Drifter sprinted with Lysander Everhart and Luna Sabriel at his sides, his spectral bdes and Lysander's wisps keeping the pursuing X creatures at bay. The rhythm of their footfalls echoed in the tunnel as they raced toward what they hoped was safety. As they burst into a vast chamber, Drifter skidded to a halt, his heart sinking at the sight before him.

  Inside, Amisha, Jaxon, and Alina stood motionless, the novices gathered behind them. The massive stone door they had passed through was gone, repced by a rippling wall of spatial distortion beyond comprehension.

  Damn... we're trapped... he thought, his eyes scanning every corner of the room with vigince, his chest tightening as his breath quickened.

  He gnced at Luna, Friedrich and Lysander, noting their heavy breathing. In the distance, the X creatures drew nearer, and Voioscirax floated ominously toward them, its massive wings pulsating with dark energy.

  Drifter attempted an Exalt Shift to escape, but his body smmed into an invisible barrier. "Ugh… failed…" he muttered, struggling to regain his footing.

  Everyone tried to breach the wall with spells and attacks, but all efforts failed. Before they could try again, the X-creatures finally caught up. Forced to abandon the barrier, they turned to fight.

  From a distance, Voioscirax watched—silent, calcuting.

  Lorcan saw even the Grandmaster and instructors struggling, but he still had one st trick up his sleeve. He, Sloane, Caelus, and Reine exchanged determined gnces. Without hesitation, they stepped forward, taking position with unwavering resolve.

  Alma and Vaeloria noticed their movement. Alma moved to stop them, but Vaeloria pced a hand on her arm. "Prepare," she said firmly. Alma met her determined gaze, then nodded and began charging a red magic circle.

  Jaxon caught sight of them. "Hey! What are you doing?" he shouted.

  Lysander’s voice cut through the air. "That creature is beyond your ability! Fall back!"

  But his warning fell on deaf ears. The four advanced toward Voioscirax, their resolve unshaken.

  Reine Lindt’s hands trembled before he tightened his grip on his sword and shield. Taking a slow breath, he cast Winter’s Embrace. A glowing frost circle spread beneath him, snowfkes drifting down as the temperature plummeted. Ice crept up Voioscirax’s dark armor, while the X-creatures slowed, trapped in the creeping cold.

  Sloane Gast surged forward, emerald wind swirling around him. With a burst of speed, he hurled his dagger, casting Whirlwind Vortex. The bde transformed into a massive cyclone, ripping through the battlefield, ensnaring the slowed X-creatures, and forcing Voioscirax back.

  Lorcan Grindelwald smmed his fists into the ground, cracks of darkness splintering outward as Abyssal Eruption took hold. Shadowy tendrils burst forth, surging toward Voioscirax just as Caelus blurred into motion.

  Lightning arced through the air as Caelus Amelioris unleashed Thundercp Vortex, his speed turning him into a purple streak. He struck in tandem with Lorcan’s tendrils, encircling Voioscirax while obliterating the st of the X-creatures.

  Then—an ominous hum. A bck aura pulsed outward. Dark energy exploded across the battlefield, swallowing everything in its path. Shadows recoiled, ice shattered, and the vortex colpsed.

  Lorcan, Caelus, Sloane, and Reine stood frozen, gasping for breath—armor shattered, weapons disintegrated, their bodies drained as their ultimate took its toll.

  Before they could react, Voioscirax vanished—only to reappear behind them, its arm sshing forward with impossible speed. But Vaeloria and Alma were ready. Vaeloria loosed a barrage of homing projectiles from her white bow, while Alma's colossal fireball struck simultaneously, the combined impact staggering the creature.

  Seizing the opening, Drifter blurred into motion with Exalt Shift, Amisha melted into darkness with Void Rift, and Alina streaked forward in a fsh of blue with Cerulean Dash.

  Moving as one, they swept in, pulling their allies away from the brink of death.

  Meanwhile, Jaxon stepped up to hold Voioscirax's attention. "Come at me, you filthy monster!" he roared, unleashing a relentless storm of fiery projectiles.

