<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
Drifter’s first mission with Luna Sabriel, Jaxon Virelli, and Alina Walsh was unlike anything he had experienced. Though he had spent time alongside them, but this time, they were a team.
Before they set out, he filled his pouch to the brim with potions. Jaxon chuckled. “Planning for the end of the world?”
Drifter didn’t answer. No amount of preparation could silence the weight of his failures—Nadia, Alma’s near-fatal death. That burden still followed him.
The cold of Everfrost Village hit him like a wall as soon as they arrived. The air was thick with snow, drifting endlessly through the quiet streets. The village itself seemed to hum with an odd warmth. Strangers were rare, but the villagers greeted him with smiles, their eyes welcoming despite the chill in the air.
The mission led them deeper into Everfrost Forest, where the cold only grew more biting. Towering trees loomed overhead, their leaves a translucent green, almost as if they were alive in a way that unsettled him. Their target was a growing horde of ice wolves, creatures that had been terrorizing the village lately.
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
Thanks to Alina’s tracking, they found the nest quickly. Drifter fought with his sword and exalt spells, Luna with ice magic, Jaxon with twin fire bowguns, and Alina with her ice greatsword. The fight was easy. Soon, they headed back to the academy, mission complete.
As they walked back, Drifter trailed behind, observing Alina, Jaxon, and Luna as they casually strolled across the courtyard toward the academy’s main building.
"Well, that''s done. Mission accomplished. See you later, folks. I''ve got... other things to do," said Jaxon, his tone relaxed, a slight smirk still on his face.
Alina''s sharp gaze was fixed on him. Luna, standing a few steps behind, maintained her usual calm expression.
As Jaxon approached the main building, under a large tree, Sloane raised his hand, giving Jaxon a wide smile.
"Hey, sir… Don’t be late. The Evoball match is about to start!" Sloane called out casually.
"I bet you two are plotting something shady," said Alina, her sharp gaze filled with suspicion.
"Oh, come on, Miss Alina. Why are you always so suspicious? We’re just going to watch Evoball. Right, sir?" replied Sloane, his smile as nonchalant as ever.
"Relax, Alina. We’re really just going to watch," added Jaxon, his tone matching Sloane''s.
Alina crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing.
"Don’t even think about pulling something."
Luna placed a hand lightly on Alina’s arm, her tone calm but firm.
"Come on, Alina. Let’s finish the report."
Alina gave one last piercing glare at Jaxon before turning sharply. Luna followed quietly behind her.
Jaxon grinned at Drifter."What about you, Drifter? You in?"
"Okay," replied Drifter tersely.
Without further discussion, they headed to the library. The atmosphere there was silent. Only the three of them were present. They sat in the center of the room, with Sloane and Jaxon sporting wide grins.
Drifter raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were watching Evoball."
Both Jaxon and Sloane laughed.
"Yeah, later. For now, there’s something we want to show you. It’s important—research," said Sloane.
"Research?" Drifter asked.
Sloane chuckled as he pressed the Lumina core on his wrist. A holographic projection flickered to life, images popping up one by one as he tapped through them.
There were pictures of women, ranging from glamorous dresses to bikinis, some on the beach with the text "Holidays at Maranangara Beach" in the file name. Then, the scene shifted to a luxurious hall, towering metalic skyscrapers in the background, with a caption that read "Eclipse Rooftop Bars, Upper Edenvell."
"Impressive, Sloane. This is top-tier work," praised Jaxon, clearly satisfied.
"This is your research?" asked Drifter in a cold tone.
Sloane patted Drifter’s shoulder "Don’t be so serious. It’s natural for guys to like this stuff. Come on, you’re curious too, right? Don’t pretend you’re not."
Before Drifter could respond, Jaxon’s Lumina Core vibrated. The name Gianna Virelli glowed softly on the screen, interrupting their playful moment.
<div>
<div>
<div>
Quickly, Jaxon tapped the holographic interface, pulling up a tablet with a blank white screen. Then he pressed his Lumina core, and a projection flickered to life, revealing a girl with soft brown hair—Gianna Virelli.
She smiled at Jaxon, and he smiled back, though she didn’t speak. Instead, she began to write something, and soon, a synthetic female voice filled the air. They exchanged casual conversation, words flowing between them in a quiet, seamless rhythm.
As the call came to an end, Gianna raised her hand in a final wave of farewell, and Jaxon mirrored the gesture while The chat box on the tablet in his hand was full.
