The shopping mall stood just a short walk away—an enormous, multi-floor structure with tall glass façades that reflected sunlight like polished steel.

Right before they were about to approach the entrance, two men in their early thirties approached them—dressed casually yet professionally, blending in effortlessly among the crowd.

They greeted Julianna with a respectful nod, pulling out their identity cards bearing the Marcevelle state insignia.

“Miss Marcervelle, we were sent to escort you back to the academy.”

“Perfect timing. I wasn’t expecting you two quite this early,” Julianna said with a satisfied nod. “You can join us for now—and carry the bags once we start shopping.”

She then turned to Cassie and Viara. “Don’t worry, I made sure they don’t draw too much attention.”

Cassie and Viara nodded, a silent understanding passing between the three.

With that, the three girls headed toward the mall, the two guards falling into step a short distance behind them—close enough to respond if needed, far enough not to intrude.

As they approached, the automatic doors whooshed open, releasing a rush of cool, conditioned air.

The high ceiling lights reflected off the tiled floors, and the hum of escalators, punctuated by occasional laughter and the clatter of footsteps, created a lively atmosphere.

Each shopfront was beckoned with bright displays, crowded with customers browsing, chatting, or trying on items.

Upon entering the mall, snacks were Viara's immediate priority.

She skipped ahead into the supermarket section, scanning the shelves with a gleam in her eyes. A family-size bag of chips, chocolate chip cookies, Snickers bars—anything remotely tempting went straight into the cart.

Cassie and Julianna just watched as Viara practically emptied an aisle.

Cassie let out a long sigh. “Oh boy.”

She glanced at Julianna. “Sorry for all the bags your subordinates will have to carry.”

Julianna chuckled, eyes still following Viara. “Not a big deal. They’re stronger than they look.”

Her gaze wandered until something made her pause. “Limited edition Oreos!”

Cassie’s head snapped toward the shelf. “Where?!”

Julianna pointed, and as soon as Cassie spotted the packages, she gasped. “Get them!”

The two of them bolted, racing toward the limited stash and leaving the two guards behind, who exchanged a look of dread at the thought of hauling the loot.

After a wild session of food shopping, the trio left the overflowing bags with the guards and took the escalator to the clothing and cosmetic section on the second floor.

They wandered from store to store, but nothing immediately caught their eyes.

Julianna let out a small sigh. “This is a little disappointing.”

Cassie crossed her arms, scanning the neatly arranged racks. “Can’t blame them. I have every type of clothing I’ll ever need. Bet you do too.”

“Quite right,” Julianna replied with a chuckle, her fingers lightly brushing the soft fabric of a nearby scarf as she spoke.

After a bit more wandering, they stopped at a jewelry store. The golden light from the display cases reflected off the polished counters, casting small glimmers across their faces.

Julianna tried a pair of elegant, crimson-red earrings. “How do I look? Think I should buy them?”

Cassie’s expression remained flat. “I’m not going to compliment you.”

Julianna tilted her head and smiled. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Just as she turned to ask Viara’s opinion, she was nowhere to be seen.

“Where did Elysia go?” Julianna asked.

“Huh?” Cassie scanned the area. “Not again!”

A few seconds later, they spotted Viara sprinting back, clutching something in her hands with a triumphant grin.

“Where were you?” Cassie asked, crossing her arms.

“To buy something I couldn’t ignore after one glance,” Viara replied, holding up a towel patterned with dozens of tiny, meowing cats.

Julianna shook her head in amusement. “At least tell us before you vanish off by yourself.”

Viara stuck out her tongue with a sheepish smile. “Sorry… I just couldn’t wait. It’s so cute!”

Cassie rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide a tiny smirk, while Julianna’s lips curved into an indulgent smile.

By the time they finished shopping, the sun was already setting, painting the sky in a soft gradient of orange and pink.

The two bodyguards carried the heavier bags and escorted the trio toward a white, modern sedan waiting outside the mall. After loading everything into the trunk, the girls slipped into the backseat while the guards took their places in front.

The car pulled out of the parking lot and merged onto the highway leading back to the academy.

Viara stretched with a satisfied groan. “Today was so much fun!”

Cassie shot her a tired smile. “You were a menace.”

