[Location: Jaladri Ocean –Night – 2 Days before Night of Sarjavah Festival - Year: 1092 Ad Felicitas]


    Friedrich heard the hum of the Alcherider Abyselt’s engines, a soft electric thrum that contrasted with the deep silence of the Jaladri Ocean.


    Through the transparent walls of the submersible, he watched the water grow darker as they descended, the vessel’s oval frame slicing through the abyss. Only the faint glow of the Alcherider’s lights pierced the gloom.


    At the helm, Jaxon gripped the controls with a steady hand, his face shadowed beneath his hood.


    Friedrich felt the tension creeping in. In his thoughts, he questioned Virendra’s true motives.


    Beside him, Hunter sat motionless, his mechanical frame eerily still.


    "Thanks for joining us, Hunter," Friedrich murmured, glancing at their companion.


    "No problem, Commander. It''s what I do," Hunter replied, his mechanical voice echoing in the cramped space.


    He paused, then added, "Still... didn''t expect you to take a job like this. Sea route''s a risk."


    "There wasn''t much choice. The sea route offers us the best chance. They won''t expect us," Friedrich explained, his tone steady.


    "I figured. But Virendra... clean reputation and all. Never thought he''d be the one pulling strings like this," Hunter mused.


    "He''s dangerous, Hunter. We''re nothing but pawns to him," Friedrich warned grimly.


    Before Hunter could respond, the submersible shuddered violently, sending a jolt through their bodies. A deep rumble resonated from below, a terrifying sound that echoed through the very depths of the ocean.


    "Uh, guys... brace yourselves. That''s the Abyssal Leviathan. And it''s big," Jaxon called out, his voice tense.


    Without hesitation, Friedrich rose from his seat, grabbed a breathing mask, put it on, and headed to the sealed door, with Hunter following close behind.


    "You sure you''re good to go outside? Your body is mechanical, isn''t it?" Friedrich questioned.


    "Don''t worry. I''m waterproof," Hunter assured him, his mechanical voice carrying a hint of amusement.


    As the sealed door opened, Friedrich materialized his armor, mace, and greatshield, while Hunter summoned his weapon—his white cross sword, Vindex, crackling with purple lightning.


    When Friedrich looked into the abyssal darkness, a flicker of fear surfaced— his gaze faltered.


    Again, Ragnar’s words echoed in his mind.


    "Failure is not an option."


    His grip tightened on his mace and greatshield, his jaw clenching.


    They submerged into the depths, their natural barriers shielding them from the crushing pressure, though the water’s weight made their movements slow and heavy.


    Friedrich cast Blessing of Light, a radiant aura enveloping both himself and Hunter, immediately lightening their bodies against the crushing depths around them.


    The water began to churn violently as the unmistakable shadow of the Abyssal Leviathan passed overhead.


    Its dark green serpentine form was covered in black jagged scales, and its sheer size caused a shift in the water pressure, sending them drifting.


    Then came the roar—a deafening, primal sound that reverberated through the water, shaking the very bones of the submersible. Friedrich cursed under his breath.


    As the Leviathan drew closer, it opened its massive maw, lunging to devour Friedrich.


    He dodged the attack smoothly, countering with Light Bolt Barrage—his sigils flaring to life as concentrated bolts of light streaked toward the beast.


    The attacks seemed to have no effect, merely glancing off its armored hide.


    Hunter attempted to close the distance, his cross sword crackling with lightning as he struck, but his blade deflected harmlessly off the creature''s jagged scales. The impact sent him tumbling backward through the water.


    The creature''s jaws gaped wide once more, this time targeting Hunter. Friedrich reacted instantly, casting Guardian Ward—a massive radiant shield materialized between Hunter and the beast''s mouth.


    The ward took the full force of the bite, buying time for Hunter to recover. His body transformed into purple lightning as he propelled himself away from the Leviathan. The Guardian Ward finally shattered under the pressure, dissolving into particles of golden light.


    From a safe distance, Hunter raised his left arm. A massive ball of purple lightning erupted from his palm, striking the Leviathan with devastating force.


    The energy spread across its body, destroying several jagged scales along its back. The beast''s roar of pain echoed through the depths.