Drifter’s gaze lingered on the notes, a quiet assumption forming that she might be a sister, but something about their interaction—something unspoken—made him wonder if she could no longer talk or hear. A quiet ache lingered in him.
“Alright, back to business. Drifter, are you in or not?” Jaxon asked, his smile warm as he turned to Drifter.
“Maybe next time,” Drifter replied flatly.
“That means he’s interested. See? Progress!” Sloane chimed in with a grin.
“We’re persuasive, aren’t we?” Jaxon chuckled.
“By the way, handle your report. Unless you want Alina to do more than just glare next time.” Drifter’s voice was a little sharper.
“Alright, alright. Guess I can’t dodge it forever.” Jaxon said, giving a thumbs-up.
After finishing both reports and sending them through their Lumina cores, Drifter returned to his quarters in the academy’s residential complex. He sat at his desk, near his black, boxy device—the magisterial console. As he navigate picture and text of the holographic screen, the chime and vibration of his Lumina core interrupted his focus. He glanced at it, seeing a call from Friedrich Rosenthal.
He tapped the Lumina core.
“Drifter, I apologize for the late hour. Are you available?” Friedrich’s voice came through.
“It’s fine, Professor. What’s going on?” Drifter responded.
“I need you to come to my house. There’s something I’d like to discuss in person.” Friedrich replied.
“Now? Is something wrong?” Drifter frowned.
“Not immediately urgent, but important. I’d appreciate it if you could come.” Friedrich answered.
“I’ll be there shortly.” Drifter said, cutting the connection.
Exiting his room, Drifter made his way to the academy’s underground parking lot. He rode his Alcherider Zenith, its black frame a fusion of hexagonal edges and Y-shaped patterns, with sharp, bold lines. The triangular headlights sliced through the night, illuminating the path ahead. as he exit the undeground parking lot, The city’s lights shimmered, casting dancing shadows across the surfaces.
His journey led him to the Residential District of the luxurious Eirda Terrace, nestled near the Eirda River. Amid the lush greenery stood a house with clean geometric designs, crystalline walls, and expansive glass fa?ades offering sweeping views. The house was two stories tall, with a backyard featuring a spacious pool, outdoor seating, and meticulously maintained tropical landscaping.
Drifter parked his Alcherider Zenith in front of the house. Before he could knock, the door creaked open.
"Dad is waiting. Please come in, Drifter," she said softly.
"Thank you, Alma. Are you feeling well?" he asked gently.
Alma glancing aside to avoid his gaze.
"Yes… thank you," she replied firmly.
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
Following her inside, Drifter took in the house’s interior—elegant yet minimalistic, with neutral tones of white, gray, and beige. Chandeliers cast a soft glow over carefully arranged furniture, but what stood out most were the full sets of armor displayed like statues. A collection, most likely. Even in his time, traditional armor had long been obsolete, replaced by materialized gear.
The open layout seamlessly connected the living room, kitchen, and dining area. Yet, something felt off—there were no family photos anywhere.
In the living room, Friedrich Rosenthal sat on a gray sofa, reading a book. As Drifter entered, he glanced up.
"Thank you for coming," he said briefly.
Drifter gave a small nod.
"It’s no trouble, Professor," he replied courteously.
"Please, have a seat," said Friedrich, gesturing to the sofa across from him.
Drifter sat calmly, his posture relaxed. Alma headed toward the kitchen, while Friedrich leaned forward slightly, his expression serious.
"Do you remember the skyship attack during last month’s training?" he asked.
Drifter’s eyes narrowed. “Hard to forget. Has something new come up?”
Friedrich nodded slowly, his expression tense. "We’ve received reports from Grandmaster Amisha. The ship is still missing, but reliable intel suggests it’s likely still within the Nethia region."
A knot tightened in Drifter’s stomach as memories of the ship resurfaced—a vessel without insignia, carrying hundreds of Skystrikers, attacking with no clear purpose.
"Any theories on their target?" he asked cautiously.
"No developments yet. We’ve analyzed every known model, even outdated ones—none match. It’s inconceivable that sky pirates possess a ship that advanced," Friedrich replied.
"As Grandmaster instructed, I’ve arranged for night patrols—one person per shift," he added.
"Allow me to join," Drifter said.
"Of course. I expected no less from you. Thank you, Drifter. The patrol schedule starts tomorrow, and I’ll share the details in the morning." Friedrich acknowledged.
