The planet Vanaheim was an extremely hostile place for life. Even so, its strategic advantage — the presence of countless portals connecting it to various parts of the universe — made it essential to the Emperor's control. It was the central point of surveillance, always ready to detect the slightest slip-up by any enemy. Humanity's expansion was only possible thanks to Vanaheim, and everyone knew it — even Tyrin.
"Professor, why don't the Ultras use the portal to return to Vanaheim?" asked Luci, with childlike curiosity.
The question seemed simple, but it hid complex layers that even Gertrudes couldn't answer with complete certainty.
"Vanaheim covers almost all the territories we've conquered, and that's why we maintain them. However, the Emperor thought it wise to keep scouts in regions we haven't yet reached, where we have no power or influence."
"So the Ultras are more for surveillance than direct combat? Then why are they considered the best?"
Tyrin was attentively following the conversation between Luci and the professor. Quite unlike Emilia, who was sleeping disinterestedly at the back of the classroom.
"In fact, they're the best because they're constantly in combat with unknown enemies," explained Gertrudes. "Look, Luci, they're not called Ultras just because we wanted them to be. They are because they survived. They're the fittest."
Tyrin agreed with the professor's perspective. He knew there were certain internal barriers that, once overcome, awakened unique abilities — it was like that with the Vultras, the Zentros, and probably with the Ultras as well. Luci's doubt was understandable. He himself had never seen an Ultra in person, and if it weren't for what Orion had told him, he might not even be that eager to meet them.
"But they'll come here first, right?"
"Yes. Their objective is to reach the most distant recorded planet: LV-426. As soon as they get there, they'll use the portal to come here. But they have to be careful. They're dangerous, temperamental, and above our law. Even the principal is treated as a subordinate by them."
"How long will it take for them to arrive?"
Tyrin already knew the answer. The call had been made long before the incidents with the Untouchables — They had been summoned since the time of the Aracnafon advance in Klandato.
"Professor, is class over? Can I leave?" Emilia woke up at the sound of her alarm, only to ask for permission to leave the classroom.
Gertrudes had already noticed that Emilia attended classes only to avoid being idle. Still, she found it curious that she never missed a class, even if she slept through all of them.
"Yes, Emilia, you may. And remember: the test is next week."
Tyrin was already prepared, and he felt that Luci also knew exactly what would be on it.
"Don't worry, professor. I always study, even the useless stuff. See you later."
Tyrin noticed that the comment slightly bothered Gertrudes, although she maintained a calm expression.
"Professor, why don't you kick her out of class?" asked Luci, genuinely puzzled.
"Luci, dear, she's smart and doesn't disturb anyone. Besides, I don't believe she's as bad as people think. Anyway... like she said, let's wrap up for today. I'll answer your questions next class, Luci."
Tyrin was happy to see Luci engaged in class and believed that everything she had been through was gradually being overcome. However, for Tyrin, the end of class marked the time he needed to find the principal for training. He had already been training for a few weeks. Normalcy seemed to have returned to the campus, as if no one remembered they were on the brink of war. Tyrin believed a kind of collective trauma had taken hold: everyone preferred to pretend everything was normal rather than face the dark plans unfolding on Gaia. It had been nearly three weeks since the last major incident involving the Untouchables, and the silence only made his memories more vivid — nearly a month had passed since then.
"Ahh, kid! You're early today! Ready to get beat up? HAHAHAHA!" shouted Charon, grinning with irony.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Charon. I think so, hahaha."
The relationship between Charon and Tyrin had already grown closer, with jokes and informality. It made sense — both had been mercilessly beaten by Alvina during training. But Tyrin's persistence had earned the respect of both her and Charon. Alvina had even revealed her real name to him, and Tyrin had pretended to be surprised, even though he already knew.
"Today you're going to face her when she was sixteen. Holy shit, I got my ass kicked back then! My tip: try to stop her transformation… hahaha."
Charon gave a grin and disappeared into the house.
"What did Charon say to you, Tyrin?"
Tyrin was caught off guard when the principal appeared beside him without making a sound.
"Hi, Miss Alvina… sorry, I didn't see you."
"For you, it's miss, Tyrin," she replied with a faint, enigmatic smile. "I like to keep a low profile. Let's go."
The room was the same as always, and so was the person in front of him — but this time, the girl looked much more like the real Alvina. More mature, more intense.
"Very well," she said. "I should inform you that, at this stage, I had already reached my first evolution. If you want to summon your dragon, go ahead."
"I'm not sure I can summon her here. She's gotten pretty big…"
Tyrin had never revealed Karma to anyone besides Gertrudes — at least, not anyone still alive. Even so, he had changed her summoning location several times over the past few weeks. As he had predicted, Karma was growing every day, especially after hunting monsters on planet Gargantua.
Because of the peculiarities of his companion, Alvina had forbidden Tyrin from using the ICE to store and develop her. Still, she allowed him to keep the summoning amulet so he could call her whenever he wanted, even if it was against the rules — whether to strengthen their bond, feed her, or train. And as Gertrudes had predicted, Karma proved to be a formidable predator, not prey. Even outside the district she'd been sent to, living on the margins, she hadn't lost a single battle.
Her growth was explosive. What had begun as a small dragon was now a creature nearly seven meters long. The only place Tyrin could summon her safely was the Library. He and Gertrudes were still searching for an ability that would allow Karma to disguise her size, but so far, without success.
