The courtyard buzzed with morning activity as Drifter made his way to the simulation room. He could hear Lorcan, Sloane, and Reine trailing behind him, their voices blending into the soft hum of the academy.


    When the sudden crackle of the synthetic voice cut through the air, everything fell silent.


    "Attention… all students, instructors, and members of the Evocaier Order, please pay attention to the following announcement."


    Drifter raised his eyes to see a towering holographic screen flicker to life above the courtyard. Grandmaster Lysander''s stern, composed face stared out at the gathered crowd.


    "Members of the Evocaier Order, both novices and veterans. Our Order stands at a crossroads. The challenges ahead are unlike anything we have faced before." He said.


    Drifter felt the tension grow around him as Lysander continued.


    "The underground city of Riemabour, once considered the safest in Verm, is now under threat. An ancient portal has been discovered beneath the city. Its activation could unleash monsters."


    "The Evocaier Order will dispatch an advanced team. Those who are ready, gather at the Riemabour Diplomatic Hall tomorrow. The safety of our world depends on your strength and determination."


    As the screen dimmed, Drifter sensed the ripples of tension through the courtyard. Whispers rose like smoke until Lorcan broke the silence with his ever-present grin.


    "Finally! You''re joining, right, Old Man?" Lorcan said.


    Drifter folded his arms, meeting Lorcan''s eager gaze with calm assurance. "Of course."


    "It''s terrifying, isn''t it?" Reine''s voice cracked beside him. "Riemabour''s never been attacked. What if—"


    Sloane cut in, her hand landing lightly on Reine''s shoulder. "Relax. The Order has this under control. No one''s touching Riemabour."


    Drifter watched as Reine exhaled, the tension visibly easing from his shoulders. He turned at the sound of deliberate, sharp footsteps approaching. Luna Sabriel strode toward them, flanked by Jaxon Virelli and Alina Walsh.


    "Hey, Drifter." Jaxon raised a hand. "Coming with us? We''re finalizing the plans for tomorrow."


    Drifter felt his jaw tighten as curiosity and sense of duty firmed his resolve. He gave a curt nod. "That''s the idea."


    Before anyone could move, Lorcan move to Alina, raising his hand with his characteristic boldness. "Hey, Alina, can the three of us tag along? Promise, no trouble." He gestured toward Sloane and Reine, who both looked half-eager, half-anxious.


    Alina crossed her arms. "You three? Honestly, you''re walking magnets for trouble. No way. You''ll just make things more chaotic."


    Jaxon said "They''ve got potential, Alina. We''ll keep them in check. Right, Drifter?"


    He gave a slight nod in response. Alina groaned. "Fine. But screw this up, and—" Her unfinished threat hung in the air like a blade.


    Lorcan''s triumphant grin flashed bright. "Thanks, Alina! Knew you''d come around."


    "Thanks, boss," Sloane laughed. "I''ll even do extra research notes."


    "Don''t mess this up," Jaxon added.


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    As they finalized the plan, many were joining, but Drifter was in Group 2 with Alina, Jaxon, Luna, Lorcan, Sloane, and Reine. He ended the day lost in thought, wondering what they would face in the portal.


    The next morning, they traveled to the West Verm Plain via the translocator, making their way toward the Eirencrest Mountains. Spotting a nearby station, they boarded the Skyrail.


    Drifter leaned against the window as the Skyrail descended steadily into the depths below. His gaze remained fixed on the breathtaking view unfolding before him.


    Tier 1, the city’s first layer. industrial structures came into view—busy platforms where traders unloaded goods, automaton units moved with precisely , and Evocaier Order guards stood watch.


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    After clearing security, the group descended further into Tier 2, the city’s central layer. Towering buildings with glowing designs lined the streets. The bustling crowds majority with suits moved alongside automaton units and Alcheriders, while the massive Luminor Lake, surrounded by lush green parks, added a serene contrast to the urban energy.


    "I didn''t think an underground city could look like this… how did they even build something like this?" he muttered, his eyes taking in every detail of the massive underground metropolis.


    To his left, Reine spoke quietly. "It''s my first time here too… It''s incredible."


    On his right, Jaxon reclined casually. "See? Good thing you came. Would''ve been a crime to miss this," he quipped.


    Ahead of them, Alina said. "This city isn''t just beautiful. It''s critical to Vesteria—a major trade hub and one of the largest automaton manufacturers."


    "That''s why we can''t let it fall," Luna said evenly.