  In an instant, Voioscirax blinked beside Jaxon, its cws sshing from all directions in a merciless flurry. He dodged and countered, but the relentless assault chipped away at his stamina. His breaths grew ragged, his movements slowing as the creature pressed its advantage.

  Then, cutting through the chaos, a woman’s voice crackled from Amisha’s wrist device. "Amisha, can you hear me? Amisha?"

  Amisha tapped her device, a faint smile appearing despite the dire situation. "Yes, Chimia... Finally, you showed up," she replied, her tone calm yet sharp.

  Lorcan looked up with widened eyes, his voice barely a whisper. "That... that's Grandma's voice?"

  With a controlled yet firm tone, Chimia Grindelwald responded. "We've been trying to destroy this structure from the outside, but it's no use. The only way is to open the Dimensional Door."

  Amisha nodded, her faint smile unwavering. "It's time. We really need it now. Send the portal, and we'll get out," she said briskly.

  The air around them trembled violently. At the far end of the chamber, a Dimensional Door materialized, radiating bright light. From the portal stepped a young woman with flowing violet hair and a wide bck hat, her sharp gaze bringing an unsettling sense of calm.

  Chimia Grindelwald waved her hand casually. "Everyone, into the portal. Now," she commanded firmly.

  Wasting no time, the group sprinted toward the portal. Voioscirax remained still, watching them without making a move.

  On the other side, Chimia sealed the Dimensional Door. Not far from where they nded, three figures stood waiting: a muscur man with red-bck hair and fming greatsword, a man with dark hair wielding a rapier of dark energy, and a woman with long golden hair and pointed ears.

  Amisha stepped forward, her raven nding gracefully on her arm. "Your timing is always perfect, Chimia. Thanks for saving us," she said casually.

  Chimia smirked. "Lucky the message got through in time, Amisha," she replied lightly.

  Lorcan, still catching his breath, let out a weak chuckle. "Grandma? Wow, impressive as always… Thank goodness."

  The group offered their thanks, but Chimia merely shrugged, her smirk widening. "Oh, no need for formalities. But tell me, Lysander… why would you venture into a pce like this without waiting for me?" Her gaze flicked to Amisha, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Or was this whole thing Amisha's brilliant idea?"

  Lysander shot her a sharp look. "Don't bme her. We made the decision together." He crossed his arms, his tone unwavering. "This city couldn't be left under threat, especially with rumors spreading. Someone had to take the risk." His eyes darkened. "I assume you've seen structures like this before?"

  Chimia’s smirk faded, her voice turning serious. "There's one in Eldoria. But that one is empty. Unlike this one."

  A heavy silence settled until Drifter spoke, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "That creature… its movement… it's simir to the one I encountered in Paxluma. The one that brought down the Bck Cube. But this one is much stronger."

  Luna’s brows knitted in thought. "I see," she murmured, unease creeping into her tone. "But it almost feels like it let us escape… like it's pying with us. I wonder what it's really after."

  Chimia’s sharp gaze settled on Drifter. "Ah, so you're the one mentioned in the reports." Her eyes narrowed. "Are you certain the Cube is still connected to this creature?"

  Drifter gave a slow nod, his voice calm but resolute. "There's no concrete evidence yet. But this is no coincidence."

  Chimia turned to Lysander, curiosity ced in her words. "So, what's the pn? Do we head back, regroup with Ragnar, Mina, and the others, and take it down?"

  Lysander shook his head decisively. "No, that's too risky. Your Dimensional Door takes a month to recharge, doesn't it? If the creature isn't attacking anyone, it's better to leave it here and focus on sealing the portal."

  Amisha crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful as she nodded. "I agree. Even if we bring everyone, there's no guarantee we'd win. And even if we do, what's the point? Leaving it here and sealing the portal seems like the smarter move."

  Chimia nodded in agreement, then shifted her focus to Alina, a small smile pying on her lips. "Thank you for looking after my grandson. I hear he can be... quite the handful."

  Alina smirked slightly, her tone casual yet tinged with subtle sarcasm. "He's dependable... sometimes."

