maybe, they finally trusted him.


    He paused, the thought settling in. This academy might not be so bad after all.


    Leaving the academic wing, Drifter arrived at the courtyard and spotted Nadia sitting alone at a table beneath a tree. The murmur of students heading home and the gentle sound of the fountain filled the background as Drifter walked toward her.


    “Nadia.” he called out.


    “Good afternoon, Drifter,” Nadia responded, her gaze distant as she seemed lost in thought.


    “Where’s Alma? I haven’t seen her in a while.” Drifter asked, concern in his voice.


    Nadia fidgeted, twisting the strap of her bag. Her gaze dropped, and a faint blush spread across her cheeks. Her lips parted, as if struggling to find the right words.


    “She’s… she’s sick.” Nadia said quietly.


    “What do you mean? What’s wrong with her?” Drifter pressed, his concern growing.


    Nadia let out a deep sigh, her eyes clouded with worry.


    “She’s at Nethia Hospital... resting. It’s been almost two weeks…” she murmured.


    “That doesn’t sound good. Are you going to visit her?” Drifter asked gently, his tone softening.


    Nadia nodded slowly, her shoulders slumping. When her eyes met his, a faint, weary smile crossed her face. “Yeah, right now.”


    “I’ll come with you,” Drifter offered, his voice warm and reassuring.


    They walked together to the hospital, and this time, Drifter offered Nadia a ride on his Alcherider Zenith—a black vehicle with sharp, angular lines and a fusion of hexagonal edges and Y-shaped patterns. When Drifter asked her to join him, Nadia''s brown eyes widened, and she nodded in agreement.


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    As they left the academy’s Alcherider parking lot, the setting sun greeted them. They made their way toward Nethia City, heading to Nethia Hospital in the central district, not far from the academy. The traffic was light, with shifting transparent barriers at at intersections causing the Alcherider to stop automatically, allowing pedestrians to cross and other Alcheriders on the opposite side to move in turn. A soft, melodic female voice played through the system, accompanied by the sounds of a piano and guitar from the Magisterial Console built into the vehicle. Their lips remained still as the music filled the air, the journey to the hospital unfolding in silence.


    Finally, they arrived at Nethia Hospital, a tall, crystalline white building shaped like the letter H. They entered the underground parking lot, and after stepping inside the hospital, Drifter felt the chill of the cold, sterile atmosphere. The walls were pristine white, and the corridors were eerily quiet, with only a few people passing by. They took the automated elevator up to the 14th floor.


    Drifter glanced to his side. Nadia eyes stared ahead, unblinking.


    “Maybe she’ll pretend to be fine when we see her,” Nadia murmured.


    “I hope she’s okay,” Drifter said, his tone steady.


    At the room 1444 door, Nadia paused. Her hand hovered over the handle, hesitating before finally knocking softly and opening it.


    Inside, Alma was propped up against pillows, her fingers busy arranging small stones on her lap. When the door opened, she quickly began to shove some behind her pillow, but her hands froze midway as she caught Drifter''s steady gaze. A faint smile flickered across her face.


    Alma waved her hand slowly, the corners of her lips dipping slightly. “Nadia, why didn’t you tell me you were coming? Oh, and Drifter is here too… How are you?”


    Drifter stepped closer, his gaze softening.“I’m fine, Alma. How about you?” He offered a faint smile.


    Nadia’s worry deepened, her eyes flickering between Alma and Drifter. “Get well soon, Alma,” she murmured, her voice quiet.


    Alma chuckled weakly. “I’m fine… just stuck here. So bored…”


    Drifter’s attention drifted to the small table by the bed, where a collection of stones lay neatly arranged. His brow furrowed as he examined them, intrigued. Nadia followed his gaze, and Alma caught the exchange. Her smile faltered for a moment before she gave a soft, embarrassed laugh, brushing a strand of pink hair behind her ear.


    Nadia grinned, while Drifter raised an eyebrow. She likes rock toys? Well, that’s kind of childish and old-fashioned… I wonder why she likes them… But as Drifter looked into Alma’s eyes, he saw her gaze fixed on the stones, gently holding one in her hand. It must be important to her.


    “Do they have names?” he said.