"Well, it's up to you," said Alvina, raising an eyebrow. "But I'm warning you: I was a difficult person at that age. Good luck."
Tyrin fought with everything he had. He used all the training he'd received from Alvina, applied everything he'd learned in his sessions with Gertrudes… and still, he was defeated in seconds.
"Yeah… what Charon said makes sense. She changed overnight," he muttered, while recovering on the floor.
It was clear that Alvina had made an absurd leap in power between the ages of 14 and 15. It probably had to do with the beginning of her missions alongside her father — that's when she began to stand out on the battlefield. Her level was simply outrageous for someone so young, proving that she not only evolved constantly, but exploded with power.
Alvina Golias
🌀 STATUS 🌀
Level: 57
Rank: S / 00 — Primordial
Strength: 162 +50
Endurance: 92 +50
Speed: 150 +50
Skill: 108 +50
Psyche: 0 +50
Available Points: 0
🔹 Hidden Abilities:
Vultras (+50 to all attributes) — Available
Zentros (+150 to all attributes) — Requirements not met
??? — Unlocked: not visible
🔹 Companion:
Goliath Spider
Tyrin realized that, even if she hadn't activated her evolution, he wouldn't have stood a chance — his own level hadn't increased yet. Still, he had to admit: with that vibrant blue hair and striking presence, she was one of the most beautiful girls he had ever seen.
Unfortunately, he didn't have much time to admire her. Alvina noticed Tyrin's intense gaze… and he passed out almost immediately.
"Kid… you really need to control that stare." Charon's voice woke him as he handed over a potion to heal the damage from his "near-death." "Yeah, she's pretty, but if there's one thing a teenage girl hates, it's some weak guy drooling over her. HAHAHAHA!"
Tyrin considered explaining himself, saying he was just analyzing her stats, not staring with bad intentions… but he realized it was better to keep that to himself. Let them think what they wanted — maybe it was safer if everyone just saw him as another pervert.
"Alright, kid…" Charon said, shifting to a more serious tone for a moment, "I think you've hit a wall. If you want any chance against her, you're going to need to level up."
"But how am I supposed to fight if battles are forbidden?" Tyrin asked, frustrated.
Since the incident on Gaia, a new law had been enforced throughout the Empire: no one was allowed to actively seek combat. The measure was meant to protect future soldiers and was even stricter in Vanaheim, where the most promising were being trained.
"Well…" murmured Charon, scratching his chin, "maybe I've got an idea. But I'll need Alvina's approval."
"So this is how you handle things? Talking behind my back, Charon?" interrupted a cold, sudden voice.
As usual, both Tyrin and Charon flinched at the principal's sudden appearance.
"Holy shit, Alvina! One of these days, you're going to give me a heart attack!" Charon exclaimed, clutching his chest.
"You're talking to him about Portal 001?"
"Yeah."
The mood shifted instantly. The lightness of the conversation vanished, replaced by a tense silence. Alvina and Charon now weighed every word with caution, as if about to make a dangerous decision. There was something ominous in that exchange of looks.
"I agree…" said Alvina, folding her arms. "But sending him there isn't so simple."
"It might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance. He has potential. He could evolve quickly and be ready for what's coming."
"You know he could end up anywhere. Do you really think it's wise to waste this opportunity on someone so young?"
Tyrin watched the two of them, completely lost. It was like they were speaking in code.
"Hey, guys… what exactly is this Portal 001?"
Charon looked to Alvina, waiting for a signal. She hesitated for a few seconds, then nodded.
"You can tell him."
"Perfect." Charon rubbed his hands together, excited. "Tyrin, what if I told you there's a way to go to the planet Gargantua?"
Tyrin's eyes widened in disbelief.
But all the books say that's no longer possible…
"It's not possible by natural means," Charon replied. "Gargantua is an extremely dangerous and unique place. In fact, this portal is only used in very special cases — when we find cadets who truly deserve a shot like this."
Tyrin was stunned. The chance to see up close the planet where his companions lived, to explore that mysterious environment… it was more than he'd ever dreamed.
"The problem," Charon continued, "is that the portal only opens at specific moments. And we're very close to the opening now, which doesn't give us much time to prepare you properly. On top of that, you can only go once. If you come back, you'll never get another shot. That's why we usually send stronger soldiers who can survive and make the most of it. No point in going just to die to the first creature you run into, you get me?"
Alvina didn't hide her concern. To her, sending Tyrin now would be wasting a rare opportunity for growth later.
"I understand your point, Alvina. But we're getting closer to something huge… something out of our control. What's the point of saving this chance if it never comes again? I vote we send him. I believe he and Ilutar can survive long enough to make it count."
Their expressions were filled with hesitation. They weighed the risks, considered the possibilities.
"I want to go," said Tyrin, firmly. "If I have this opportunity, I want to take it. I'm weak, but I want to evolve. I need this."
Alvina was caught off guard by his conviction. For Tyrin, however, it was simple: he needed to get stronger, no matter the cost. And if he had a chance, he would seize it with everything he had.
"Very well. The portal opens in two weeks. I think we can get you ready by then. I'll ask the instructors to exempt you from regular training."
"Thank you, Director."
"Don't thank me yet. You'll need to train harder than ever if you don't want to die on the first day."