    As the creature thrashed in agony, Friedrich unleashed Blade of Virtue, channeling light energy into Clariven.


    His mace transformed into a glowing blade of pure radiance. With a powerful swing, he carved through the Leviathan''s exposed flank where Hunter''s attack had destroyed its scales. Dark blood clouded the ocean waters around the wound.


    The Leviathan retaliated, releasing a powerful sonic pulse that shook the surrounding waters. The alcherider trembled violently while Hunter and Friedrich''s natural barriers flickered under the strain, the shockwave leaving them disoriented for a critical moment.


    In an instant, the water transformed into rapid whirlpools that targeted Hunter and Friedrich. Friedrich raised his greatshield in defense, but though the whirlpool clashed against his protection, he found himself trapped in its vortex. Regret hit him like a weight in his chest. He should have moved. He should have seen it coming.


    The Leviathan surged forward with terrifying speed, its massive jaws yawning wide, ready to swallow Friedrich whole.


    His heart pounded.


    Trapped in the vortex, he struggled, muscles burning as he fought to break free—but the water held him fast.


    "Overdrive initiated," Hunter''s mechanical voice intoned coldly.


    Vents along Hunter''s body suddenly opened, releasing streams of blue energy. A sharp hissing sound echoed through the water, followed by an explosion of electrical vibrations that rippled through the currents.


    His glowing blue eyes shifted to a fierce red as he moved with impossible speed, positioning himself between the trapped Friedrich and the approaching Leviathan. Hunter raised his cross sword, Vindex, its blade crackling with purple lightning.


    "Blitzurteil!" Hunter roared.


    A massive cross-shaped slash of lightning cut through the water, traveling directly into the Leviathan''s gaping maw. The attack carved a brutal ''+'' shaped wound inside the creature''s mouth, halting its advance. The beast''s agonized roar echoed through the depths.


    With precise movements, Hunter seized Friedrich and pulled him free from the whirlpool’s grasp.


    Relief—and gratitude—flooded Friedrich.


    Hunter was more than just an informant. He was a reliable ally.


    Though he had only ever seen Hunter’s mechanical face, the touch of his cold, metal hand against his own sparked something unexpected.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    A faint smile crossed Friedrich’s lips.


    The wounded Leviathan retreated, sinking into the abyss, its massive shadow vanishing into the murky depths—only to lunge upward moments later, jaws wide, aiming for Jaxon’s Alcherider.


    Inside the cockpit, Jaxon gritted his teeth, hands tightening on the controls. Sweat dripped down his temple as he forced the Alcherider into a sudden burst of speed, narrowly evading the beast’s snapping maw.


    Friedrich move to intercept but he seen A sudden surge of energy flashed through the water—Hunter transformed into a streak of purple lightning, cutting through the depths faster than the eye could follow.


    In the blink of an eye, he was upon the Leviathan, driving his Crossword into the exposed section where the jagged scales had been torn apart.


    As the Crossword embedded itself into the Leviathan''s body, Hunter was violently thrown back, but the blade remained lodged in the creature’s flesh.


    Instantly, lightning surged from the sword, rippling through the water and coursing deep into the beast’s massive frame. The ocean around them blazed with brilliant violet arcs, the energy crackling violently as the Leviathan thrashed in agony.


    Its movements grew increasingly erratic, each jolt of lightning paralyzing its colossal body.


    The water around them churned with raw energy as the charge intensified, the Leviathan writhing uncontrollably.


    Finally, the creature fell still, its massive body suspended in the dark waters. Slowly, it began to ascend, lifeless, drifting toward the faint light filtering from above.


    Hunter''s vent closed, and he lay motionless in the water. Friedrich approached him, lifting him carefully and bringing him back to the Alcherider as they opened the sealed door.


    "Great work out there, nice save," Friedrich said, carrying Hunter.


    "Just doing my job, Commander," Hunter replied, still being supported by Friedrich.


    As they entered the Alcherider, Jaxon turned toward them.


    "That was close... Thanks, Professor, Hunter," Jaxon said, breathing a sigh of relief.


    Friedrich smiled, nodding as he continued to carry Hunter before gently setting him down in one of the seats.


    "Are you alright?" Friedrich asked, his voice softer.