Drifter was about to leave when Alma returned with a warm cup of tea. He sat back, accepting it. They shared light conversation about life at the academy and Arcane Network broadcasts. The professor seemed fond of a strange show about little Skylins in armor—dog-like creatures on a comedic adventure, fighting dragons and gaining powers with each victory. The show was full of bizarre barking sounds after it gain new power every dragon kill.
Alma relaxed, smiling and laughing. As their conversation ended, Drifter politely said his goodbyes. They both responded warmly, and he made his way back to his quarters, closing the day.
[Location: Outskirts of Nethia City – Night – 2 Days Later]
Clad in black armor and a flowing black cloak, Drifter sped through the city outskirts on his Alcherider Zenith. The black vehicle hovered low over the roads, the traffic light—fewer than the fingers on his hand. Green trees and open fields blurred past on either side. In the distance, icy mountains loomed, while only the hum of music filled the vehicle.
“No signal… nothing again,” he muttered.
Suddenly, a beep broke the silence. Drifter’s eyes flicked to the Vestra screen on his vehicle, which displayed a green square among scattered blue ones.
“Unknown signal,” he murmured again.
He accelerated the Alcherider Zenith, heading toward the marked location in the forest. After parking near an Elemart 24-hour convenience store''s underground parking lot, he made his way into the dark woods. There, he found an old warehouse housing a long, rectangular skyship made of rusty metal—much smaller than the skyships he usually encountered.
Not my target… but who’d be bold enough to fly this scrapheap? he thought.
Ascending the metal stairs on the warehouse’s right side, he moved cautiously. To his left was an old door with a rusted rectangular handle. As he reached for it, a red projectile shot toward him. His reflexes kicked in. With a swift motion, he deflected the projectile with his dark gray sword Exaltare.
"Who’s there?" he demanded, his voice low but filled with caution.
Peering inside, his eyes widened as he saw Jaxon holding his black twin bow guns.
"Drifter? Well, what a surprise," Jaxon said casually.
"What are you doing here?" he asked coldly.
Jaxon chuckled lightly, his Twin Bowguns dissipating into red particles.
"Oh, just… enjoying the night. The sky’s beautiful, you know," he replied with a forced laugh.
Drifter narrowed his eyes. "Oh, really? In that case, I’ll join you. I’ve never seen it."
Jaxon froze briefly, his expression shifting. "Oh… okay then."
They moved to the ship’s center, filled with rusty old metal. Jaxon sat at the front, operating the controls. Drifter stood beside him, silently observing.
The ship’s old engine began to hum. Its iron walls turned transparent, revealing the green forest and the decrepit garage below shrinking as the ship ascended. The city lights faded, leaving only the inky blackness beneath them.
"Where are we going?" Drifter finally asked.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
"Oh, I thought I’d check out the Nausyra Sea this time," Jaxon replied casually.
Drifter remained silent, his mind racing with questions. As far as he knew, the Nausyra Sea was far from the neutral zone and was within the Nusa Union’s territory. Would their ship be shot down if they crossed there without proper clearance? Drifter felt conflicted. What was Jaxon’s real goal?
He reached into his pocket, glancing at the small rectangular object Mina had given him. Wasn’t this the opportunity to open it? Should he ask Jaxon to stop briefly in Union territory? He couldn’t help but wonder.
For a long moment, the only thing he saw was darkness, but then Jaxon spoke.
"See? Isn’t it beautiful?" Jaxon said, smiling.
Drifter blinked, unsure of what had changed. All he saw was the same black environment. “Huh, isn’t it the same as before?” he thought.
"Yes," Drifter replied curtly.
A sharp beep broke the air.
"Uh-oh…" muttered Jaxon, his eyes fixed on the screen.
"What is it?" asked Drifter, his gaze shifting to Jaxon.
"Sky pirates," Jaxon answered, his jaw tightening.
From a distance, three black, rectangular Skyships appeared. Each was armed with forward-mounted cannons and glowing blue thrusters at the rear. Drifter observed cautiously as a blue energy tether from one of the Skyships latched onto their vessel, shaking it violently.
