As the transport vehicle passed through Etherion City's colossal gates, the atmosphere inside shifted instantly.
Many of the young men, who had previously been tired and resigned, now straightened their backs, their eyes widening in awe at the sight before them.
Beyond the massive defense walls, reinforced with watchtowers and patrol drones, Etherion stood as the pinnacle of human advancement.
This was more than just a fortress—it was the center of civilization that had endured in the face of the Metavore threat.
Every inch of it was a testament to human resilience and innovation—a reminder that mankind did not merely survive, but adapted and thrived.
Wide streets stretched between towering skyscrapers, their surfaces illuminated by Etherion energy conduits that ran along walls and skybridges.
The airspace buzzed with various floating vehicles, from civilian transports to military drones flying in strict patrol formations.
At ground level, high-speed maglev trams zipped between districts, ferrying residents seamlessly without long stops.
On the sidewalks, pedestrians clad in sleek, futuristic attire strode with purpose—many of them scientists and engineers, likely working on the city's cutting-edge research projects.
In strategic locations, squads of Aether Corps soldiers stood vigilant.
Unlike standard troops, they wore battle armor infused with Core Etherion, giving them an imposing presence that far surpassed ordinary military personnel.
Their weapons were not just plasma rifles, but Etherion-blade swords and automated combat systems, programmed to eliminate threats with pinpoint accuracy.
Their movements were disciplined and precise, embodying their status as humanity's last line of defense.
What stood out the most, however, were the war machines patrolling the city's perimeter.
Some took humanoid forms, clad in reflective alloy plating, while others resembled heavily armored combat vehicles, equipped with gigantic artillery cannons ready to fire at a moment's notice.
These were not just support units—they were Etherion's mechanized guardians, programmed to sweep the city with advanced sensors, detecting Metavore energy signatures across vast distances.
"This... is incredible," Ryn murmured, his eyes gleaming as he took in the breathtaking technological marvel before them.
Kael craned his neck upward, watching the busy aerial traffic above.
"I always knew Etherion was big, but I never imagined it was this massive. It feels like another world compared to Eltania."
Deren, however, remained silent, his face unreadable as he analyzed his surroundings.
Unlike Ryn and Kael, he had seen this city before, and he wasn't easily impressed.
Rather than admiring the view, he focused on how Etherion's security system operated—searching for vulnerabilities, potential escape routes, or hidden pathways he could exploit.
The transport finally came to a stop at a large complex, one that resembled a military barracks more than a civilian shelter.
As the passengers disembarked, a uniformed officer logged each of their names, issuing brief instructions on what was to come.
"You will stay here for the night.
Tomorrow morning, additional screenings will be conducted before your transfer to Nova Academy."
Ryn looked excited, while Kael's confidence wavered slightly.
As for Deren—he remained calm as ever, but his mind was already strategizing.
After ensuring he wasn't being closely observed, he quietly moved to a less crowded corner of the complex.
Reaching inside his jacket, he retrieved a sleek communication device, appearing as a thin metallic plate with a holographic interface that activated at his touch.
A soft blue glow emerged as an encrypted screen flickered to life.
With swift, practiced motions, Deren tapped a few commands.
Then, he waited.
Seconds later, a woman's voice resonated from the device.
"Good evening, sir. You've arrived in Etherion, I presume?"
Deren scanned his surroundings, ensuring no prying eyes were watching.
Then, he responded.
"Yes. I need a meeting—soon."
The voice on the other end remained composed.
"Understood. I will make the necessary arrangements."
Deren said nothing more.
With a single motion, he deactivated the device and slipped it back into his jacket.
His expression remained neutral, but in his mind, countless scenarios and contingencies were already forming.
Who was the woman he contacted?
And what exactly was he planning to hand over?
The answers remained shrouded in mystery, leaving an air of suspense lingering in the night.
After shutting off his communicator, Deren returned to his assigned room, where Ryn and Kael were already getting settled.
The room was spacious, lined with bunk beds along the walls, and a large window that offered a panoramic view of Etherion's glowing skyline at night.
As soon as Deren stepped in, he was met with Ryn's boundless enthusiasm.
"Tomorrow is going to be amazing! Can you believe it? We'll finally see Nova Academy with our own eyes!"
Kael, on the other hand, had completely different priorities.
With an excited grin, he nudged Deren and chuckled.
"Did you see the women in this city? Absolute perfection. They're on another level compared to the ones in Eltania! This has to be fate!"