Julianna laughed softly. “Thank you for inviting me. It was… refreshing. A temporary break from academic rivalry.”

Cassie narrowed her eyes playfully. “Just so you know, I still hate your guts.”

“Oh, trust me. The feeling is mutual,” Julianna replied.

The car filled with laughter.

Soon, night settled around them. Only the headlights carved a path through the dark as the road narrowed, lined on both sides by quiet residential houses.

After the long day, the trio was practically drifting off. No one spoke. The hum of the engine was the only sound.

As the car approached a four-way intersection, a massive container truck suddenly barreled in from the right and screeched to a halt across the entire road.

The driver slammed the brakes. The kinetic force jerked everyone forward.

“What the—?” Cassie gasped, steadying herself against the backseat.

The driver reacted instantly. “Everyone, sit tight!” He shifted into reverse.

But before he could back up, another container truck rolled in from behind, sealing them in completely.

“What’s happening?” Viara asked, her voice rising as she glanced outside.

“Seems like we've run into a trap," Julianna said sharply, eyes narrowing.

For a moment, everything held still.

Then—

BANG!

Both container doors burst open at once, slamming against the metal sides. Dozens of armed mercenaries poured out, both men and women, some swinging weapons, some lightly geared.

“Gear up,” Julianna ordered, her fingers tapping fast over a holographic HUD. “I’ll issue three temporary permits for combat gear use outside of the academy.”

Viara swallowed nervously. “Is it… really a good idea to step out?”

“It’s not safe,” Julianna said, focused. “But staying in the car while they surround us is suicide.”

The bodyguards deployed rifles from their nanotech housing units. They immediately raised their rifles at the thugs closest to the front, halting their advance.

Julianna focused her elemental energy. From a pendant concealed beneath her uniform, a ripple of nanoparticles spread across her body, assembling her gear—Leviathan—within seconds.

An aquatic lance materialized in her hand, gleaming faintly under the streetlights.

Viara followed, activating the metallic hairband holding her ponytail.

A black-and-orange flare of particles washed over her, forming Death Ember. Her modern scythe snapped into existence, its curving blade glowing like molten metal.

Cassie activated the arrow launcher of her twin blades and charged up a flame arrow.

The three girls and the guards formed a tight back-to-back circle, forcing the nearest thugs to hesitate.

“Stop right where you are. Our gears are far more lethal than yours,” Cassie warned, lowering her stance.

The mercs didn’t advance. They only positioned themselves, waiting for a signal.

A muscular man stepped forward—a long scar on his left cheek, twin cleavers in each hand, boots crunching on gravel. He grinned, amused.

“Cute toys,” he said. “But it's five of you against forty-two of us.”

“And you are?” Julianna asked, her tone calm.

“Doesn’t matter. Just know I’m in charge.” He pointed a cleaver toward Cassie and Viara.

“We need you alive. Specifically, you two. Come quietly, and we won’t hurt anyone.”

Cassie scoffed. “Yeah, no. Try harder.”

“Last chance,” he said, dragging one cleaver along the other with a metallic scrape. “No surveillance drones will save you. Any signal around us is jammed.”

“No wonder my comms module failed…” Julianna muttered.

The mercs began closing in—slow, cautious steps, weapons shaking slightly in the dark. They didn't wish to underestimate the power of the modern military-grade technology they were against.

“Everyone,” Julianna whispered, her voice steady despite the tension. “We’re surrounded. On my signal, bolt east. I’ll make us an opening.”

They nodded in unison.

The ring of mercs drew closer—eight meters… six… five.

Julianna inhaled sharply.

Then—

A dense wall of water erupted in front of the largest group, slamming down like a tidal shield and cutting them off.

She spun, firing a compact water orb.

It shot forward with a whistle, hit the thug in front, and exploded into vapor, knocking several others sideways with a concussive burst and steam.

Grunts could be heard from the injured. “SHIT!”

“NOW!” Julianna called out.

All five sprinted toward the opening at full speed. One by one, they slid beneath the container truck blocking the road—the metal of their gears scraping against the road.

Shouts erupted.

The mercs forced their way through the broken formations—some pushing through the dissolving water wall, others stumbling to their feet after dodging the vapor blast—and the chase began.