Jaxon ran quickly to the back of the ship, and Drifter followed. After reaching the platform above, they found themselves in the large cargo room below. Two large crates with a purple glow sat ominously in the center, but the silence was shattered by the harsh sound of metal scraping against metal. The farthest iron wall peeled away, as though welded at its edges, and then, without warning, the wall collapsed.Volley of green projectiles shot toward them, and Drifter caught a glimpse of a massive automaton charging at them—its four legs and horizontal blades gleaming menacingly
Instinctively, Drifter activated Exalt Barrier, a transparent dome of energy surrounding him and Jaxon, shielding them from the barrage of incoming projectiles. As they advanced, Drifter slashed at the automaton with his sword, materializing Spectral Swords that sliced through the air. With his left hand, he unleashed a volley of blue projectiles—Exalt Bolts—hurling them at the mechanical menace.
Meanwhile, Jaxon fired his twin bowguns, Emberstorm Crossfire, unleashing a barrage of crimson projectiles with deadly precision. Using Ashen Blitz, flames ignited from his boots, propelling him forward as he glided effortlessly across the ground, dodging the incoming fire.
Yet, the automaton’s green shield materialized with each of their strikes, deflecting the attacks. The automaton halted near the cargo, grabbing one of the crates and turning back—just as Drifter’s Exalt Barrier finally faltered, breaking under the pressure of the relentless green projectiles. Forced to retreat, Drifter and Jaxon repositioned.
As the automatons loaded the cargo onto the sky pirate ship, a sudden explosion shook the air. A violent tremor rattled beneath Drifter, the vibrations making it feel like the ship was about to crash. A high-pitched whine echoed, and red lights flooded the room.
The sky pirate ships seemed to abandon Jaxon’s ship.
Jaxon let out a frustrated yell. “The cargo! Damn it!”
Without hesitation, he transformed into flames using Scorched Dash and leapt toward the enemy Skyship. Drifter followed, activating Exalt Shift. Soft blue particles enveloped him, and he reappeared just steps behind Jaxon aboard the enemy vessel. There, he saw a horde of sky pirates—some human, some humanoid beasts—clad in tattered clothing, leather gloves, and high boots. They wielded a variety of weapons, ranging from swords to daggers and bowguns. Their attacks came at them in waves—projectiles, elemental strikes—but Drifter dodged and teleported, raising his barrier to shield against the barrage. Jaxon glided and evaded, each of them countering with precise slashes and shots until, finally, every pirate in the room collapsed to the ground, motionless.
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
Drifter and Jaxon pressed on, passing through door after door along the ship’s long corridors. Then, they saw them—pirates sprawled across the floor, motionless. No wounds, no signs of struggle.
Drifter crouched, fingers pressing against a pirate’s neck. “They’re dead,” he murmured, disbelief creeping into his voice.
“What the… Who did this?” Jaxon asked, looking around at the fallen enemies in confusion.
Continuing forward, they reached a large room with transparent walls revealing a serene night sky. More pirates lay lifeless on the floor. At the center of the room sat a man, rigid in a chair, his hands hovering over a glowing holographic console. His eyes were vacant, unblinking—lifeless, yet his body remained upright.
Jaxon approached, shaking the man’s shoulders. "Hey! Wake up! What happened here? Hey!"
Before an answer could come, Drifter noticed movement. A weathered book on the floor, hidden in the shadows, began to tremble. Shadowy hands emerged from the book, rushing toward them.
Drifter lunged forward, slashing with his Exaltare. His blade sliced through the dark hands, shattering them instantly. The book fell silent but retained its malevolent aura.
Suddenly, a wave of dark energy struck Drifter, slamming him into the transparent wall. His natural blue barrier flared briefly, absorbing most of the impact. Gritting his teeth, he rose to his feet, his eyes locking on the center of the room.
A black-robed figure with a skull mask stood there. When Jaxon firing volley of flame projectiles toward the figure, but they were deflected by a dark energy shield conjured with a mere wave of the figure''s hand.
"Who are you?!" Jaxon shouted, his voice filled with fury.
The world around them suddenly shifted. The transparent walls dissolved, and the tranquil blue night was replaced by creeping green shadows that writhed like living fog. The fallen pirates began to rise, their bodies cloaked in darkness. Their eyes glowed red, their hands morphing into shadowy claws, and guttural growls filled the air like a chilling wind cutting through the silence.
The creatures lunged, their claws slashing through the air. Drifter moved swiftly, guiding his blue energy swords to cut down the attackers. On the other side, Jaxon unleashed fiery projectiles, creating explosions that temporarily halted their advance.