Deren stared at him blankly before flopping onto his bed.
"Are you here for training or to find a girlfriend?"
Kael laughed shamelessly.
"Why not both? Life is all about balance, my friend."
Ryn sighed in exasperation.
"You really can't be serious, can you? This is our chance to get stronger and prove ourselves!"
The conversation drifted on—ranging from Etherion's advanced technology, the food they had tried, to speculating about Nova Academy's training regimen.
Though Deren engaged in small talk, his attention occasionally flicked toward the clock on the wall.
Time ticked away, and he waited for the perfect moment.
Hours later, as the room fell silent and Ryn and Kael's breathing slowed into steady rhythms, Deren knew they had fallen asleep.
Quietly, he rose from his bed, slipping into his jacket, ensuring his gear was secure.
His communicator buzzed softly.
A new message flashed across the screen:
"Meeting point is set. Don't be late."
Deren's lips curled into a subtle smirk.
With swift, practiced movements, he slipped out of the room, navigating the hallways in silence.
The security in this facility was tight—cameras at every corner, patrolling guards on scheduled rotations.
But Deren had already studied their patterns.
Moving with expert precision, he avoided camera angles, blending into blind spots, and timing his steps perfectly.
Within minutes, he was outside—completely undetected.
Etherion's dazzling lights filled the streets, but ironically, their brightness made it easier to hide in the city's shadows.
Deren took the back alleys, avoiding major roads littered with patrols and drones.
Like a phantom, he weaved through the hidden paths, his presence erased from the system.
Finally, he arrived at the meeting point—a luxurious café, seemingly reserved for a private meeting.
The place was empty, except for one person seated at the center table.
A woman, dressed in sleek black attire, minimalistic yet elegant, sat with an air of commanding confidence.
Her long, neatly flowing hair framed a face both sharp and composed.
Though her expression remained calm and guarded, her piercing eyes held an unwavering loyalty—and an undeniable sharpness.
As soon as Deren stepped in, she glanced up, leaning back in her chair, her lips curving into a knowing smirk.
"Still playing cat-and-mouse games, I see?"
Deren pulled out a chair across from her, settling into his seat.
"You know I prefer staying out of the spotlight, Lina."
Lina Valestein—one of Deren's most trusted operatives, and the mastermind running his underground network.
Lina let out a soft scoff, resting her chin against her hand.
"Yeah, yeah... Our 'Great Mastermind' avoiding attention as always. But you still have the bad habit of showing up unannounced."
Deren gave a small smirk.
"You don't mind."
Lina shrugged, her fingers drumming against the table.
"True. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be sitting here in the first place."
Years ago, Deren had saved Lina from a Metavore attack.
At the time, she had been just another survivor, wandering aimlessly through the underworld.
But Deren didn't just save her—he trained her, taught her how to fight, control Etherion energy, and manage the intricate business of the underground economy.
Now, she ran his black-market operations, handling the trade of Core Etherion, weapons, and classified intel—all under his command.
Lina's sharp gaze flickered with curiosity.
"So... what did you bring this time?"
Deren reached into his jacket, placing something on the table—though he kept his hand over it, concealing the object.
"Something valuable."
Lina's eyes narrowed.
"Don't tell me... the Cores from Eltania?"
Deren nodded casually.
"Of course, they're looking for them. But I'm not about to let them fall into their hands."
Lina let out a slow breath, her expression turning serious.
"You really have a way of making my life more complicated, you know that?"
Deren's smirk deepened.
"That's part of my job."
Lina studied him for a moment, before finally grinning slightly.
"Alright, let's see just how valuable this is."
Deren let out a long sigh, taking a sip of the drink placed before him.
Tonight should have been a peaceful night. He should have been able to relax, breathe in the fresh air, and unwind after a full day of bureaucratic nonsense and exhausting protocols in Etherion.
But, as always, life had other plans.
Across from him, Lina sat with a serious expression, her sharp eyes studying his every move.
Deren could already tell—she had something planned.
And that was never a good sign.
"So, what's the plan?" Lina asked, her voice firm.
Deren gave her a blank stare.
"Plan? I don't make plans."
Lina scoffed.
"Of course you do. You're about to enter Nova Academy, right in the heart of the capital. That means you have access to a lot of things—things that can be influenced from within."
Deren dragged his hands down his face, exhaustion already settling in.
"I got dragged into Nova Academy by bad luck—not by choice, not by strategy.