    Alma blinked at his question, shifting uncomfortably before sighing.


    She pointed to a jagged stone. “This is Sir Rocky Stallion. He’s… kind of the leader. Keeps the others in line.” Her voice was soft, affectionate.


    Drifter nodded slowly.


    Alma moved her finger to another stone, smooth and round. “And this is Ms. Stone. She’s more… peaceful. Keeps things calm.”


    Nadia chuckled quietly, but Drifter’s gaze remained fixed.


    Alma paused, her fingers hovering over the last two stones, each adorned with shapes resembling large cat ears. She hesitated for a moment.


    “These are Golemy and Golaemon. The sibling duo. Golemy’s the curious one, always getting into trouble. Golaemon? He’s the protector. Keeps his sibling safe.” Alma said softly.


    “They seem to have important roles,” Drifter remarked.


    Through the window, Drifter noticed the darkness of night settling in. Friedrich Rosenthal entered the room, and Drifter and Nadia politely said their goodbyes. “Get well soon, Alma.” they both said before leaving.


    As Drifter took Nadia home to the Residential District, Tranquil Grove, he saw her minimalist modern home—gray in color. Her front yard was filled with a variety of flowers and plants. He noticed a small easel set up for painting in the yard.


    When they said their goodbyes, Drifter noticed an older woman with shoulder-length brown hair opening the door and smiling at Nadia.


    Drifter made his way back to his quarters and ended the day by going to bed.


    The next morning, Drifter noticed a message from Luna.


    “Sorry, I’m busy today. You can do whatever you like.”


    Well, he hadn’t fought in a while, and his thoughts drifted toward the simulation room.


    Upon arriving at the transparent dome building, he happened to run into some familiar faces. Lorcan immediately challenged Caelus to a bet: whoever finished the Cataclysmaris Level 6 simulation first would win. He insisted that Drifter join his team.


    Drifter sighed and reluctantly agreed.


    Holograms of black, tendril-wrapped monsters appeared. On one side, Drifter led his team—Lorcan, Sloane, and Reine—against the Cataclysmaris in the simulation. On the other side, Caelus, Bryan, Alyssa, and Erick worked together with precise coordination, their attacks overwhelming the simulated opponent.


    Lorcan, wearing a confident grin, glanced at the other team while punching the black creatures with his dark fist. "Hey, Caelus, we’re winning this time. We’ve got Drifter with us, you know!"Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Caelus only cast a brief glance back, his tone calm but equally confident, while striking tendrils of black creature with his lightning spear. "We’ll see, Lorcan."


    The simulation continued, the lights and sounds of battle filling the room until the sharp ring of a Lumina Core broke their concentration. The holographic projections immediately froze, halting the battle.


    Drifter quickly glanced at the small screen on his wrist. His eyes narrowed, focusing on the message that had just appeared.


    "Mission: Prevent Grakling attack," he read silently.


    On the other side, Caelus, Alyssa, Bryan, and Erick glanced at the message briefly before resuming their simulation. Caelus moved swiftly, his black spear gleaming with a purple glow as it struck the Cataclysmaris with pinpoint accuracy. Alyssa’s fiery spear, Erick’s White Exalt magic, and Bryan’s dark daggers followed in perfect succession, creating a relentless coordinated attack.


    Meanwhile, Sloane, leaning back casually, barely glanced at the notification on his Lumina Core before speaking lazily. "Ah, Grakling mission… leave it to the rookies," he muttered before returning to his relaxed position.


    Reine, however, read the message a little longer, his expression thoughtful before he hurriedly dismissed the screen.


    Lorcan snorted, glaring at the frozen holographic display with a frustrated frown.


    "Ugh, just a Grakling mission… what a buzzkill. Let’s get back to it! We’re falling behind," his tone light but clearly annoyed.


    Drifter frowned slightly.


    "Why? Isn’t it dangerous if the facilities there get damaged?" he asked, his voice calm.


    Sloane glanced at him briefly, shrugging.


    “Boring mission, man. Just let the beginners handle it.” After a brief pause while tapping his Lumina Core, he continued.


    “Huh? Alma’s on this mission? What’s she doing there?”