  Lorcan chuckled lightly, though exhaustion was still evident on his face.

  As the group began to rest, the cold air of Riemabour brushed against their skin, bringing some relief but not fully dispelling the lingering tension.

  Chimia took a few steps forward, lightly patting Lorcan's shoulder. "I'm leaving now, kid. Remember what I said—think before you act, stay determined, and persevere."

  Lorcan hesitated before speaking, his usual cockiness repced by a faint hint of loss. "You're leaving again?"

  Amisha stepped forward, her expression one of deep concern. "Chimia, are you sure you don't need rest?"

  Chimia simply shrugged, her trademark smile still in pce. "I'm fine, Amisha. I need to finish my report first, then decide whether I'll head to Selvaria or Serrahn next. I just need to be a little more careful from now on."

  She gnced around, her expression softening slightly. "Don't worry... I'll make sure the Dimensional Door is ready if I find another structure like this."

  Before leaving, Chimia paused, looking back at the group, her gaze lingering on Lorcan. Her voice softened. "Take care of each other, alright?"

  Then she turned to her team. "Fio, Leon, Ezel, let's move out," she said firmly yet casually.

  They nodded without hesitation and followed her as she walked away, slowly fading into the crowd. As chimia gone, the group ocntinue to diplomatic hall where murmur fill the room.

  Lysander commanded the center As his hand rose, the murmurs died instantly.

  "The findings at the portal confirm our worst fears," he announced, each word falling like a stone in still water. "The portal is ancient, unstable, and connected to an unknown dimension. Whatever lies beyond it remains a mystery. But one thing is certain: this is a grave threat to Riemabour and potentially all of Verm."

  Nervous whispers swelled through the crowd, but Lysander's voice cut through them like a bde.

  "The portal will be sealed and heavily guarded. No one—and I repeat, no one—will cross it. The stakes are far too high for reckless action."

  The silence that followed pressed down on every chest. Drifter observed Lorcan standing rigid in the back, hands clenched into white-knuckled fists. The young man's eyes were distant, lost in thought. Drifter knew he was thinking of his grandmother, Chimia, who had vanished through that shimmering veil.

  Drifter's own mind churned. That creature... its power is overwhelming. Even the Grandmasters struggled against it. If such threats appear again, will we be ready? The Bck Cube... Should I consider using a power I don't fully understand?

  Lysander turned toward their group, his stern features softening almost imperceptibly.

  "To the exploration team—you have my deepest thanks. Your actions ensured we brought back vital information. Rest assured, your efforts will not be forgotten."

  Friedrich bowed slightly. "Thank you, Grandmaster Lysander. This journey has taught us much."

  The others murmured their acknowledgments, but when Lorcan spoke, his voice was barely audible, ced with regret.

  "We... were only a burden, Grandmaster. Without your help, we would've died there."

  Drifter gnced at the younger warriors, noticing the same shaken confidence in their expressions. Lysander stepped forward, his tone uncharacteristically gentle.

  "You all did your best. Because of your efforts, the X creatures didn't overwhelm us. Your courage mattered." He held their gazes, letting the words settle before his tone firmed. "But next time, be more careful. Don't throw yourselves at an enemy whose strength you don't fully understand."

  Amisha stepped beside Lorcan, pcing a steady hand on his shoulder. "A burden? Don't sell yourself short, Lorcan. Your movements were sharper—not as reckless as before."

  She looked between him, Sloane, and Reine, her expression softening. "I can tell you’ve all influenced each other. And maybe, you've had the same effect on your team."

  Her voice dropped to a near-whisper. "Take care of one another. Someday, you’ll understand just how important that is."

  She gave Lorcan’s shoulder a small squeeze. "Be patient. You have great potential. One day, you might even surpass me... and Chimia."

  Lorcan met her gaze, hesitation fading into quiet determination. "I’ll hold you to that, Auntie."

  Amisha smirked. "Good." She turned, pausing at the threshold. "I’m heading back to Varde. Thank you, everyone."

  With that, Amisha was gone.