"I just want to live a peaceful, normal life. But every time I try to step away from trouble, the universe just pulls me back in."
Lina smirked.
"That's because you have a natural talent for attracting attention."
Deren exhaled sharply.
"I never asked for that talent."
Lina leaned back with a satisfied look.
"Too late."
Deren's gaze flickered toward the café window, instinctively scanning his surroundings.
Even at this late hour, Etherion was still alive with activity—neon lights flashing across glass skyscrapers, their glow reflecting against the streets filled with automated vehicles and roaming patrol drones.
Even in the safety of the city, he never let his guard down.
"Still," Deren continued, turning back to Lina, "this whole attack wasn't too bad. I managed to collect quite a few high-quality Cores."
He smirked slightly, swirling his drink.
"At the very least, that means I can retire earlier than planned."
Lina let out a disbelieving sigh, staring at him with thinly veiled irritation.
"So I'm guessing that means I'll have to handle selling all those Cores—again?"
Deren nodded nonchalantly.
"That's why I have a right-hand woman like you. Besides, I can't exactly take all those Cores with me to Nova Academy without raising suspicion."
Lina raised a brow.
"So, let me get this straight. You're complaining about being forced into Nova Academy, but at the same time, you're profiting off the situation?"
Deren shrugged innocently.
**"I never said this was completely a bad thing. I just wish I could live a quiet life without dealing with politics, government forces, or the military-industrial complex.
"I just want to make enough money to be lazy."**
Lina studied him for a long moment.
Then, she laughed softly, shaking her head.
"So you expect me to keep making money so you can continue being lazy?"
Deren flashed a wide, satisfied grin.
"Now you're getting it."
Lina rubbed her temples, exhaling deeply.
"I genuinely don't know whether to admire your mindset or be frustrated by it."
Deren sipped his drink again.
"If possible, just admire it."
Lina let out another sigh before getting back on track.
"Alright, let's forget that for now. What I actually want to know is—do you need a way to bypass Nova Academy's detection systems?
"If you're planning to keep certain equipment under the radar, we'll need a solution."
Lina tapped a finger against her chin, thinking.
"Their security systems are more advanced than anywhere else. If you want to get past their scans, we need something that's truly hidden from their spectrum."
Deren tilted his head slightly.
"And I assume you already have an answer to that?"
Lina's lips curled into a confident smirk.
"Of course I do. I always have a solution."
She pulled out a small device from her pocket, placing it on the table.
**"This uses spectral isolation technology. Once an item is stored inside, no detection system can pick it up.
"The catch? It can't hide anything too large. So whatever you bring, choose wisely."**
Deren picked up the sleek gadget, examining its smooth surface.
"This will be useful. Send a few to the usual drop point. I'll retrieve them later."
Lina's grin widened, clearly pleased with herself.
"Consider it done, sir."
Deren frowned.
"Don't call me that. You know I hate formalities."
Lina shrugged casually.
"Yeah, but I love watching you get annoyed by it."
Deren rubbed his temples, already regretting this meeting.
"When have I ever won an argument with you?"
Lina smiled sweetly, a playful glint in her eyes.
"Never. And that won't change."
Deren felt a familiar wave of frustration creeping in.
"I should really be more careful about what I say around you. You always twist my words into some 'grand strategy' I never planned."
Lina simply rested her chin in her palm, amused.
"I just make sure we don't waste opportunities."
Deren ran a hand down his face, resisting the urge to slam his head against the table.
With this new spectral cloaking device, he could at least safeguard some of his personal gear when entering Nova Academy.
But one lingering thought remained—
Would his peaceful life really stay peaceful?
Or was this just the beginning of something much bigger?
Taking another sip of his drink, he looked over at Lina.
"At the very least, you do know the best places for dinner."
Lina chuckled.
"Of course. You think I only manage our operations?"
Deren leaned back, arms crossed.
"If I didn't know you better, I'd think you spent all your time trying to manipulate me."
Lina gave him an innocent smile.
"That's just a bonus."
Deren could only let out a long, tired sigh.
"My life is a joke."
The Obsidian Council's Gathering
As Deren left, Lina remained seated, her fingers lightly tapping against the communication device on her ring finger.
She input a specific sequence, and within moments, a small holographic screen materialized before her.
The soft blue glow illuminated her face as she initiated a direct connection to the highest echelons of their organization.
"To all members of The Obsidian Council, we need to talk. Gather everyone."
It didn't take long.