But the creatures kept coming, emerging from the shadows on the walls. Amid the chaos, the cursed book released more shadowy hands, while the masked figure raised its arms, summoning dark sigils that launched blasts of miasma with a thunderous roar.
Drifter dodged nimbly, his eyes scanning the room.
"We’re leaving, Jaxon," he said, his voice low but firm.
Jaxon nodded tightly, his fiery projectiles keeping the advancing creatures at bay.
"This is way beyond us," he muttered, his breathing steady but strained.
They sprinted toward the cargo hold, dodging attacks from every direction. Their breaths came in gasps as they finally reached a massive door. Drifter pressed a holographic button on its side.
With a loud rumble, the door opened, revealing the vast, dark night outside. A cold wind rushed in, pulling at everything toward the emptiness.
"Jump!" Drifter commanded firmly.
They leapt into the freezing night air. Their bodies hovered momentarily before plunging into the icy water below. But their natural barrier shielded them as they plunged into the depths.
Breaking the surface moments later, Drifter tapped his Lumina Core, activating the Emergency Rescue app. After a brief pause, sharp white lights pierced the sky. Drifter thought he had seen something similar in an Arcane Network database: a Vayu Krita-Class Corvette Skyship. Now, it hovered low above them, its oval shape with fins and dark green color blending with the night. Blue propulsion lights beneath it illuminated the water, creating glowing ripples.
A deep, authoritative voice rang out from a megaphone.
“Do not move. Stay where you are.”
Following the command, Drifter and Jaxon, their bodies weary, were lifted aboard by safety energy tethers. They were escorted into the ship and brought to a large room with transparent walls that displayed the quiet night sky.
Inside, a burly man with a bear-like face sat in the command chair. His sharp eyes and green uniform radiated authority.
“Identify yourselves,” he demanded curtly.
Drifter raised his hand, activating his Lumina Core to project his holographic ID. Beside him, Jaxon did the same, though his hands trembled slightly.
After studying the holograms for a moment, the man nodded.
“Your identities are verified. Now explain what happened.”
Drifter thought for a moment. There was no way he could tell the truth—that Jaxon was carrying mysterious cargo—but he had an idea. It was honest, but it concealed the full story.
“The mysterious ship attacked our crew during training. When we boarded it, we found only dead pirates. But then things changed—a cursed book, a figure in a skull mask, and those pirates… they came back to life as dark shadows. We had no choice but to jump to save ourselves.” he said firmly.
The man furrowed his brow, listening intently. After a moment, he gave a slow nod.
“Our Vestra System detected four unidentified ships. One is missing; the other three are still being pursued. What do you suggest?”
Drifter locked eyes with him.
“Destroy them as soon as you find them. Do not board, do not engage. Those ships… are too dangerous.”
The man was silent for a moment before issuing orders to his crew to transport them back. The journey to Nethia passed in silence. Drifter sat with a heavy mind, his gaze distant. He wanted to ask about Jaxon’s cargo but decided to wait for the right moment.
After landing at Nethia Terminal, Drifter and Jaxon thanked the Nusa Union Patrol and departed. They walked toward the city center in silence, their steps slow and heavy with thought.
Midway through the journey, Drifter finally broke the silence.
“What was in that cargo, Jaxon?” Drifter asked.
“… I’m sorry… The cargo…” Jaxon’s voice faltered as he hesitated, his gaze pleading when he finally met Drifter’s eyes. “Please, don’t report this. If I lose my job… my sister…”
Drifter’s expression softened as he met Jaxon’s gaze.
“Alright, but tell me the truth.”
Jaxon sighed deeply again, his hands trembling as he stared at the ground.
“I… took on side jobs… smuggling goods via air,” he admitted quietly. “This time, I got unlucky. They said it was just museum pieces for a private collection. When I checked, it was just antiques and old books… or so I thought.”
Drifter narrowed his eyes. “Who hired you?” he asked.
Jaxon retrieved a spare Lumina Core from his pouch, his fingers trembling slightly as he activated it. A soft blue light emanated, projecting a small hologram with detailed information.
“The name’s Nills. But I’m pretty sure it’s an alias,” he said, his voice heavy.
The hologram displayed a brief message:
Sender: Nills
To: Skyshade
Task: Deliver museum items to the Nausyra Sea (Tap here for delivery location)
Pickup Location: Verudia Region (Tap here for pickup location)
Advance Payment: 10 million Vessite
Completion Bonus: 100 million Vessite
After a moment, Drifter handed the Lumina Core back to Jaxon, his mind racing. All he could remember was Jaxon’s conversation with his sister, who no longer heard or spoke.
