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)
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
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.
<div>
<div>
<div>
Scorchrift Gale that devastated his hometown, Trelmeth Town, he tapped the report, and images of destruction filled the screen: rubble, scorched fields, and the ashes of a ruined city. As he scrolled through the list of victims, his gaze settled on one name—Gianna Virelli.
This time, the screen revealed something more personal. Jaxon was shown standing beside an older man, a faint smile on his face. Behind them, a small, dilapidated house stood as a silent witness to their struggles. Below the image, red numbers scrolled rapidly, detailing the Virelli family''s debt, foreclosure, and the liquidation of their farm business.
Drifter narrowed his eyes at the screen, his thoughts heavy. So that’s how it is… He wasn’t lying. Poor guy.
He stared at the screen for a long moment before shifting his focus. Now, he had to search for any clues about the skull-faced enemy.
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.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.
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.