    When they arrived at the Diplomatic Hall, Drifter took in the white rectangular building with the Evocaier Order logo—a lotus flanked by wings—prominently engraved on its fa?ade. Inside, the hall buzzed with hushed conversations that seemed to press against his skin like a tangible force.


    His attention was drawn to Grandmaster Lysander and Amisha standing in quiet discussion at the front of the room. Then, from across the hall, he watched as Amisha approached the crowd, the spectral raven on her shoulder lazily fluttering its wings. The crowd parted for her like water before a ship''s prow.


    She stopped before Lorcan, and Drifter noticed her faint but sharp smile. "Still as energetic as ever, Lorcan. How''s Chimia these days?"


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Lorcan scratched the back of his head, his grin turning sheepish under her scrutiny. "She''s fine… I think. Haven''t heard from her this month, though. You know how she is."


    Drifter observed the subtle softening in Amisha''s expression as she nodded. "I know. She''s always unpredictable. Take care of yourself, Lorcan."


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    Lorcan relaxed and waved with exaggerated enthusiasm. "You too, Aunt Amisha. But no weird surprises tomorrow, okay?"


    Beside him, Sloane and Reine exchanged wide-eyed glances. Beside him, Sloane and Reine exchanged wide-eyed glances.


    As Amisha left, Sloane leaned in. "Dude. I’ve known you since public school, and you never mentioned you had ties to the Grandmaster herself."


    Lorcan shrugged. "Relax. She’s not my boss or anything—just an old friend of my grandma’s. It’s not a big deal."


    They moved to the back and merged with the crowd. Drifter noticed Friedrich Rosenthal standing at the center of the room, surrounded by academy students: Alma, Nadia, Caelus, Vaeloria, Lily, Mia, Alyssa, Bryan, and Erick.


    Drifter approached Friedrich. "Quite a crowd here, Professor."


    "Yes, they insisted on coming. But it’ll be good experience for them," Friedrich replied.


    From across the room, a cheerful voice broke the quiet as Alma and Nadia waved enthusiastically. "Hi, Drifter!"


    Drifter responded with a smile and a brief nod. "Hello. nice to see you two."


    Not far away, Lorcan Grindelwald smirked at Vaeloria, Mia, and Lily. "Well, well, am I seeing this right? You all decided to tag along too?"


    "Obviously. Riemabour’s the fashion capital, isn’t it?" Vaeloria said with a smile.


    Mia, the girl with long, wavy hair, crossed her arms. "Why do you care so much, Lorcan? Just chill."


    Lily, the petite girl with a short purple bob, added, "Sorry if our priorities seem a little different."


    Lorcan chuckled. "Knew it. There’s always a reason with you lot."


    He turned to Caelus Amelioris, who stood nearby with Alyssa, Bryan, and Erick. "Hey, Caelus, why don’t you hang out with us? It''ll be fun, bro."


    Caelus shrugged. "I’ll pass. Sticking with the professor."


    Alyssa crossed her arms. "Oh, come on, Lorcan. Just because you’re buddy-buddy with the Grandmaster doesn’t mean you can order everyone around."


    Lorcan grinned."Who’s ordering? I’m just making an offer."


    Nearby, Sloane Gast leaned toward Lorcan with a laugh. "Bryan, Erick, you better keep an eye on Alyssa, or the monsters might come after her again."


    Bryan gave a quick nod."On it."


    Erick glanced nervously at the room. "Let’s just hope nobody starts arguing this time…"


    As Drifter turned, a familiar voice greeted him. "Hey, you joining too?"


    The cheerful tone belonged to Reina Lindt, her smile warm.


    From another direction, Xaltherion approached, his composed demeanor intact. "Looks like we meet again, Drifter."


    Behind him, Helvra Valka followed, her sharp gaze friendly. "Maybe we’ll finally work on a mission together this time?"


    Drifter nodded. "Yeah… good to see you all again."


    Behind them, the enigmatic Vilreth Ravoth—his dark blue hair framing his sharp features, clad in full black attire—moved silently. Without a word, he offered a brief nod before retreating to lean against the wall.


    The banter continued: Reina chatted with Reine, Lorcan, Sloane, while Drifter spoke with Xaltherion and Helvra, and the room was full of people talking, the sound buzzing in the air.


    Finally, Grandmaster Lysander stepped onto the podium. As he did, the hall fell into a deep silence.


    "Thank you all for being here. Today, we face a threat that cannot be ignored. The portal discovered beneath this city is a real and imminent danger."


