The sun hadn't even risen yet. But the morning air felt heavier than usual.
In the basement room owned by S, eight teenagers were still asleep—some on chairs, some on the floor, one even still sitting while hugging a pillow like he was afraid his nightmare would wake up with him.
Outside, at the edge of Cryverra village, something was glowing red.
Emrik: It's already morning but everyone's still asleep, huh…
Emrik: Hey, wake up! It's already morning!
Astaross: Yawn Good morning, Emrik. You woke up so early.
Cashew: Ugh, I'm so sleepy… Good morning, you two.
Lucien: Ughh, my back hurts like hell from sleeping on the floor.
Lucien: Wait—where's S?
Emrik: I think he woke up earlier and maybe went upstairs to take a shower.
Cashew: Hey Dario, wake up. Everyone else is already up.
Cashew: Wake Tiber up too.
Siro: What time is it? Why does the air feel kinda off?
Astaross: What do you mean, Siro? We're in a basement. No sunlight down here.
Siro: Oh, sorry. I had a nightmare. My power processes dreams so vividly they feel real.
Astaross: What did you see in the dream?
Siro: I don't remember much. Just a blazing red color like fire and loud screams—like a war!
Lucien: That's… quite a dream.
Cashew: And I hope it stays just a dream.
Voice from upstairs…
S: Hey guys, you're all awake I see.
S: Come upstairs. My mom made food for us before she left for work.
Astaross: Alright, S, we're coming.
Astaross: Let's go up.
Cashew: Yeah, let's go.
Lucien: Why are you so quiet? Was the dream really that bad?
Siro: Uhh… Sorry, I guess I'm still sleepy and the dream's sticking with me.
Dario: Forget it. Don't think about it anymore.
Emrik: Besides, it's just a dream, right?
Tiber: Hey y'all, why are you only waking up now?
Astaross: Bro, for real—
⸻
In S's house, after exiting the basement…
S: You guys can shower or wash your face first. The bathroom's in the back.
Tiber: I'll just wash my face and eat. I want to finish the detector project ASAP.
Emrik & Dario: Yeah, same here.
Siro: I'll take a shower. I feel super uncomfortable if I don't.
S: Go ahead. My parents aren't home, so don't be shy.
Lucien: S, how's the progress on the device?
Lucien: Can we use it today?
S: Like I said yesterday: it should be finished today.
S: We'll test it on Astaross first.
Astaross: I figured you'd say that.
S: Heyyy, you're the only one here who's never shown any signs of Veylarin powers—from childhood till now.
S: Of course we're suspicious of you.
Lucien: And we'd be super lucky if you inherited teleportation powers after Ton.
Astaross: Who's Ton?
S: First I'm hearing the name too.
Lucien: Omg, where were you two during school lessons?! He was the previous teleportation heir—died a few years ago.
Lucien: Since then, no new heir has shown up. Maybe they're unaware… or hiding.
S: Not hiding. Look, he's right in front of us. Hahaha.
Astaross: Don't jump to conclusions. We don't have solid proof.
Lucien: Haha. I hope your instincts turn out right.
Astaross: Whatever. Lucien, let's clean up and eat.
Astaross: We need to finish the detector too, right?
S: Yup. Hurry and freshen up. I'll wait here.
They all cleaned up before eating—except S, since he woke up early.
S: Astaross… turns out I was right all along. It's really you…
⸻
20 minutes later
Emrik: S, can we eat now?
S: Come on! I've been waiting forever!
Cashew: Looks like we're gonna eat good today. Haha.
Siro: Yeah, we worked hard yesterday and only now get to eat.
Tiber: S, can I borrow your clothes? Mine are filthy.
S: Take anything from the closet.
Tiber: Thanks, S.
Lucien: Let's eat!
S: Alright, starting now!
Astaross: S, your mom's cooking is amazing!
Emrik: For real, I'm addicted.
Tiber: Hey, why didn't you wait for me?!
S: Hurry up! Emrik's inhaling everything. You might miss out.
Tiber: I'm coming!
They ate for quite a while before continuing the project.
Tiber: Finally full. Let's finish the detector, everyone!
Emrik: Yeah, the faster we finish, the sooner we escape.
S: I checked the device while you guys were showering. Just needs a little tweaking—it's ready to go.
S: I can handle it myself. You guys go chill at the treehouse.
Dario: You sure?