    Lorcan chuckled, leaning back with a carefree grin.


    “Looks like she’s one of those ‘never miss a mission’ types. Gotta admire the hustle.”


    “She just got out of the hospital. Should she even be doing this?” Reine’s voice was low.


    Lorcan shrugged, glancing back at the frozen simulation.


    “Eh, not our problem. Heads up—Cataclysmaris is about to go wild again.”


    Drifter returned his attention to the Lumina Core, tapping it to open the message. He read the list of participating members: Alma Rosenthal (Novice/Mage). His eyes widened as he read.


    Alma Rosenthal? She’s recovered? What’s she doing on this mission? he thought, surprised.


    His heart raced, a tight knot forming in his stomach as his pace quickened toward the exit.


    “Excuse me, I have to go. Something urgent,” he said without looking back.


    Lorcan, still engrossed in the simulation, grumbled. “Oi, come on, don’t bail on us now! You’re gonna make us lose, man!”


    Drifter glanced back briefly. “Something came up. Next time.” He waved casually.


    Sloane gave a lazy shrug, a sly grin creeping onto his face. “Heh, whatever. Good thing we didn’t put money on this one.”


    Reine’s brow furrowed as he glanced at Drifter. “Take care, Drifter.”


    Drifter nodded slightly and quickly opened his Lumina Core on his wrist, tapping to read the message. He tapped again on the "Join Mission" option. There, he saw the map of the academy with a blue dot and Alma’s small photo in the courtyard. He quickened his steps, thoughts fixed on that point.


    As Drifter reached the edge of the courtyard, he spotted Nadia and Alma. Their mouths moved rapidly in a heated exchange, but the words were lost in the distance. Nadia fidgeted, her eyes avoiding Alma’s, while Alma crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. Then, Friedrich Rosenthal approached them, joining the exchange while Nadia’s mouth stopped moving.


    As Drifter got closer, he finally heard their conversation.


    “This is a simple mission, Dad. I can handle it.” said Alma.


    “Please listen, Alma. Remember, taking care of yourself is also your responsibility. If the protector falls, who will protect others?” said Friedrich.


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    Alma’s face flushed, a deep red spreading across her cheeks. Her eyes widened, blazing with intensity.


    “It’s my life! Why can’t you just stay out of it?” she snapped.


    Drifter sighed softly, his gaze lingering on Alma’s determined eyes. This isn’t going anywhere… he thought. She might go off on her own anyway… and things will only get worse if she does. Besides, it’s just Grakling.


    He moved closer to Alma, Nadia, and Friedrich.


    “If she’s going, I’ll go with her. Let me handle it,” Drifter said, his voice calm and steady.


    Alma and Friedrich turned toward him.


    “Thanks, Drifter. You always get it,” Alma said, her tone lighter as she smiled and stepped toward his side.


    Friedrich’s jaw tightened, his gaze steady and unreadable.


    “Drifter, I get that you’re trying to help, but this isn’t just about whether she wants to go or not. She needs time to recover.” He spoke with growing frustration.


    He paused, exhaling sharply.


    “If you’re taking responsibility, fine. But if she gets worse out there, it’s on you. Do you understand?”


    Drifter met Friedrich’s gaze, standing firm.


    “I understand where you’re coming from. She needs rest, I agree. But Alma’s not going to back down, and if she goes without someone watching her, it’ll be worse. I’m not here to indulge her—I’m here to make sure she stays safe and doesn’t push herself over the edge. You have my word on that.” His voice was steady.


    A sharp beep from the Lumina Core broke the silence. Friedrich raised his left hand, his fingers pressing a small button on the sleek device around his wrist. His jaw tightened as a voice came through the device, and his gaze hardened. “Hold on… this won’t take long.”


    After ending the call, Friedrich looked at Alma, his shoulders dropping slightly as he exhaled a long sigh. His gaze lingered on her, softening briefly before he turned away.


    “Alright, but promise me you’ll be careful. Both of you.” His voice lowered. “Drifter, keep an eye on her.”


    “Don’t worry, Dad. We’ve done this a hundred times. You know I can handle myself.” Alma paused, her voice softening slightly. “But… thanks. I’ll be careful, I promise.”


