The Crimora Grand Mall buzzed with life. Mana-fueled screens danced above storefronts, showcasing exotic wares and holographic models wearing combat robes, essence armors, and glimmering accessories. The polished obsidian floors gleamed under mana-light domes, and the air was filled with the mingling scents of essence-forged leather, rare teas, and freshly conjured sweetbreads.
In the heart of this chaos, Varek and Racheal walked side by side, occasionally glancing at windows but mostly keeping their eyes on a young girl who weaved excitedly ahead of them.
"Nicole, slow down! You're going to crash into someone," Racheal called, half-laughing, half-scolding.
Nicole was already too far ahead to hear—or pretend not to. She darted between shoppers until her eyes landed on a boutique window. A sleek black robe floated mid-air within a cylindrical display of light, its surface shifting subtly like it was made of smoke trapped in fabric. Her eyes widened.
"Whoa..." she whispered, stepping closer. She reached for the holographic info card, flicking it to rotate with a gesture.
[RARE] - Shadowweave Robe
Material: Lamina Shedskin
Type: Defense & Illusion
Special: Nullifies essence detection up to Rank 2
Secondary: Reduces elemental impact. Exceptionally durable.
"Dad! Dad, come look!" she called out as Varek and Racheal finally caught up.
Nicole turned to them, puffing out her chest proudly, hands planted on her hips like a general announcing a major discovery.
"This would be perfect for Den! It's got illusion abilities and high-level protection. It says even a Rank 1 disaster wouldn't be a threat while wearing this!"
She nodded as if she'd just handed them the winning move of a war strategy.
Varek raised a brow. "That's impressive, sweetheart."
"Check the back of the card," Racheal added gently, arms folded.
Nicole frowned but did as told. With a tap, the card flipped to reveal—
Nicole froze.
Her mouth opened. Then closed. Then opened again.
"…Wait," she said slowly, squinting, "things can even have this many zeroes?"
She turned with the precision of a knight facing their doom and locked eyes with her father.
"Dad."
Pause.
"How much do you even earn?"
Before Varek could answer, another voice chimed in.
"Oh, just enough to keep you spoiled and alive, sweetheart."
Nicole lit up immediately. "Uncle Vahn!" she squealed as she turned and threw herself at the man now approaching.
Vahn, arms open, caught her with ease and lifted her briefly before setting her down.
"Wow, you've grown taller—and sassier."
"I've been working on both," she said proudly.
Varek smirked and crossed his arms. "Guess you're here for Kara?"
Vahn held up a small velvet box with a flick of his wrist. "Just picked up a new enhancer earring for her. Stitches well with her healing essence type. Thought she could use a boost."
He popped the box open to show a delicate gold loop with a tiny, glistening mana-gem at its end.
"You know she's been pushing herself. She's already one of the best healers in her room," Vahn added, glancing at Racheal.
Racheal chuckled. "We're definitely proud of her. Don't worry, we'll be cheering loud enough to rupture mana barriers on exam day."
Varek nodded. "That girl's a walking antidote with fire in her veins."
Vahn glanced at their empty hands. "So, did you guys get anything yet?"
"We just started," Varek said, scratching his head. "There was a nice staff at one shop, but Den's not a mage. We're leaning toward something more… punchy."
"He's always been the brawler type," Racheal added.
"I saw some uncommon-grade gauntlets back near Runebreaker's Vault," Vahn said. "I'll show you."
As he turned to lead the way, Racheal held up a hand. "Go on ahead. Nicole and I are going to look for something for her."
Vahn paused mid-step, then slowly turned, squinting.
"…Wait. She's going in the field trip too?"
Nicole immediately puffed her cheeks with exaggerated pride.
"Yup! I'm that good. Unawakened and still getting the invite."
Varek's laughter erupted, loud and proud.
He struck the same pose as Nicole—hands on hips, chest out, matching her stance with absurd seriousness.
"Runs in the blood, my bro!"
The two of them stood side by side like ridiculous champions, drawing confused glances from nearby shoppers.
Vahn stared at them. Blinked. "Are you two serious right now?"
Nicole and Varek simultaneously turned to face him and nodded in sync.
"Dead serious," they said together.
Vahn groaned. "Racheal, how do you manage this circus?"
Racheal, already shaking her head with a smile, walked a few steps ahead before turning and striking the same exaggerated stance.
"I don't have to manage it. Real recognizes real."
The three of them burst into laughter, loud enough to disturb a vendor's floating shelf of ceramic mana-plates.
Several passersby slowed down to look, a few smiling at the odd but lively family scene. One elderly dwarf in a robe muttered, "Lunatics," under his breath—but even he couldn't hide a faint smirk as he walked away.
Vahn turned and waved them off.
"You're all insane. I'm going before the madness infects me too."
"Too late," Nicole called after him, cupping her hands.
"Already in the blood!" Varek added.
Racheal just laughed, looping an arm around Nicole's shoulder as they wandered deeper into the shopping district, eyes scanning enchanted cloaks, gleaming daggers, and talismans sparkling with dormant power.
----
Back at the Academy, all the students of Room A were seated in their usual rows, their chatter gradually settling as Instructor Kael wrapped up the day's essence theory lecture. Roy sat quietly near the front, notebook open, eyes forward but clearly waiting for something more interesting to happen.
Just as Kael waved his pen across the final mana-script on the board, the classroom doors slid open—and three instructors entered at once.
The murmurs started immediately.
Agrona, with her ever-present lens, walked in first—elegant and calm as always. Behind her came Zara, whose presence brought a sudden hush. She had been gone since the incident weeks ago, and while the school had granted her leave, no one expected her back so soon. She looked different. Sharper. Focused. No smile. And lastly was Instructor Dame, known for teaching Disaster Studies and Monsterology. He gave a curt nod as he stepped in behind the others.
Kael looked back at the class, gesturing to the instructors.
"Right. Before you leave, allow me to introduce your exam supervisors. These three will be in charge of overseeing your safety and evaluation during the upcoming dungeon practical."
The murmuring quieted, attention locking in.
"You already know them—Professor Agrona, Peak Rank 3. Miss Zara, Mid Rank 4. Instructor Dame, Peak Rank 4. With strength like that watching your backs, you can rest easy. Even if it's just a Rank 1 dungeon, your safety is our top priority."
The weight of their presence settled over the class. Even the usual loudmouths were silent.
Agrona gave a light wink toward Denwen. He blinked and chuckled softly to himself, hiding the smile behind his hand. Roy glanced his way but said nothing.
Then Dame stepped forward, voice carrying clean across the room.
"Thank you, Kael."
He looked over the students.
"Listen up. Starting today, and for the next week, we're going to turn you into proper dungeon hunters. That means drills, simulations, real prep. This isn't a playtest."
His tone sharpened.
"A Rank 1 dungeon doesn't mean you can afford to be sloppy. People have died in those. Your teamwork, survival sense, and composure are what we'll be watching."
The room went silent.
"If you think your talent alone will carry you—you're wrong. And if you think this is just another exam, you're not ready."
A pause. Then:
"Dismissed. Be at the southern field at dawn tomorrow. Training starts the moment your boots touch the ground."
As the instructors turned to leave, the students remained seated, processing the shift in tone. No more idle classes. No more theory.