Doubt crept in—had he been too cold? What if Jaxon really had lost everything? The thought of asking Jaxon to smuggle the device Mina had given him crossed his mind, to see what was inside… but after holding the device in his suit pocket for a while, he hesitated. What if it was dangerous? What if uncovering its secret put their lives at risk?
He sighed, returning his Lumina Core. “As long as your work doesn’t endanger us, I won’t report it. But find a safer job. Your luck won’t last forever.”
Jaxon’s face slowly lifted, a small, grateful smile spreading across it.
“Thank you, Drifter. I owe you… for life,” he said, his voice quivering slightly.
As they returned to the academy and residential complex, both Drifter and Jaxon said their goodbyes. Drifter then retired to his quarters, ending the day with a long sleep.
The next morning, Drifter asked Luna for permission to enter the Archive Room, citing the previous mission and the enemies they encountered. Luna granted him permission, and the automated doors to the Archive Room opened with a soft hum, accompanied by the synthetic voice: Access granted.
Inside, the space was grand and filled with black monoliths inscribed with glowing runes, standing in neat rows and exuding an air of mystery. At the center of the room, a softly glowing blue boxy Magisterial Console served as the focal point. Minimalist desks and chairs surrounded it, creating a stark contrast with the advanced technology of the space.
Drifter sat before the console, his gloved fingers gliding over the smooth surface of the screen. A blue glow illuminated his serious expression. He typed Jaxon Virelli into the console, and a photo of him appeared. Beneath it, scrolling text provided a brief profile. Selecting the History option, the display shifted.
This time, the screen revealed something more personal. Jaxon stood beside an older man, a faint smile on his face. Behind them was a small, dilapidated house—silent witness to their struggles. Below the image, red numbers scrolled rapidly: Virelli Family Debt, Foreclosure, Liquidation.
Drifter took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. What caught his attention was a note at the bottom:
Victim of the Scorchrift Gale that destroyed Trelmeth City.
He tapped the report, and images of devastation filled the screen: rubble, scorched fields, and the ashes of a ruined city. As he scrolled through a list of victims, his eyes stopped at one name: Gianna Virelli.
Drifter stared at the screen for a long moment, his breath steady but thoughtful. His mind churned over the weight of his thoughts.
Ancient museum relics... suspicious. Is there a history I missed?
He typed: Important History of Vesteria.
The first screen of entries unfolded:
<ul style="text-align: justify">
<li>Pre-Aurea Aetas Era (????): This era is shrouded in mystery. Legends speak of Guardian Beasts guiding life before written history began.</li>
<li>Year 0 Aurea Aetas: The rise of the Holy Selvaria Empire, which subjugated various species to uphold the supremacy of the Silver and Golden Elves.</li>
<li>18XX Aurea Aetas: The birth of the First Celestial Sentinel, the first Primordial to emerge from a non-Primordial species.</li>
<li>1866 Aurea Aetas: The First Celestial Sentinel began freeing enslaved races from Selvaria''s dominion, bringing hope to all of Vesteria.</li>
<li>1870 Aurea Aetas: The First Celestial Sentinel established a free settlement near Oridae—now known as Verm—creating a new life for those freed.</li>
<li>1870–1920s Aurea Aetas: The Creator revealed sacred texts to the First Celestial Sentinel, who then founded the Faith Religion, based on teachings of love, justice, and freedom.</li>
<li>1920s Aurea Aetas: The First Celestial Sentinel died under mysterious circumstances, weakening the morale and resolve of liberated settlements.</li>
</ul>
Scrolling quickly, his eyes stopped on a specific line:
"1070–1072 Ad Felicitas: The Cult of Shadronis Conflict—a dangerous faction wielding dark artifacts and ancient powers, nearly bringing global destruction before being defeated by the Evocaier Order and global authorities."
Cult of Shadronis Drifter thought, typing the name into the console.
A new entry appeared:
The Cult of Shadronis believed the world was corrupt and sinful. Their leader, Shadronis, claimed to be third Celestial Sentinel, sacred entity sent by the Creator to lead the world away from sin.
Drifter’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening.The Third Sentinel? Nonsense.
But his thoughts drifted to Jaxon and his mysterious cargo.
Those items... could they be dark artifacts disguised as something else?