    Friedrich nodded with a faint smile and walked away.


    Alma watched her father leave before turning back to Drifter and Nadia, her wide smile unwavering.


    “Okay, team. Let’s move out!”


    Nadia sighed quietly, the corner of her lips lifting slightly. “Honestly, Alma. Maybe next time actually listen to him. He’s not wrong, you know.”


    Later, Alma glanced at Nadia, her grin taking on a lopsided charm, a spark of mischief lighting her eyes. “Come on, Nadia. Don’t start sounding like him, or you’ll end up with worry lines before me.”


    Hearing Alma’s words, Drifter sighed, a small smile appearing as he looked at her, his thoughts briefly drifting to Luna. He hadn’t expected people in the future to be as diligent, even in a peaceful world. And for the first time, he realized just how stubborn Alma really was.


    The three headed toward the Translocator at the edge of Nethia City. As the Translocator flared to life, blue energy enveloped them. In an instant, they found themselves standing on rolling green plains, bordered by gentle hills. They walked for what felt like a long time, hills after hills, until they finally arrived at their destination. He heard Alma, his breath heavy from the long journey, despite it only being walking. Below, a horde of small, bipedal creatures with gray skin, red eyes, muscular bodies, and sharp teeth moved swiftly in packs, kicking up dirt.


    Drifter’s sharp eyes narrowed as he observed the scene. He remembered that Grakling were weak—they couldn’t utilize Evocyte. Even a million of them could only rely on physical attacks, which wouldn’t be able to break their natural barrier. This would be a piece of cake.


    “Let’s finish this quickly. We drive them off, then head straight to the academy,” he said softly.


    Alma grinned widely, his breath unsteady. "Easy enough. Let’s go."


    Drifter noticed the sigils—pink and red—beginning to form around Alma’s hands, though her fingers trembled slightly. He glanced behind her, catching Nadia’s eyes flicker to Alma, her brows furrowing.


    They descended the hills, engaging the horde of Graklings—gray creatures charging at them with claws bared. Drifter led the way, his dark gray sword Exaltare cutting through enemies with ease, while spectral blades sliced through the Grakling ranks without pause. Nadia and Alma followed, providing support from behind.


    But as the Grakling attacked with their claws, Drifter felt something was off. Their claws emitted a strange black energy. He remembered that the Grakling’s claws were supposed to be physical. A sense of unease began to settle in.


    From behind, Alma and Nadia supported with their magic—Alma’s pink homing Exalt missiles and Nadia’s volley of earthen bolts, crystalline earth glowing with a faint golden-green hue. As Drifter noticed Alma’s shots missing the target, he glanced at her. Her breath was heavy, and her hand trembled slightly. Worry began to stir in Drifter’s chest. Cold sweat trickled down his back. He had to move quickly.


    He unleashed Exalt Storm. Three blue sigils appeared around him, and his left hand crackled with energy, launching a barrage of blue projectiles from both his hand and the sigils. The projectiles, joined by spectral blades, rained down on the Grakling horde. Graklings fell in droves, explosions rocked the ground, and dust swirled as his attacks tore through their ranks.


    Drifter’s breath grew heavier, his movements more measured. But from the swirling dust, the Graklings pressed on, unrelenting. He cleaved through a few, but twelve managed to slip past.


    Alma and Nadia unleashed their spells—fire bolts and crystalline earthen bolts—but only one Grakling remained. It lunged at Alma, its claws raking across her. Her natural barrier shattered with a sharp crack, and blood splattered from her arm, staining the right side of her blouse as the fabric tore.


    "Ah!" Alma gasped, her voice cracking as pain surged through her.


    The sound made Drifter’s heart race in panic. Nadia, nearby, rushed to Alma, and without thinking, he followed.


    But Alma fought back, retaliating with a Blazing Burst. A flaming orb exploded from her hand, incinerating the last Grakling in an instant, the deafening blast echoing through the air. Alma’s eyes widened, teeth gritted, as she healed herself with Exalt Healing—a pink circle closing over the wound.


    Drifter scanned the field. The Graklings lay still, scattered across the grass, while the trees swayed gently in the breeze. He exhaled slowly, his shoulders loosening as the tension in his chest eased.