    "I’m fine... just need to rest for a bit," Hunter replied, his voice a bit strained.


    The Alcherider Abyselt glided silently through the obsidian waters, continuing its journey toward the looming silhouette of the Underwater Prison—a black monolith submerged in the abyss.


    "Well, we’re here, folks." Jaxon said from the cockpit, his voice calm as he turned to face the others.


    His gaze lingered on Hunter, who remained seated, unmoving.


    "Professor, we can handle this with just the two of us. Let Hunter stay here..." Jaxon said, casually. "The security’s light, and I’ve already got the layout memorized."


    Friedrich glanced at Jaxon, then back at Hunter, still motionless.


    "Yeah... they won’t expect us from this side. No one’s crazy enough to face the sea monsters down here."


    Friedrich turned to Hunter. "Stay here. We’ll be back in no time."


    "Understood, Commander," Hunter replied.


    Without another word, Jaxon and Friedrich slipped out of the Alcherider, the crushing pressure of the deep ocean pressing against them despite the protection of their barriers. Jaxon led the way as they descended toward the prison.


    Reaching the wall of the structure, Jaxon summoned a thin line of fire magic, slicing through the water vent with precise control. As it opened, they slipped inside, following the dark, narrow passageway, finally leaving the damp route behind.


    Light began to filter through, revealing the corridor ahead—eerily quiet, no patrolling orbs or any sign of movement. Jaxon’s gaze swept across the surroundings, his mind already tracing the layout of the Vestra system. Every detail etched itself into his memory, each step calculated, deliberate. They moved as one, silent and unseen, blending seamlessly into the shadows.


    At the intersection, Jaxon suddenly grabbed Friedrich’s hand. Without hesitation, they transformed into fire, surging forward in a swift burst, maneuvering past a patrolling orb undetected. Within moments, they arrived at their destination—a vast chamber lined with cells, each sealed behind a shimmering blue barrier.


    Stopping at Cell 713, Jaxon quickly keyed in a code provided by Virendra. With a faint click, the door unlocked without triggering an alarm.


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    Inside, a humanoid figure resembling an owl—a female Strigidae—turned toward them. She matched the image Virendra had shown them: Na’theva Irma.


    Beside her stood a towering Ursidae, a humanoid figure resembling a bear. His white fur stood out sharply against the dim light, and his green eyes gleamed with caution.


    "Who—?" Na''theva’s voice betrayed surprise as she saw them and began to stand.


    "We need to move. Now. Trust us," Friedrich said firmly.


    Na''theva’s gaze flickered to the Ursidae man.


    His lips twitched into a faint smile, and with a subtle nod, he stepped forward.


    Slowly, Na''theva exhaled, her fingers tightening around the edge of the door before she followed.


    With the door secured behind them, they moved quickly through the prison’s corridors, carefully retracing their steps to avoid detection. At last, they emerged into the dark ocean, where the Alcherider awaited—a glowing beacon in the abyss. As the hatch opened, they swam toward it, the weight of their mission settling heavily on their shoulders.


    Once inside, Na''theva let out a quiet breath. "I don’t know who you are, but… thank you for this."


    "You have our deepest thanks," the Ursidae man added.


    "Thank Virendra," Friedrich said. "He used us to get you out."


    Na''theva frowned, but said nothing.


    The Ursidae man frowned. "Virendra? That doesn’t make sense. What could he gain from this?"


    Then, his eyes landed on Hunter. His expression shifted in surprise. "Hunter? Is that you? How cold can you get? It’s been a while. Why didn’t you say anything?"


    Hunter turned his head stiffly, his mechanical body whirring. "Oh, Agasthya… Sorry…. I’m glad you’re alright."


    Agasthya gave a dry chuckle. "Well, always Hunter. I see nothing’s changed."


    Friedrich cut in. "Where should we take you?"


    "Just outside the city shoreline. We’ll take it from there. Once again, thank you," Na''theva said.


    "No problem. Take care," Friedrich replied.


    As the Alcherider ascended, the dark waters remained undisturbed. When they reached the shoreline, they waited. Soon, boats arrived, carrying hooded figures clad in black. Without another word, Na’theva and Agasthya stepped aboard and vanished into the night.


    In the boat, Na’theva turned to one of the hooded men beside her.