Lucien: S, I trust you. Do your best.
Siro: Yeah, we'll wait at the treehouse.
Astaross: I'll stay and help you, S.
Tiber: I'll wait at the treehouse.
Dario: Same here.
Cashew: I'm going home for a bit—checking on my little brother.
Cashew: I think he's sick. Last time we talked, his voice sounded weak.
Lucien: Cashew, traveling alone during this chaos… You sure?
Lucien: I'll go with you.
Cashew: Good point. Alright, let's go to my place.
S: Be careful, you two.
S: Astaross, let's finish the device together.
Emrik: We'll wait at the treehouse.
Dario: Come find us when you're done.
S: Got it.
Siro: Stay safe, Cashew, Lucien.
S: Alright everyone—move out!
⸻
S: Astaross, here's the detector. You've been dying to see it, huh?
Astaross: Woahh, this looks so cool.
Astaross: Is it ready to use?
S: Yep, ready anytime.
Astaross: But you said it still needed tweaking?
Astaross: Well, let's fire it up now.
S: No need. I already know the result.
Astaross: What do you mean?
S: I turned it on last night while you were all sleeping.
S: Astaross, believe me—this isn't a joke.
S: You are the teleportation heir.
Astaross: What??
Astaross: Don't kid around, S. Turn the machine on so I can see it for myself.
S: You asked for it. Alright, powering it on now—
Tcisstttt…
S: Look, Astaross. Green light means power is present. Red means it's absent.
S: And right now, a bright green light is pointing straight at you.
Astaross: S… I can't believe this.
Astaross: But is this connected to the dream I told you about?
S: I don't know. I still don't understand the meaning of your dream.
S: What we need to focus on now is how to activate your teleportation power.
Astaross: But do the others know?
S: Only you and I so far. I want to surprise them—that's why I didn't say anything.
Astaross: Then let's go tell them.
S: I'll show them by turning on the device. So they feel like all their effort wasn't wasted.
Astaross: You're right.
Astaross: Let's head up, then.
⸻
At the treehouse…
Tiber: I'm so bored doing nothing.
Siro: I wonder if Lucien and Cashew are okay…
Tiber: They should be fine.
Dario: There! Astaross and S are back.
S: Hey guys!
Emrik: How's the device?
S: It's ready to use.
Siro: Wow, that was fast.
Emrik: Then fire it up!
S: Alright, everyone ready? Here goes.
He activates the device—even though he and Astaross already know the result.
Tcisstttt…
Tiber: Whoa, it's glowing!
S: Watch—the green light means power source is close. Red means none.
S: 1, 2, 3…
Emrik: Is this real?
Emrik: The green light's pointing at Astaross!
Siro: S, your hunch was right! We did it!
Dario: All our effort finally paid off.
Tiber: Astaross, you are the teleportation heir!
Astaross: I'm just as shocked. But I don't know how to activate it.
Astaross: S, they're really surprised, huh? Haha.
S: Let them enjoy the moment.
Siro: But I'm still worried about Lucien and Cashew…
Astaross: Yeah, same. I've been thinking about that too.
Dario: But how do we activate the teleportation power?
Astaross: Lucien knows a lot about the previous heir—he even told S.
S: Yeah, from the way he talked, he seemed to know a lot more.
Emrik: He always digs into stuff.
Dario: I think we need to find them right now. Forget the power for now—they could be in danger.
Siro: Especially with the village conflict getting worse.
Tiber: We can't walk. Cashew's house is too far.
S: Let's take my dad's car—it'll save us time.
Astaross: But it runs on crystal energy.
S: I have a bit left from yesterday's project. Should be enough.
S: Everyone, help me gather the crystals from the basement. Let's move—fast!
Astaross: Let's go, everyone!
⸻
Lucien & Cashew in the middle of town
Cashew: Lucien, this is terrifying. So many buildings destroyed and burning…
Lucien: Calm down. Once we reach your house, we'll be fine.
Cashew: This isn't the Cryverra I know…
Cashew: Look! There's a guard over there.
Lucien: Stay calm. Don't look scared or he'll get suspicious.
Lucien: We'll walk past him—don't say anything unless he speaks first, got it?
Cashew: Got it.
Lucien: Alright, we're close…
Guard: Stop right there.
Guard: Are you with the rebels or with the village?
Lucien: Excuse me?