    He turned to see Nadia, her breathing ragged, the brown sigils on her hands fading into particles.


    “That was the last of them,” she said, her voice heavy.


    Beside her, Alma wiped the sweat from her brow, a relieved smile crossing her face.


    “We did it,” she said.


    Drifter nodded, this sword fading into blue particles. “Let’s head back to the Academy.”


    As they walked, Alma glanced down at the bloodstained right side of her blouse.


    “What happened to them?” Alma asked, her voice tight with disbelief. “How could they breach our natural barrier?”


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    Silence hung in the air as Drifter struggled to make sense of what was happening. It was the first time he’d witnessed monsters evolve, growing stronger before his eyes. Then, he felt raindrops trickle down his skin. He looked up at the darkening sky as the rain began to fall. They pressed on, their footsteps steady despite the growing storm.


    They moved toward the Translocator atop the hills, but Drifter stopped abruptly as Nadia’s panicked voice pierced through the air.


    “Alma!”


    He spun around quickly. Alma was already running ahead, rain splashing beneath her feet. Nadia, her eyes wide behind her glasses then followed in alarm, giving chase.


    Drifter bolted after them, feeling the cold rain soak through his armor. His brow furrowed.


    “What’s going on?”


    Nadia shouted from ahead, her voice trembling.


    “Alma, stop! What’s wrong?”


    Far ahead, Alma suddenly halted. The ground beneath her feet trembled slightly at first, then violently. A loud rumble blended with the sound of the rain, echoing through the air. Nadia froze a few steps behind Drifter, her hands trembling with unease.


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    In the distance, shadows sharpened into figures—Graklor. Taller and more muscular than Grakling, they moved with heavy steps. Black armor materialized around them, and spears, swords, and axes gleamed in their hands.


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    Behind them, Grakthor emerged. Its heavy footsteps shook the ground, and its gray, cracked skin stretched over a thick neck and tusked head. A long tail slammed the earth with each step, sending tremors. Its three red eyes glowed ominously in the dark.


    Drifter’s heart pounded, the rhythm shaking his chest as the tremors beneath his feet grew stronger with each step of the massive creature.


    "Fall back! We’ll call for reinforcements. Don’t worry—they won’t reach the city." His voice rang out, sharp and steady.


    Alma turned, her shoulders stiff. Her hands clenched, fingers twitching, but her voice remained steady, her gaze unwavering despite a brief hesitation


    No," "I’m not retreating."


    Drifter stared at Alma, his brow furrowed. He couldn’t understand her reasoning for making a last stand—retreat was the safer option. Did she want to chase her own death? Without thinking, he stepped toward her, intent on pulling her away. But before he could reach her, Nadia had already seized Alma’s arm, her fingers trembling.


    “Alma, please... look at them. There are thousands, maybe more. It’s just the three of us...” Nadia’s voice trembled with urgency.


    Alma raised her chin, her gaze locked on the dark horizon.


    “The village of Nevaterra is close. I won’t let them through,” she said firmly.


    Regret and doubt gnawed at Drifter. Should they sacrifice innocent villagers to save themselves? If they held out for reinforcements, he wasn’t sure it would matter with only the three of them. This was supposed to be a simple mission... he never expected it to turn into this. He had underestimated everything. He hadn’t even packed a potion to restore their evocyte energy.


    “Nadia, go back! Call for help!” His voice was sharp with urgency.


    Nadia’s fingers trembled as she activated her Lumina Core, typing rapidly. Her lips were pressed tight, her eyes shifting between Drifter and Alma.


    “I already did,” she replied, her voice strained. “But I... I can’t leave you all.....”


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    The horde of creatures drew nearer, their hissing and growling growing louder in the downpour. The shapes of Graklings, Graklor, and Grakthor became clearer.


    Drifter exhaled sharply, his gaze fixed and unwavering as he tightened his grip on his sword. His heart pounded faster in his chest. Behind him, Nadia and Alma stood still, their hands trembling.


    The tremors in the ground intensified, heavy footsteps echoing like war drums as the creatures closed in. The rain poured harder, lightning flashing overhead, casting long shadows as the horde loomed closer.