The soft murmur of conversation in SOL Academy's meeting room faded as boots echoed down the hallway. The rhythmic stomp was accompanied by a faint metallic distortion — a distinct beat that seemed to pulse through the walls. Moments later, Lydia Norton strolled through the open door, headphones perched over her afro hair. She wore her usual attire — a black leather jacket, ripped jeans, and sturdy boots that clunked against the floor. Her purple eyes flicked across the room with cool detachment as the low growl of distorted guitars pulsed faintly from her headphones.

  "I see you’re still adding noise to your head," Ulric muttered dryly, crossing his arms.

  Lydia smirked as she pulled her headphones down. "Noise? This is vintage metal! You wouldn’t get it, old man."

  From across the room, Lord Haren chuckled warmly. "Actually..." He reached into a leather-bound folder on the table, withdrawing a small metallic disc. "I came across some new noise for you." He handed the disc to Lydia, his smile widening. "The archives called it 'Top Heavy Metal.' Something about the guitar solos felt like a storm in your bones — figured you’d appreciate that."

  Lydia’s eyes widened with excitement. "You’re kidding! This is real?" Her voice betrayed rare enthusiasm as she turned the disc over. "You’ve officially earned 'cool grandpa' points for this."

  "I’ll cherish that title," Haren said with mock pride.

  Before Lydia could respond, a figure silently entered behind her — Chet Doos, small and pale, blending into the shadows like a forgotten whisper. His thin frame made his black hooded outfit look oversized. His black eyes, surrounded by faint grey irises and ghostly white pupils, swept across the room, studying everyone in quiet observation.

  "There’s my boy," Veronica Doos greeted softly from her seat. Chet’s gaze immediately softened. He crossed the room with calculated steps, moving directly to her side. Veronica patted his shoulder affectionately before slipping a small cookie from her pocket. Chet’s serious expression melted into a shy smile as he took the treat.

  "Don’t spoil him too much," Ulric teased.

  "Oh, please," Veronica retorted with a grin. "He deserves it."

  The warmth in her voice spoke volumes, a reminder that while Veronica's presence could be unsettling, her love for her nephew was undeniable.

  Once everyone was settled, Haren rose from his chair. "Before we discuss the students’ journey," he began, "there’s something I want to show you."

  He opened a reinforced chest beside his seat and carefully retrieved a stone about the size of a fist. It was rough-textured and pulsated faintly with deep green light. Strange symbols twisted and flickered across its surface. The air in the room seemed heavier the moment the Rune emerged.

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  "This..." Haren’s voice took on a reverent tone. "...is one of the Runes of Terra. This is what our students will be seeking."

  Chet’s eyes locked onto the Rune, his curiosity sharpening. Lydia leaned forward, fascinated by the eerie glow.

  "These Runes are powerful," Haren continued. "They hold the key to unfolding Igeni's secrets across our world. But they’re scattered — lost to time and guarded by unknown forces. Each Rune is protected by a powerful guardian or buried in treacherous terrain." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Finding them will take strength, wisdom... and courage."

  "And you’re sending us after these things?" Lydia asked skeptically.

  "You are more than prepared," Ulric cut in. "Each one of you has been on multiple missions before. These field tests are nothing new — this is just the first time you'll be alone."

  "So they’re ready?" Luisa pressed. "Even Bernard?"

  Ulric’s face tightened briefly before relaxing. "Bernard... has improved. But we’re still cautious. His chaotic power has become more stable, and he’s learned control."

  "He’s not the boy who lost control three years ago," Veronica added, her voice firm. "He’s stronger now."

  "He’ll need to be," Oliver Pot muttered, finally speaking. "The last time students went into the wilderness for a test like this, one never returned." His words settled in the room like a cold breeze.

  Luisa, sitting silently beside Oliver, finally spoke. "That’s why I was worried," she murmured. "Three years ago, Bernard’s power nearly destroyed him. And before that... that poor boy vanished on his journey."

  Haren nodded gravely. "Which is why we’ve doubled the safety measures. Oliver and Ulric will observe from afar. Veronica will provide spiritual guidance. And..." he turned to Chet, "...you’ll have this."

  Haren handed Chet a small metallic token engraved with glowing blue symbols. "This will signal us immediately if you or the others are in danger."

  Chet’s fingers closed tightly around the token, his gaze flicking to Veronica for reassurance. She nodded, giving him a proud smile.

  "You’re stronger than you know," Veronica whispered to him.

  "We all are," Haren added, addressing the room. "Our students have proven themselves in smaller missions before. This is their chance to show they can carry our hopes forward."

  Lydia clutched her new music disc tightly. "Fine," she muttered, "but when Bernard accidentally levels a mountain... "

  Oliver chuckled dryly. "If Bernard levels a mountain, I’ll stand there to fix it."

  The room filled with quiet laughter, easing the tension. But beneath the warmth lingered an unspoken truth—the dangers ahead would test all of them. Bernard’s struggle to contain his chaotic power could prove the most significant risk.

  Chet and Lydia walked silently through the empty corridor to the rooftop. The sound of their footsteps echoed memories for each one of them. This was Lydia's last year; as she was 17, Chet still had a couple of years to stay at the academy. At the rooftop, they both look at the horizon with different expressions.

  "Well, this is it, ghost boy. Are you ready for this?" Lydia asked as dragon wings sprang from her back.

  "Of course!" Chet answered, fixing his feet on his board.

  "I will sense where they are. Let's hope they aren't too far." A dark aura emanates from Chet. He keeps his eyes closed for a while before opening them. "Good, they are only 11 kilometers east of here."

  "Yeah! Lead the way, kid!" shouted Lydia, raising the volume on her headphones.