Several months had passed since the disappearance of Kaeron, the son of Arix, a renowned scientist at the Northern Laboratory of Scriba, on Trastarce. Since the discovery of an Alter crystal containing the energy of a Nethralian, numerous speculations had arisen regarding the origin of this demon and its presence on their territory. Although the investigation had remained secret for a time, it did not take long before the media seized upon it and leaked the information.

  Alter crystals had long been a reliable source for all of Scriba, allowing them to generate electricity and produce essential goods for the well-being of the Lotheans. However, these artifacts also represented an enormous danger if poorly controlled—especially if their power were to fall into the wrong hands. In such cases, when their energy is released, it causes rifts, more commonly referred to as fractures in the universe. The larger the fracture, the greater the danger. No one knows what lies on the other side, for no one has ever returned. Prolonged exposure can also cause lifelong damage.

  If the Lotheans had begun to emerge from the water, it was following a Fracture that plunged their native city into an immense abyss. Polluted water became a means of protecting themselves—and their treasure. Should anyone seize it, it would trigger a catastrophic event. Although humans and Lotheans had coexisted in harmony until then, this balance could not last forever. Sooner or later, the world would fall once again.

  ? We cannot continue like this. Long ago, we reached an agreement with theLotheans, ceding part of our territory to them. We fed and housedthem in exchange for a share of the energy they keep underground.However, for several months now, the Lotheans have begun pollutingour own waters, while also harboring an entity capable ofannihilating us all—one they promised to keep at a distance. Thisis not our conflict! We cannot live like this! ?

  The speech of the human governor of Southern Scriba, Castro Alabar, sparked an immediate reaction among the crowds. Many cried out in anger at the current situation facing Scriba and the entire nation. Following these declarations, and without seeking the approval of the Lothean governor, an immense concrete wall was built, permanently separating Lotheans from humans. Border guards were deployed on both sides of the wall, preventing anyone from crossing.

  Confused by the situation, the Lotheans attempted in vain to obtain answers. Any individual found outside their zone was immediately forced back inside the perimeter. Cut off from the rest of the world, access to the port became impossible. Some wept for friends they would never see again; others mourned the uncertainty of their future.

  This situation immediately drew the attention of Thal'Quorin, the Lothean leader, who sought to negotiate—without success. He feared he could do nothing and did not wish to enter into conflict with humans, whose numbers far exceeded their own. Orion, an inspector from Northern Scriba and Austin's partner, was transferred to the South, without any means of communicating with his former colleague about the investigation's progress. He was later questioned on the matter. Frightened and confused, he admitted that he had not realized the magnitude of the issue while investigating with Austin, recalling that the case was meant to remain secret until more was known. Nevertheless, he spoke of Na?ra and Arix, both of whom seemed to have a connection to the unusual crystal.

  At Sly's Place

  Waking after a long night's sleep, Arix rose from the couch where he had been sleeping. After rubbing his eyes, he looked toward the window as daylight illuminated the room. With his back hunched, he made his way to the kitchen and opened one of the drawers. He took out a box, unlocking it with a code. Inside lay the magical bracelet. After staring at it for a few moments, a door opened and Sly entered the room as well.

  ? The bracelet isn't going to disappear overnight. You shouldn't worryso much. ?

  Sly said this while heading toward the coffee machine.

  ? Don't forget you lied to me about your double identity. He could come backat any moment to steal it. That's exactly why I don't want to goback home. ?

  Arix replied in an almost aggressive tone, closing the box and placing it back in the drawer before resting both hands on the counter.

  ? That other version of me is probably dead. It's been two months since helast showed up. ?

  Sly said, removing his helmet and pouring coffee directly from the carafe into his mouth.

  ? Dayskeep passing, and my father is still being held somewhere, and Ican't help him. And now we can't even cross the border anymore! ?

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  A long silence followed. Sly finished drinking, set the empty carafe down, wiped his sticky mouth, and turned his gaze toward Arix with a bored expression, tilting his head to one side. The sound of cars could be heard outside. Then he replied calmly:

  ? I understand... leaving this place isn't easy. At this point, I thinkeveryone wants to get out of here. ?

  Arix slowly lifted his head, letting out a long sigh before rubbing his eyes again. He felt as though he had lost the energy he once had.