Guard: Answer. Are you with the village or the rebel government?
Guard: There's no third option.
Cashew: Lucien, what do we do?!
Lucien: I don't know what you mean, sir.
Lucien: We just came back from a friend's house on the village outskirts. We stayed there for two days.
Cashew: That's right. We don't understand what you mean, sir.
Guard: What are your surnames?
Lucien: I'm Caldavarn. He's Veylarin.
Guard: Alright then.
Lucien: Alright… what?
Cashew: Can we go now?
Guard: I meant… alright, you're under arrest.
Guard: Hey! Tie them up and bring them to HQ!
Lucien: HEY! WHAT THE HELL?!
Lucien: RUN!!
Guard: Don't you dare! – Boom!
The guard kicks Lucien and Cashew to the ground.
Cashew: Oww…
Cashew: Lucien, wake up. This is not the time to faint.
Guard: Tie them up.
Cashew: What are you doing?!
Cashew: Summon Object! – Trsssttt
Cashew: DIVIDING SWORD!
Guard: Hah! Nice trick.
Guard: But not good enough. I know you can't even use that sword properly.
Cashew: Let Lucien go, or I swear this sword is going through your chest!
Guard: Huh… Look behind you.
Cashew: What— Brukkmm!
Guard: Nice hit. They're both unconscious. Get them to HQ. We need more people.
Other guard: What about this cool sword? Should we take it?
Guard: Leave it.
Other guard: Alright, let's go!
⸻
Meanwhile, the other six are in the car, en route.
Siro: Tiber, can you speed up? I think we'll be too late at this rate.
Tiber: If I go faster, we'll burn through the crystal fuel too fast.
S: Right. We've got no spare crystals.
S: If the car dies, we're screwed—we'll have to walk.
Siro: I feel like something's really wrong…
Emrik: There's the entrance to the village center…
Dario: But why is there so much black smoke over there?
Tiber: We're getting close. I'm going to speed up a bit.
Astaross: I hope Cashew is okay. He has no experience in fighting or defending himself.
Tiber: Is all of this… guys, look at the village. It's completely destroyed.
Astaross: No way… So many buildings are burned down and collapsed.
Siro: Look over there, there are traces of a magic explosion.
S: And there's also a huge sword.
Dario: Hey Tiber, quickly drive the vehicle over there!
Tiber: Got it!
Emrik: Everyone, get out!
Astaross: Judging by this… no, it can't be… But this looks like—
S: What do you mean?
Astaross: It looks like the aftermath of a summon object spell explosion.
Siro: And look, there are blood stains and rope marks too.
Astaross: But if this was Cashew… what was he doing with that sword? He's not good at using swords at all.
Tiber: I think we have two most realistic possibilities right now. One, maybe Cashew fought the village guards on his way home.
Tiber: Two, Cashew and Lucien were kidnapped.
S: The second one makes more sense to me. We all know Cashew can't fight, and Lucien usually runs away if there's trouble.
S: But if they were together, there's no way Lucien would run without Cashew. Maybe they tried to fight back—together.
Astaross: Guys, we should get back in the vehicle and move away from here.
Dario: Yeah, we're standing right in the middle of a battlefield.
???: Hey! You guys!
Emrik: Who's that?
S: Isn't that Chloe? Our classmate from school?
Astaross: Hey! What are you doing out here, Chloe?
Chloe: Guys! Come over here! I think you're looking for something… and I might've seen it.
Siro: Chloe! How have you been? It's been a while.
Chloe: I'm fine. Guys, are you looking for Cashew and Lucien?
S: Yeah, we are. Did you see them?
Emrik: And do you know where that big sword came from?
Astaross: Chloe, please tell us quickly. This is not a place we want to hang around in.
Chloe: Alright, so at first, I was walking carefully, trying to reach the anti-government camp. I was sneaking from building to building.
Chloe: But when I reached the central gate—right around here—I saw a lot of guards blocking the road. So I decided to hide in some ruins nearby.
Chloe: I waited for 30 minutes, but the guards didn't move at all. Seemed like they were waiting for someone. I was about to doze off when I saw Lucien and Cashew walking toward them. I don't think they knew about the chaos happening in Cryverra.
Chloe: I wanted to call out to them, but I knew I'd just get myself in trouble.
S: So where are they now?
Tiber: And how did this sword appear?