    "Who were they, really? Do we have any information on them?"


    The man paused before replying. "We’re not certain, ma’am. But according to Elijah’s report, members of the Evocaier Order from Verm were involved in assisting them."


    Na’theva’s expression hardened. "From Verm?"


    She fell into silence, staring out at the endless black sea.


    [Maranagara City – Dawn – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]


    As the alcherider Abyselt made his way through the old harbor district near the hunters'' hideout, Friedrich and Jaxon rode the public skyrail to Maranagara Central District, finally returning to the Vanderlane Grand Hotel. Exhausted, they trudged forward, the first light of dawn painting the sky.


    Reaching their suite, Friedrich stopped and glanced over his shoulder at Jaxon.


    "Good work out there… I didn’t know you had some hidden talents." Friedrich’s tone carried a hint of amusement before shifting to suspicion. Jaxon had been too good at moving unnoticed. "Have you done this kind of thing before?"


    Jaxon hesitated. "Well… simulations, yeah. If I had free time, I’d run them. I kinda like the thrill… Guess it finally paid off."


    "I see." Friedrich offered a faint smile before turning away.


    In his thoughts, he reminded himself that there was no point in delving into someone''s personal life—it could ruin the relationship. Right now, the mission was the priority.


    Then, he noticed Jaxon let out a small sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly.


    As They reached Jaxon’s suite, Room 712. Jaxon gave a casual wave. "Night, Professor."


    Friedrich glanced at him, his smile lingering. "Yeah."


    He turned and entered his own suite at 714.


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    Sinking onto the sofa, he let out a tired sigh. The familiar hum of his Lumina Core activated, sending a soft, almost imperceptible vibration through his wrist. He groaned and lifted it to his face, reluctantly answering. The last thing he needed right now was another conversation with Virendra.


    “What now?” His voice was sharp.


    “Well, that was fast. Good job. As expected from the Evocaier Order.” Virendra’s tone was calm, almost amused. “Don’t worry, no more jobs for you. I’m a man of my word. If you need help, just ask.”


    This was their chance… though it was a dangerous gamble. He had no choice but to ask—he was out of options.


    Friedrich''s brow furrowed. “Can you get us to Yuvaka during the Night of Sarjavah Festival?”


    Virendra smirked. “Easy. Consider it done. Mark my words.”


    “Thank you. I hope you keep your promise,” Friedrich said, his voice edged with caution.


    “Well then… see you later.” Virendra said.


    The connection cut off before Friedrich could respond. He stared at the Lumina Core in his wrist for a moment.


    Well, at least one step was done… now they had the invitations to the ships. Still, he wondered if Virendra would use them again or worse, if it was all part of a trap.


    But now, it was better to call them back.


    Without hesitation, he tapped the call icon on his Lumina Core, dialing Alma, Drifter, and Luna in quick succession. The rings stretched on, each unanswered call gnawing at his nerves. Slowly, cold sweat began to bead on his forehead.


    Then, just as tension began to coil in his chest, Lance Vermonth’s name flashed across the screen.


    As he read Lance’s message, his eyes widened, his heartbeat quickening. Without a second thought, he tapped the icon again, calling Alma, Drifter, and Luna in quick succession.


    But the rings only deepened the silence. Each unanswered call gnawed at him, his anxiety creeping higher with every passing second.


    Why... Don’t tell me—


    A cold spike of dread shot through him. He called Hunter and rushed for the door.


    "Hunter." His voice was sharp, commanding.


    A brief silence followed before a familiar, mechanical voice answered, its tone stoic. "Commander. How can I help?"


    "I’m sorry, it’s urgent. Can you prepare an Alcherider for me?" Friedrich asked, his tone clipped.


    "No worries. It’ll be done." Hunter replied.


    The call ended, and Friedrich was already halfway to the door. His tired legs pushed forward, but the worry gnawing at his gut was far worse than any physical exhaustion.


    Dashing through the hotel corridors, he barely registered the world around him. The city was just waking, the early morning hum filling the streets as he pushed through the crowd.


    His mind raced, the faces of Alma, Drifter, and Luna flashing in his thoughts… each second of delay stretching into an eternity.


    Stay safe... please.