    Lysander paused, his sharp gaze sweeping the room with an intensity that Drifter could feel from where he stood. "Teams will be divided into two. One team will strengthen the defenses alongside the golems, while the other—the exploration team—will venture into uncharted territory. I will personally lead the exploration team."


    The hushed whispers that spread through the hall spoke to the gravity of the situation. The Grandmaster leading personally was unprecedented.


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    Luna rose from her chair, her expression unreadable. "I''ll join the exploration team," she declared.


    "We''re coming too," Alina added. "Can''t let her go off on her own, can we?"


    "The quartet''s back in action, right, pal?" Jaxon said.


    Drifter nodded slightly. "Wouldn''t miss it."


    His chest tightened with a complex mixture of gratitude, duty and trust. After everything Luna had done for him, he couldn''t let her face the unknown alone.


    Reine stood nervously. "I-I’ll go too. I won’t let anyone down."


    Vaeloria turned sharply, concern in her eyes, but held back from speaking.


    Nearby, Reina Lindt widened her eyes in surprise at her younger brother’s bold declaration. Beside her, Helvra Valka smiled faintly, watching the silent exchange with quiet amusement.


    "Wow, Reine! You’re stepping up before me this time? That’s a first!" Lorcan grinning.


    "We’re all in this together, right? No splitting up." Sloane said.


    Alina Walsh raising a hand to her forehead. "You three should just help the defense team. Don’t make it harder for everyone."


    Before she could finish, Lorcan spun around to face Grandmaster Amisha. "Auntie, we’re coming along, okay? Please?"


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    Amisha raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. "You sure you''re ready for this, Lorcan?"


    With unwavering confidence, Lorcan met her gaze. "You bet I am."


    There was a long pause as Amisha looked at him, then she nodded. "Alright. Let him join, it will good experience for him."


    Alina''s eyes widened. "What? Seriously?"


    Lorcan waved cheerfully at Alina, grinning. "You hear that? Officially approved."


    Drifter gaze shifted as Grandmaster Lysander approached Luna.


    "Good to see you well, Luna," Lysander said.


    “We’re in your care, Grandmaster,” Luna replied.


    When Lysander turned to Drifter, he asked, "How’s Paxluma? Still weighing on you, isn’t it?"


    There was a long pause. Drifter wasn’t sure how to answer.What did Lysander mean by that? He chose to answer with polite formality.


    “I’m well, sir. Paxluma is part of my past now.”


    "The Cube’s purpose remains unclear, but we must prepare for the worst. If its power threatens balance, hesitation will cost us dearly," Lysander said.


    “I share your resolve, Grandmaster,” Drifter replied.


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    As the speech concluded, the group took the Skyrail, which carried them deeper into Riemabour, descending into Tier 3. As it passed through the residential area, Drifter observed the calm faces of people going about their routines. The streets buzzed with activity, filled with Alcheriders weaving through the crowds— a stark contrast to the looming threat beneath the city.


    “No evacuations. That’s either confidence in us or no better options,” Jaxon said.


    “Let’s hope it’s the former,” Alina replied.


    As the Skyrail passed through Tier 4, Drifter’s gaze shifted toward the Asherforge Dynamics Headquarters. This layer seemed focused on automaton production, enchanted machinery, and synthetic materials.


    He observed the artificial agriculture zones, where artificial irrigation and weather control systems worked seamlessly to grow food and medicinal plants.


    Turning around, Drifter glanced out the window again. The Artificial Savanna came into view, providing conservation areas for endangered species and serving as a popular attraction for those in the city.


    When they finally reached Tier 5, he saw the ancient portal at the center of the activity, swirling wildly with oppressive energy. A large crowd had gathered, with defense units and numerous metallic hovering golems—GRX-098 "Virtus Castigat"—standing guard while.


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    As the teams prepared nearby, Friedrich, the students, Reina, Helvra, and Xaltherion offered words of encouragement and hope for their safe return. Meanwhile, Vilreth seemed to lean back, observing the team.


    At the front, Grandmaster Lysander commanded, “Once we cross, we move as one. Luna, take point. Alina, secure our flanks. Drifter, Jaxon, stay close. Everyone else—stay alert and ready. If this place can disable a golem, it won’t hesitate to do worse to us.”


    Drifter exchanged glances with his companions. The quiet determination in their eyes mirrored his own. Every step toward the looming danger was a burden he had chosen to bear, and he would not falter now.