Chloe: When they got to the guards, they were stopped and questioned. I couldn't hear what was said—it was too far.
Chloe: But suddenly one of the guards kicked Lucien until he passed out, and then another tied him up.
Chloe: That's when the sword appeared. Cashew screamed in anger and used his summon object ability to summon this sword. But before he could fight, he was quickly defeated by the guards and taken away. That's all I remember before I passed out here from exhaustion… then you guys showed up.
Emrik: Tiber, looks like your guess was right.
Astaross: Do you know where they were taken?
Chloe: I'm not sure. The last thing I saw was them heading south. One of the guards said something like, "See you at Chain Post." Maybe that's a name? I don't know.
S: We should move toward there right now. Their vehicle tracks are still fresh on the ground.
Tiber: Did you forget? We're almost out of crystal fuel for the vehicle. How do we even get there?
Dario: Ughhh… now what?
Chloe: Guys, do you want to rescue them or not?
Emrik: We do… if our vehicle has enough fuel.
Chloe: I know a crystal storage site we could probably grab some from.
Emrik: You mean… steal crystal?
Chloe: More like… borrow a bit. On the way here I passed several abandoned crystal warehouses. Maybe the owners went off to fight.
Chloe: We can take just enough to get the vehicle running again.
Dario: That's a good idea.
Chloe: And… please let me come with you. I've been so lonely since my brother left. He said he was joining the anti-government movement, and I've been searching for their camp ever since.
S: Alright, Chloe. You're coming with us.
Dario: And we'll help you find your brother too.
Chloe: Thank you, everyone. You're all really kind.
Astaross: First stop—crystal storage!
After refueling the vehicle with enough crystal, they headed south, hoping to uncover the location of Chain Post and rescue Cashew and Lucien.
Inside the car…
Tiber: Chloe, thank you for showing us that crystal warehouse. Now this car is ready for a long trip.
Siro: Keep tracking the tire marks, Tiber. We'll definitely reach the Chain Post.
Emrik: S, what do you think we'll do once we're there?
S: We can't possibly fight a military squad fully armed with weapons.
S: The most realistic way is to sneak in quietly.
Dario: Astaross, why can't you activate your teleportation power yet? That ability's so cool!
Astaross: I honestly don't know how.
Tiber: Try moving the car up the mountain, maybe that'll work, haha.
Chloe: So Astaross, turns out you're the heir of the teleportation power? That's amazing.
S: We only found out recently too.
Tiber: The tracks lead to the mountain.
Astaross: I think I know where they set up the basecamp.
Astaross: Emrik, do you remember how we used to go fishing at the river at the mountain's base?
Emrik: Yeah, I remember.
Astaross: A few kilometers from there, there's a big building with wide wooden fences.
Astaross: It might be the Chain Post Chloe mentioned.
Siro: You might be right.
S: Then let's head toward the mountain's base. If the tracks continue that far, the basecamp must really be there.
Chloe: After rescuing Cashew and Lucien, where will you all go?
Astaross: What do you mean, Chloe?
Chloe: Actually, I already know about your plan to escape the village. Cashew told me a few days ago.
S: Ouhh, so you already knew.
Chloe: I want to help you escape, at least up to the outer village border.
Chloe: But on one condition—I have to meet my brother first, because he might know the way there.
Dario: Heyyy, that's a pretty good deal.
Siro: Don't worry, Chloe. Your brother must be okay. The anti-government side is very loyal to their allies—they'll keep fighting together.
Emrik: Hey Tiber, turn left up ahead and go straight.
Tiber: Are we close?
Emrik: Yeah, we're very close.
Siro: I think we should park the car a bit away from the building Astaross mentioned. If that really is the camp, it'd be risky to drive the car right into it.
Dario: True. We'll need a getaway vehicle in case something goes wrong.
Emrik: Then let's just park the car behind the waterfall.
Emrik: Before we reach the building, we'll come across a river. Just follow the river and we'll find the waterfall. We can hide the car there.
S: Good idea.
S: But is it far from the waterfall to the building at the mountain's base? I'm really not in the mood for a long walk.
Emrik: Not too far, maybe around 4 kilometers.
Astaross: Alright, that's manageable.
Tiber: Hold on tight, I'm going full throttle.
⸻
On the way to the waterfall…
Tiber: Emrik, is this the waterfall you meant?
Emrik: Yup, we can park here. Let's go everyone, we're walking to the mountain base.