  AtSchool

  As he walked toward school, he noticed everyone around him staring with looks of disgust. He ignored them and walked with his head down toward the stairs leading to the entrance hall. Suddenly, he was violently shoved by a large Lothean student, who looked down at him with a mocking smile, accompanied by two other students. On the ground, Arix stared at the three individuals, frightened and confused.

  ? So you're the one we should thank for putting us in quarantine? Youidiot! ?

  The large student spat on the edge of a step. Sly intervened, stepping between them.

  ? Arixisn't responsible for what's happening, guys! His father'sdisappearance is already hurting him enough—don't make itworse. ?? Andwho do you think you are to lecture me? You're nothing more than atoy designed by those lackeys to protect him! ?

  He threw a punch at Sly, who caught it effortlessly, grinning at his opponent. His arm began to stretch, becoming almost elastic. He then hurled the Lothean into the air before slamming him violently onto the ground several meters away.

  The two other students, shocked by what they had seen, quickly moved to avenge their friend, both throwing punches at Sly while he was distracted. Seryn intervened in turn, making strange gestures with her hands as a jet of water burst forth, knocking the two students to the ground. Completely soaked, they looked at each other before shaking their heads.

  Seryn then extended her hand toward Arix and helped him up.

  ? Theuse of powers is strictly forbidden within this institution! ?

  Declared the school principal, rushing outside with a furious expression before fixing her gaze on Arix, Seryn, and Sly.

  ? Youthree—my office. Now! ?

  Moments later, in the principal's office, as the bell signaling the start of classes rang, the three friends sat on chairs facing a woman clearly irritated by what she had witnessed.

  ? Idon't know who taught you these powers, but I will not toleratethem in my school! ?? Madam,what I used wasn't a power—it was my own limbs. I was designedthis way, you know. ?

  Sly replied, still wearing his bored expression.

  ? Don't play dumb with me! I know the Gelari and the risks associated withtheir integration! And as for you, Seryn, you should know that thewater released from your body comes directly from the ocean. It canbe toxic to our environment and dangerous for all of us! ?

  She spoke harshly, fixing a threatening glare on the three students—especially Seryn.

  ? I'm sorry, ma'am, but those students attacked Sly and Arix for noreason. I acted on instinct. M-my father was a hunter for a time—hetaught me a few techniques. ?

  Seryn replied softly, her gaze lowered.

  ? And I ask you to let us go, ma'am. My situation is already complicated,and my friends were only trying to protect me from all the hatredbeing directed at me. ?

  The principal turned her gaze toward Arix, trying to regain her composure.

  ? Arix, I understand that your situation is critical, but the dangers arereal. I refuse to put my school at risk by tolerating this kind ofbehavior... Very well. You may leave—but this is your onlywarning. ?

  She pushed her chair back and turned to her computer, typing on the keyboard. As the three friends stood up, someone knocked on the door.

  ? Comein! ?

  Several police officers from Southern Scriba opened the door, leaving the principal and the three students speechless.

  ? Thisconcerns a student, ? one of them said.Later,at a Police Station in Southern Scriba

  Arix, his hands cuffed, sat once again in an interrogation room—slightly different this time—facing human police officers.

  ? Arix Cael'ren. An inspector from Northern Scriba stated that during aninterrogation, you and your mother left the room for an extendedperiod of time. Is that correct? ?

  One of the inspectors asked.

  ? Y-yes.My mother and I went looking for him. We thought he was in danger,but we didn't find him. Why am I here? You're not the oneshandling the investigation, are you? ?

  Arix asked, looking down at his cuffs before glancing around the room, his eyes lingering on the tinted window to his right.

  ? We're the ones asking the questions. Very well... We have a witness whoclaims your mother is hiding a secret base near the beach by theForest of the Revenant. This witness also claims to have seen youwearing a strange bracelet the following day at your home. We suspectit may be connected to the entity we're searching for. ?

  Frightened by these statements, Arix abruptly stood up.

  ? N-no...who? ?

  At that moment, he remembered what had happened to his mother—the person she had been chasing before the accident.

  ? Sitdown, Mr. Cael'ren. You were likely manipulated by your family, whohid their secret from you for a long time before entrusting you withthis bracelet. We can help you—and save the entire Lotheanpeople—if you cooperate. We will destroy this entity, and you willbe able to return to your homeland. Hand over the bracelet. ?

  Behind the tinted window, someone watched: an individual with long scales covering their body, wearing a black hooded jacket.