The courtyard buzzed with morning activity as Drifter made his way to the simution 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 nding lightly on Reine's shoulder. "Rex. 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, fnked by Jaxon Virelli and Alina Walsh.

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

  As they finalized the pn, more joined the effort. Drifter was assigned to Group 2 with Fridriech, Luna, Alina, and Jaxon, leading novices from Equites, a css at the academy that included Lorcan, Alma, and others. That night, he searched the arcane network, pondering what y beyond the portal. By morning, they translocated to the West Verm Pin, heading 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 yer. industrial structures came into view—busy ptforms where traders unloaded goods, automaton units moved with precisely , and Evocaier Order guards stood watch.

  After clearing security, the group descended further into Tier 2, the city’s central yer. 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.

  Alma gasped beside him. "I know, right? 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, Friedrich said. "Looks nice, doesn't it? But it's more than that—Vesteria depends on this pce. Trade, automatons… it's all built here.”

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

  When they arrived at the Diplomatic Hall, Drifter took in the white rectangur building with the Evocaier Order logo—a lotus fnked 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.

  Drifter's gaze shifted to Grandmaster Lysander and Amisha, engaged in quiet discussion at the front. He wondered if Mina and Ragnar were absent due to another task. Scanning the room, he noticed many unfamiliar faces—likely gathered from across Verudia and Verm.

  Then, from across the hall, Amisha moved toward the crowd, the spectral raven on her shoulder zily fluttering its wings. The crowd parted before her like water around 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?"

  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."

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

  Drifter surprised as lorcan Nearby, his cssmates exchanged wide-eyed gnces. Sloane and Reine shared a look before Sloane leaned in as Amisha walked away.

  "Dude, I’ve known you since public school, and you never mentioned you had ties to the Grandmaster herself."

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

  With that, they slipped to the back and blended into the crowd.

  As Drifter turned, a familiar voice greeted him.

  "Hey, you joining too?"

  Reina Lindt's warm smile matched her cheerful tone.

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

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

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

  Nearby, Vilreth Ravoth moved silently. He gave a brief nod before leaning against the wall, watching.

  The room buzzed with conversation—Reina encouraged her little brother, Lorcan, while chatting with Reine, and Sloane chimed in. Drifter spoke with Xaltherion and Helvra, the hum of voices filling the space.

  Then, Grandmaster Lysander stepped onto the podium. The hall fell silent instantly.

  "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."

  Hushed whispers spread through the hall, a clear sign of the moment's gravity. The Grandmaster leading personally was unheard of.

  “My Lightbringer team is on standby outside, leading the others,” Lysander said. “Unfortunately, Amisha's Chimia team isn’t present either… We need someone with experience in ancient ruins. Since Chimia isn’t here—”

  He gnced at Luna, who remained calm, as if she'd already anticipated this. Then, he turned back to Friedrich. “Is your team ready?”

  Friedrich exchanged a look with Drifter, Luna, and Jaxon before nodding. “That’s why we’re here. We’re at your command, Grandmaster.”

  They nodded, expressions firm.

  Jaxon smirked. “Well, looks like our quartet’s back in action.”

  Drifter, Luna, and Alina exchanged faint smiles. When Drifter gnced at Luna, she quickly looked away—only for him to do the same, a slight blush creeping in.

  Jaxon chuckled, clearly amused.

  As the speech concluded, Grandmaster Lysander stepped toward Luna. "Good to see you, Luna. I’ll be relying on your insight for this."

  Luna met his gaze, unwavering. "I won’t disappoint, Grandmaster. We’ll handle this carefully."

  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 bance, hesitation will cost us dearly," Lysander said.

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

  As he spoke, he noticed Luna, Friedrich, Jaxon, and Alina gathered around Lysander, pressing him for any details he had about the portal.

  Meanwhile, Lorcan hurried over to Amisha.

  “Auntie… please, can I come?” he blurted out, striking a pleading pose.

  The crowd shifted, murmurs spreading as eyes turned to him. Novices weren’t usually allowed on missions like this. His cssmates whispered among themselves, while Reine, looking uneasy, stepped forward in support.

  Sloane groaned, running a hand down his face He sighed before throwing up his hands. “Fine. Whatever.” Then, with exaggerated reluctance, he joined in.

  Amisha met Lorcan’s gaze, then looked to Friedrich.

  "Well? Are they ready?" she asked.

  Friedrich crossed his arms. “The mission is dangerous. In my opinion, they’re not ready.”

  Amisha gnced at Lorcan. His gaze didn’t waver. Something in his expression made her pause—stirring a distant, painful memory. She exhaled, shaking her head.

  "Alright… it might be good experience for them," she admitted. "But stay close to me and follow our commands. No exceptions."

  Friedrich's eyes widened slightly but he said nothing. Behind them, Alina murmured in disbelief.

  "Yeah! Thanks, Auntie!" Lorcan grinned.

  Reine let out a breath, relieved. Sloane groaned again, rubbing his temples.

  Then Caelus stepped forward. “If he’s going, I’m going too.”

  "This sounds like a great experience! I’m in! Right, Nadia?" Alma added.

  Nadia gave a firm nod.

  Vaeloria hesitated, gncing at Reine before smirking. “Well… who knows? Maybe there’s an otherworldly shopping mall waiting for me on the other side..” She chuckled.

  More whispers rippled through the crowd. Even among their cssmates, Vaeloria volunteering was unexpected. more and more voluntering.

  Friedrich sighed, eyeing Alma, but chose to stay quiet.

  Amisha turned to Lysander, her expression silently asking for his opinion.

  Lysander considered for a moment before nodding. “Fine, but only six novices. No more than that.”

  After a brief discussion, Lorcan, Reine, Sloane, Alma, Caelus, and Vaeloria were chosen, ensuring a banced mix of csses and elemental abilities. Though some students, like Alyssa, were disappointed, they accepted the decision without protest.

  With their preparations complete, they gathered potions, elemental orbs, and other supplies before boarding the Skyrail. The transport hummed to life, carrying them deeper into Riemabour, descending into Tier 3. As they passed through the residential district, Drifter watched the people below—calm, going about their routines. The streets bustled with activity, Alcheriders weaving through the crowds.

  It was a stark contrast to the looming threat beneath the city.

  "No evacuations. That’s either confidence in us or no better options," Jaxon muttered.

  Alina folded her arms. "Let’s hope it’s the former."

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

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

  Turning back to the window, Drifter’s eyes fell on the Artificial Savanna, a sprawling conservation area designed to protect endangered species. It also doubled as a popur attraction for the city’s residents.

  When they finally reached Tier 5, Drifter’s attention locked onto the ancient portal at the center of the commotion. Swirling with oppressive energy, it had drawn a rge crowd. Defense units stood on high alert, while various eight-meter hovering golems of the Order guarded the perimeter in silent vigince.

  As the teams prepared nearby, the academy instructors the students give them cheers, Reina, Helvra, and Xaltherion offered words of encouragement and hope for their safe return. Vilreth, however, leaned back, his gaze observant and detached, watching the group with quiet scrutiny.

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

  Drifter exchanged gnces with his companions. The quiet determination in their eyes mirrored his own.