  Drifter watched as Lysander turned to Luna, his voice low but carrying an unmistakable warmth. "Luna, if you're free tonight, I'd like to invite you to dinner. It's been too long since we've truly talked."

  Luna’s typically unreadable expression softened slightly. "Very well. I'll come. Thank you, Grandmaster."

  Drifter gnced at Luna, then caught Jaxon smirking at him.

  "Would you like to invite her to dinner too?" Jaxon teased, elbowing him lightly.

  Drifter let out a faint chuckle. "Not exactly. I’m broke, you know."

  Before Jaxon could reply, Friedrich stretched, letting out a rexed sigh. "Well, no sense standing around. Why don’t we all take the evening to unwind?"

  Alina gnced at him, then at the others, a knowing smile forming. "That’s rare, Professor. You suggesting a break?"

  Friedrich smirked. "Even I know when to take it easy... sometimes."

  Jaxon crossed his arms, grinning. "I heard the Artificial Savanna looks incredible at night. Perfect spot to cool off after all that."

  Alina nodded, her tone lighter. "Sounds like a pn. Let’s go."

  Drifter gave a nod. "Good idea. Let’s go."

  As the group started moving, Drifter noticed the novices lingering behind, their steps slower, their silence heavy.

  "At least it’s over… for now," Sloane muttered, exhaling sharply.

  Lorcan’s jaw tightened. "If that thing was just the beginning, we need to be ready for whatever’s next."

  Caelus didn’t say anything, just clenched his fists.

  Reine let out a slow breath. "Yeah… we can’t afford to fall behind. No more holding back."

  Vaeloria smirked, tilting her head. "Well… I guess this means I actually have to do my task myself, huh?" Her tone was light, almost teasing, but the tension in her eyes betrayed her unease.

  Alma, still catching her breath, finally spoke, her voice quieter but resolute. "We got lucky this time. If that thing had attacked the city… it would’ve been a massacre. Next time, we can’t rely on luck."

  A quiet understanding settled between them.

  Drifter caught the determination in their eyes and offered a faint smile. Without another word, they followed the others into Riemabour’s Tier 3 district, where the soft glow of bioluminescent flora bathed the cobblestone streets in shifting hues of blue and green.

  Ahead, their cssmates waited. Alyssa, Bryan, and Erick greeted them with relieved smiles.

  "It’s good to see you all back safely," Alyssa said, her voice warm.

  Nearby, Lily and Mia hurried to Vaeloria, quickly noticing her subdued mood, while Nadia approached Alma, her face filled with relief. A warm sense of reunion settled over the group.

  Drifter watched as Lorcan, regaining some of his usual energy, unched into a grand retelling of their encounter—only for Mia to cut in with a smirk. "That creature ran off because it was bored listening to you, not scared."

  Jaxon stretched his arms wide, inhaling deeply. "This is what I needed—fresh air, good vibes, and no ancient portals trying to kill us."

  Sloane chuckled. "You know, boss, this pce might be perfect for our ‘research.’ Don’t you think?"

  Jaxon shot him a knowing grin. "Ah, yes. Research. Strictly academic, of course."

  "Naturally. All for the advancement of knowledge. The Academy would be proud," Sloane quipped.

  Their ughter carried as they made their way toward the artificial savanna, eventually settling inside a rest zone. Twilight stretched across the sky, casting long shadows over the ndscape.

  Lorcan watched a glowing fox leap between bushes, its movements graceful and effortless. Wonder gleamed in his eyes. "This pce... it feels like the surface. How did they make it like this?"

  Vaeloria’s pyful voice cut in. "Surprising, Lorcan. That’s actually a decent question."

  Lorcan scoffed. "Do you even know the answer?"

  Vaeloria crossed her arms, feigning offense. "Of course I do. It’s all artificial. The light, the air system, even the sky we’re looking at now."

  "Wow, genius answer. Even a kid could figure that out," Lorcan shot back.

  Drifter watched their banter with a small smile, but as the conversation drifted around him, his thoughts remained elsewhere—on the creature, the bck cube, and the unknown dangers still ahead.