Siro: Ugh, more walking…
Siro: What if the Chain Post isn't even at the mountain base? We'll waste all our energy.
S: There's a big chance it is. The tire marks kept going down the path we were on earlier.
Chloe: Let's go, friends.
⸻
A few kilometers toward the mountain base where Astaross and Emrik once saw a mysterious building…
Astaross: There it is! I see the building!
Chloe: Looks like the Chain Post really is there. Look at all those military trucks.
S: Astaross, do you know a good route to sneak in?
Astaross: Let's go behind that garden on the left. If I remember right, there's a gate there leading into the fenced area.
Tiber: Hey Siro, are you okay?
Siro: Just a little tired, but I'm fine.
Emrik: We're right behind the building now.
Dario: I hear a lot of yelling from inside… Is this a torture site?
S: If that's true, we need to rescue our two friends fast.
S: Let's sneak into this ugly building.
Tiber: Hurry, climb this fence!
Emrik: Quiet. If we're too loud, we'll get caught.
Siro: Do you see any sign of Cashew and Lucien from up there?
Emrik: Not yet. But I do see lots of prisoners.
Astaross: Hurry, we wanna climb up too!
Chloe: Everyone, I found this smoke pistol. Might be useful in an emergency.
S: Nice. This could be super important later.
Dario: Let's go up! Emrik and Dario already made it to the other side of the fence.
Siro: Let's move.
⸻
Behind the building…
S: Where do we start?
Astaross: I don't really know the layout of this building.
Dario: This looks like an old factory. There must be a water or air duct we can get through.
Tiber: Water duct? That's disgusting.
Dario: No other choice. Look, there's a ladder. Let's go up!
Chloe: Guys, someone's coming. Just get up the ladder quickly!
Astaross: Go, go!
Guard: Seems like someone's here…
S: Don't make a sound…
Chloe: He's gone. Let's keep going through this air vent.
Tiber: One at a time. Don't make noise that could attract the guards.
Astaross: It's pitch dark in here.
Astaross: Stop. I hear voices right below us.
Siro: Looks like we're crawling right above the prison block.
S: Listen carefully. Try to catch any voice that sounds like Cashew or Lucien.
Chloe: Keep going, Dario. We're on the right path.
⸻
They continue searching for Cashew and Lucien, unaware that the guard from earlier already knows they're there…
Siro: I think we're in a bad spot right now.
S: Just keep moving. We're still above the prison, I think.
Astaross: Yeah, I can still hear hopeless voices down there.
Tiber: Chloe, are you okay back there? You're at the very end.
Chloe: Keep going, I'm fine here.
Lucien: Is your body still hurting…?
Siro: HEY! THAT'S CASHEW'S VOICE!
Astaross: Siro, keep it down! But yeah, that's Cashew.
Dario: How are we gonna get down there?
S: Everyone stay calm. I've got a plan.
S: We'll all step on this vent at the same time.
Dario: Hey, that'll bring the guards straight to us!
S: I know it's risky, but we need to move fast once the vent collapses.
Emrik: Worth a try. Alright, let's do it.
ALL: 1, 2, 3 — STOMP!! BRUKSKKS
Chloe: Ughh, that hurt! I didn't think it'd be that high!
⸻
Caspian: Let me introduce myself. I'm Caspian, war commander of the Chain Post.
Astaross: What the hell just happened?
Caspian: Were you looking for these two? One's still unconscious, the other we forced to talk to lure you here.
S: Everyone, run!!
Caspian: Stop them!
Guard: Yes, sir!
—Tchinggg—
Cashew: Siro, get up! Run!
Astaross: My eyes! That powder stings!
Caspian: You really think you can escape with that pepper-dust in your eyes? Not a chance.
Guard: Sir, one of them got away!
S: Chloe, do exactly what I told you.
Chloe: Hang in there, everyone. I'll come back with reinforcements!
Guard: Commander Caspian, it looks like four of them carried that girl up to the vent.
Caspian: Losing one's no big deal. Take the rest to a new cell. Lock them all in the same one.
Guard: Understood, sir.
Emrik: S… let's hope Chloe remembers your instructions.
Dario: Nice acting, Astaross. You distracted the guards long enough for us to boost Chloe up the vent.
Guard: What are you whispering about? Move it, rebels!
Astaross: The war starts here.