Violet Zelien shivered as she walked the snow-covered path toward the research center located on one of the smaller peaks of the Elder Mountains. It's becoming colder as winter is starting to approach.
She rubbed her hands to warm them and wondered why she was called to the base. She could feel her tail becoming stiff from the cold and was looking forward to her warm bed.
The research base was established, about six months ago and its primary purpose was to monitor changes in magia and magia hotspots all across the continent with the help of special detectors made by the Callen Family.
The Earth Cardinal had just returned from the excavation site of Oserion's Palace to take care of her other duties. Who knew she would get an urgent call from the base as soon as she arrived?
She reached the gate and was greeted by the Cardinal Knights under her and the scholars working in the base. The head scholar in charge of the base stood at the door.
Violet could see that he was concerned.
"Greetings Cardinal. Thank you for coming to the base after receiving our message.", he said with a bow. She smiled, "You said it was urgent."
He nodded, "Yes it is. Please follow me."
She followed the scholar inside the building. It is fairly large and the main eyecatcher is the massive magia crystal in the middle of the room used to receive information from the thousands of magia detectors spread across the continent.
Massive cables emerged from the base of the crystal and went underground. It looked like it was break time as there was a huge line for the cafe inside the base.
The scholars bowed their heads as Violet passed them. She gave them a cheerful wave as she followed the head scholar to the main control room.
"We've never seen anything like this since the massive presence in Crystalis city four months ago.", he said as he pushed open the door and Violet was greeted with magia screens displaying real-time data from the detectors.
The scholars working on them stood up as the head scholar and the Earth Cardinal entered the room.
The main control room is the biggest in the base. One wall is made up of glass and provides ample sunlight and a breathtaking view of the mountains, the remaining walls of the room were covered with magia screens and many curious instruments were set up all around.
A huge black desk dominated the middle of the room and is covered with maps, instruments, notes, and papers. The head scholar opened a magia screen and showed Violet a map of Crystalis city.
"Earlier today, we detected three unique and powerful magia signatures in Crystalia. They were faint and existed for a brief moment but our detectors managed to record them.", he said, pointing at three places on the map.
One was at Cardinal Academy and another was in Crystalis city. The third one was in one of the towns on the way to the city. Violet furrowed her eyebrows as she examined the three points on the map.
It is not unusual for powerful warlocks to release magia in Crystalia. There is Cardinal Zephyrus, of course, and there is the ruling Arken Family and the supporting Families. They have powerful individuals.
There are the instructors of the academy and there is also the main headquarters of the Adventurers Guild.
And she can't forget Seventeen, the mysterious masked individual she met on Mt Raviel.
Violet selected one of the marked points in the map and information about the magia signature popped up on the screen. Her eyes widened as she read the parameters.
"How can this be?"
The head scholar nodded, "What you are seeing is true. We have reviewed it many times before contacting you."
"The properties of this magia don't belong to this age.", Violet said. Magia changes as time pass by and these magia signatures display characteristics that are not seen in the current form of magia.
"Have you found the time period in which this magia existed?", she asked the head scholar. "We are currently in the process of doing that Cardinal. It will take some time."
"I see.", Violet thought about the situation and made up her mind. 'Looks like I will have to visit Crystalis earlier than expected.', she sighed and shook her head. 'There goes my comfortable rest.'
"Please get the result as soon as possible.", she told the head scholar who nodded. "We will inform you the moment we get it.", he said.
Violet nodded and left the room followed by the head scholar. "Cardinal Zelien. Are you planning on going to Crystalis city after this?"
She smiled, "Looks like you read my mind."
"Then please be careful. We have no idea what we are dealing with right now.", he warned her, concern on his aged face.
Violet looked at him and her eyes softened, "Don't worry. I will be fine. I am a Cardinal after all."
*******
"Just what in the Founder's name were you thinking?", Seventeen crossed his arms and frowned as he looked down at Vanessa.
"What do you mean sir? I just wanted to have a friendly spar with my new friend. What is the problem with that?", the Vampire of the Purple Rose said innocently.
"You crafty little-"
"Fine.", Vanessa shrugged, "I wanted to see how capable Arthur was. After all, he is the parallel version of your creator."
Seventeen sighed. He kind of expected this. "So what is your inference?", he asked.
She smiled, "He is a truly remarkable young man. Also, I saw something in him that I never thought I would see again."
"What is it?"
Vanessa gave him a wink, "You'll know soon enough."
Seventeen couldn't help but accept her words, "Anyway. Your combat abilities were pretty impressive. Arthur is considered the strongest in the class in terms of combat and you gave him a run for his money."
"Why thank you."
"Also.", he grinned, "The last part was entertaining. You are one smooth girl."
"His blood smelled irresistible. Plus he was really handsome. It was a shame you stopped me.", she replied with mock disappointment.
Seventeen raised his eyebrows, "Look who's talking. You are possibly the prettiest girl in the academy. You must've had some suitors back then since you were a queen."
Vanessa sighed, "Yeah I did. Unfortunately, I was too focused on the troubles of that time to focus on love.", she said in a voice tinted with regret.
The android looked over at the ancient vampire in front of him and saw an emotion he had only heard of.
Longing.
(She was alone for 3000 years and had very few interactions. I am not surprised that she is having desires for things she never had in her life.)
'Makes sense.'
Seventeen smiled, "Hey don't worry. You'll find someone and it won't be hard for you. As I said, you are the prettiest girl in the whole academy."
"You have a way with words, Seventeen.", Vanessa remarked with a chuckle.
Before he could respond to the remarks, Ruth called out to him. "Hey, Seventeen. Get over here."
He nodded to Vanessa and walked over to his partner. Standing beside Ruth were Jason and Kate. The first years have gone inside to rest so it was just them. He saw Vanessa going towards the entrance.
"What is it ice queen?", he asked as he came over to her and the second years.
"We've been discussing the Dungeon exercise and wondering if we should do it much earlier.", Ruth replied. Kate and Jason nodded, "The first years are exceptional and I believe they should have valuable experience.", the latter said.
"Besides. Attempting a dungeon raid right before the Battle Festival sounds unwise. We will be tired after the raid and it would be an inconvenience during the Festival."
Seventeen thought about what he said, "So we should do it this week? That sounds good.", he shrugged.
"Alright then. I'll ask the opinions of the first years and then make the necessary preparations.", Ruth said. She continued.
"Also. Can you spar with Jason? He's been asking me to let him fight you."
Seventeen nodded, "Sure. Are you ready Jason?"
He gave a wide grin, "Oh yeah. I've been wanting to have a round with you, sir."
"I like your confidence. How about we spar in one of the training halls of the academy? Knowing you and your attribute, we will need a place more suited to survive the battle.", Seventeen suggested.
"Alright.", Jason nodded and turned towards the dorm, "Let me grab my stuff."
Seventeen turned to Ruth, "Will you be coming with us?"
"Unfortunately, no. I have to stay here to greet Alice and Jade and also to help Kate in training. You guys go ahead. I'll send Selene over when our visitors arrive.", she replied after shaking her head.
"Oh well. Looks like it's just me and Jason.", he said with a sinister smile.
Ruth noticed it and frowned as she realized that she just let released two disasters, "Don't even think about going crazy with him. No way I'm going write another report about a destroyed training hall."
"Hehe."
"Don't 'hehe' me. If anything happens, you will be in much worse shape than this morning.", she said and suddenly remembered the incident.
"Anyway.", she looked away, her face red, "You better not lose to Jason."
Seventeen chuckled.
"As you wish, ice queen."