One by one, mysterious figures appeared on her holographic display.
These were The Seven Shades—the seven most influential figures in the organization Deren had unknowingly built.
Though Deren himself had never structured it this far, these individuals had transformed his simple vision into something far greater than even he could have imagined.
Their holographic figures shimmered, their presence radiating power and authority.
Each of them held unique roles and immense influence over different sectors of the organization.
The Seven Shades
Valter "The Wraith" Nacht – Head of Intelligence Division
A silver-haired man dressed in a sharp black suit, his piercing gaze unreadable.A shadow among shadows, always two steps ahead of everyone.He knew things before enemies even realized they were vulnerable.
Seraphina "The Crimson Blade" Raine – Head of Combat Division
A red-haired woman, cold yet deadly precise.Always carrying her signature blade, known for her merciless efficiency in battle.She let her actions speak louder than words.
Ezekiel "The Architect" Voss – Head of Logistics & Finance Division
A glasses-wearing strategist, always calm yet dangerously sharp.Managed the organization's vast wealth and supply chains, ensuring resources never ran dry.He could dismantle an entire economy in mere days—while smiling.
Celestine "The Phantom Alchemist" Noire – Head of Research & Development Division
A silver-haired eccentric, obsessed with science and technology.Developed cutting-edge weapons, stealth systems, and Etherion-based tech.More interested in experiments than politics, but dangerously brilliant.
Orion "The Black Wolf" Kaelstrom – Head of Covert Operations
A scarred, battle-hardened tactician, leading the most classified missions.Ensured the organization's presence remained undetected by all factions.If something had to disappear without a trace, Orion handled it.
Lucian "The Silver Fang" Verchette – Head of Diplomacy & Negotiation Division
A silver-haired diplomat, dangerously charming and manipulative.Handled external relations with underground groups, governments, and neutral forces.Could talk his way into (or out of) anything.
Selene "The Black Veil" Myrrh – Head of Infiltration & Sabotage Division
A shadow-like woman, dressed entirely in black, her presence barely noticeable.If someone vanished without a trace, it was her doing.No one ever heard her approach—until it was too late.
Despite their differences, they all shared one thing in common:
Their absolute loyalty to Deren.
Lina leaned back, arms crossed.
**"Alright, we're all here. As you all know, Lord Deren has officially entered Nova Academy.
"This marks the beginning of a new phase for our organization."**
Ezekiel adjusted his glasses, his calm smile never wavering.
"So, we're finally moving into expansion?"
Lina sighed, narrowing her eyes at him.
"That is not something Lord Deren explicitly planned."
Seraphina smirked.
**"But he never forbade it either, did he?
"If he truly didn't want this to happen, he would have stopped us a long time ago."**
Valter tapped his fingers against his table.
**"We can all agree—this situation benefits us.
"With Lord Deren at Nova Academy, we have direct access to information, technology, and personnel we previously couldn't reach.
"This is an unprecedented opportunity to expand our influence."**
Celestine let out a soft laugh, her voice playful yet dangerous.
**"It's amusing, really.
"He constantly says he just wants a 'quiet life,' yet every move he makes strengthens our organization.
"Now, he's inside one of the most strategic locations in the world.
"Either he's a genius, or the unluckiest man alive."**
Orion folded his arms, his expression unreadable.
**"Fate has a cruel sense of humor.
"But if he's there, that means we must tread carefully.
"Too much exposure, and we risk endangering him."**
Lucian smirked.
**"Agreed. This isn't just another 'advantage'—this is a turning point.
"It's about time we start preparing for the next step."**
Seraphina nodded.
**"With Deren at Nova Academy, more eyes will be watching him.
"We need to make sure our operations remain undetected.
"Any mistakes could put him—and us—in danger."**
Lina exhaled slowly.
She knew they were right.
The organization had already outgrown what Deren originally envisioned.
Now, every decision carried greater consequences than before.
Finally, Lina spoke, her voice firm and unwavering.
**"Fine. We will proceed.
"But remember—no matter what, we follow Lord Deren's core values.
"There will be no betrayal.
"There will be no compromise in our loyalty."**
Orion nodded.
Valter's lips curled into a knowing smirk.
Seraphina unsheathed her sword for a brief moment, before sliding it back into place.
Celestine and Ezekiel exchanged silent glances, their eyes filled with unspoken understanding.
They all knew it.
A major shift had begun.
And whether Deren realized it or not,
He had already set everything into motion.