He shut the console with a swift motion and stood. Without wasting time, he left the room, his steps resolute as he headed toward Friedrich’s office. Drifter knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Friedrich’s voice called from inside.
Drifter entered and took a seat as Friedrich politely gestured toward the chair before his large desk, which was cluttered with scattered documents. Morning light streamed through the large window behind Friedrich, casting sharp contrasts across his serious expression.
"I’ve read your report, Drifter. Is there anything you’d like to add?" Friedrich asked, his tone measured.
Drifter took a deep breath, meeting his gaze. "Professor, could this incident be connected to the Cult of Shadronis?"
Friedrich paused, his gaze falling to the desk. After a long moment, he exhaled heavily. "I don’t think so, Drifter. The Cult of Shadronis has long been eradicated."
Friedrich paused, rubbing his face slowly. They were just a group of dark mages with strange beliefs, attacking small villages while avoiding major cities. Without advanced technology, they relied entirely on dark magic. History likely exaggerated their threat to discourage others from following in their footsteps. But the stigma they left behind... it was devastating. Everyone associated with them was executed—including children. It was a harsh decision, but at the time, it was seen as necessary."
His voice lowered to a near whisper, his gaze distant as if reliving the past. "Many of them were just victims of circumstance. But the world never gave them a second chance."
Drifter leaned forward slightly. "And what about the Cube, Professor? Could it be one of their artifacts?"
Friedrich shook his head slowly. "If it truly were a Shadronis artifact, Grandmaster Amisha would recognize it. She led their suppression. Anything linked to them would be known to her."
The room fell silent again. Friedrich leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp. "But if you sense something wrong, trust your instincts, Drifter. Just don’t act recklessly. This is a gray area—don’t move without solid evidence."
Drifter nodded."Thank you, Professor," he said before rising and leaving.
Exiting the office, Drifter continued to ponder the connection between the cube, Shadornis, and its possible implications. His thoughts were interrupted by a vibration on his wrist. Glancing down, he saw a message on his Lumina Core—a short note from Jaxon:
“Meet me at the cafeteria. I need to discuss something.”
Without hesitation, Drifter replied:
“On my way.”
Drifter instantly left the academic wings and made his way to the Training & Recreation Zone. As he arrived, the cafeteria—a boxy, glassy building with some outdoor seating—buzzed with laughter and conversation. Rich aromas of spices filled the air from tables laden with food. In the corner, Jaxon sat at a table, waving energetically.
Drifter approached, his steps steady, and sat down without ceremony.
Jaxon, with his signature grin, gestured to the holo-menu on the table. “What’ll it be, boss? My treat.”
Drifter raised an eyebrow. “No need. If you’re trying to bribe me, make it a billion Vessite. That’s more tempting.”
Jaxon burst into laughter, slapping the table. “Hahaha! Who has that kind of money? Don’t joke. Come on, let me thank you properly.”
Drifter stared at him for a moment before relenting. “Fine. If you insist.”
Before they could order, Jaxon’s Lumina Core chimed. He looked at it and smiled.
"Ah, it’s Gianna. My sister wants to talk. You okay with that?" Jaxon asked.
Drifter nodded slightly. "Go ahead."
Gianna’s face appeared on the holographic screen—she had soft, wavy, shoulder-length brown hair and a cheerful expression.
"Hi, Mr. Drifter. Thank you for watching over my reckless brother," her synthetic voice said as she typed.
A faint smile crossed Drifter’s face. He typed quickly, his tone dry. "Reckless is right."
Jaxon peeked at the screen, feigning offense. "Wow! Even my sister roasts me now, huh?"
Drifter paused, his gaze softening. He typed slowly, his message brief but meaningful. "Take care. Stay strong."
Gianna’s reply came almost instantly: "Thank you, Mr. Drifter. It means a lot to me."
The cafeteria''s noise continued, but for a moment, the world seemed to pause. Jaxon stared at the screen longer than usual, his smile shifting into something more genuine. Removing his signature sunglasses, his brown eyes met Drifter’s with rare sincerity.
"Thanks again, Drifter. If you ever need anything, let me know," Jaxon said.
Drifter looked at him calmly, one brow slightly raised. "Relax. By the way, unusual for you to ditch your shades."
Jaxon chuckled. Drifter leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping across the lively cafeteria.
For a brief moment, the tension of the cube, Mina’s mysterious device, and the cult of Shadronis weighing on his thoughts seemed to lift.