Third Person's POV
When the elites finished their lunch and went their separate ways, Denise headed to a charming flower shop adorned with vibrant blooms. She carefully selected two bouquets, captivated by their elegant colors and fragrances. Meanwhile, Jen ventured into an incense shop, a haven of aromatic scents that filled the air. She carefully examined the various options before settling on a beautifully crafted bundle of incense sticks.
In another corner of the bustling street, Dian found herself drawn to a lively fruit stall bursting with an array of luscious produce. She handpicked a selection of ripe fruits, envisioning their juicy sweetness. Loremae, seeking purity and rejuvenation, made her way to a nearby spring, where she filled a container with clear, purified water, its clarity reflecting the serenity of the natural surroundings.
Lucille, in her quest for illumination and warmth, entered a quaint shop that offered a variety of candles and grains. She carefully chose candles that radiated a soft, flickering glow and a bag of rice that symbolized sustenance and abundance. Meanwhile, Junave sought spiritual connection and tranquility, and thus found herself acquiring a small booklet of sacred chants, its words resonating with ancient wisdom and divine energy.
As fate would have it, the friends were astonished when they unexpectedly crossed paths and gathered at the local shrine of Quinto. Confusion filled the air as they exchanged glances, each holding their respective offerings.
"I thought you all had other destinations," Lucille voiced her bewilderment, her tone filled with curiosity.
"Yeah, and it's in here," Loremae, her eyes fixed on the shrine, spoke with a serious tone.
"We went separate ways, but it seems we all ended up here," Diane chuckled, her laughter blending harmoniously with the sounds of the surrounding nature.
Jen laughed heartily, holding the bundle of incense close to her chest. "I guess the universe conspired to bring us together in this sacred place," she exclaimed with joy.
Denise shook her head, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "We should have planned to come together," she expressed, her words tinged with a touch of regret.
"I had nowhere else to go, so I found myself drawn to this sacred place," Lucille explained, her voice carrying a sense of reverence and contemplation.
Junave raised her hand, clutching the booklet of sacred chants, and added, "I, too, had no other destination. So, I followed the calling of this sacred place," she affirmed, a sense of peace resonating in her voice.
In that unexpected convergence, their separate endeavors led them to a shared moment of connection and spiritual unity. Within the shrine, they offered heartfelt prayers and made individual offerings, fully immersing themselves in the sacred atmosphere. With bowed heads and clasped hands, they sought solace, guidance, and deep spiritual connection. The flickering candles, the fragrance of incense, and the profound silence enveloped them, creating a space for reflection and reverence. 
Afterwards, they made their way to a small charms stall tucked away in a far corner of the shrine. Excitement filled the air as each of them carefully selected mysterious lucky charms, drawn in by their enigmatic allure. As they perused the charms, they unexpectedly encountered Storm and Cassandra, who had also found themselves in the same corner of the shrine.
"Oh, didn't know you knew how to pray, Cass," Denise teased Cassandra playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Cassandra simply rolled her eyes in response, diverting her attention to the mysterious lucky charm she had chosen, a hint of curiosity in her expression.
"Guys, why don't we pick out charms for Eveline as well?" Loremae suggested, a warm smile on her face. The girls giggled excitedly at the idea, eager to extend their camaraderie and lucky charms to their absent friend.
Meanwhile, in the corner, Storm's expression grew bored as he leaned against a towering tree, his arms crossed, and his gaze fixed on the ground. While the girls enthusiastically read their chosen charms, Storm pushed himself away from the tree and approached Cassandra.
"I have to go somewhere," he told her, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.
Cassandra, feeling a mix of irritation and disappointment, grasped his left arm, halting his departure. "You're leaving me? With these elites?" she asked, her tone tinged with disdain, as if she found the company of the elites distasteful. "Please take me with you," she implored him while giving him a sharp, disapproving look.
"But I need to go there alone," he responded, his voice serious and unreadable.
Cassandra's face tightened into a serious expression, her frustration and irritation evident. "Alone?" she exclaimed, unable to believe his decision.
Storm remained silent, his gaze fixed on her, his expression blank.
"Are you sure about that?" Cassandra added, her frustration growing as she crossed her arms.
"Why? What's wrong with you now?!" Storm's voice carried a hint of impatience, though his expression remained inscrutable.
"Are you really saying those words to me? Are you serious?!" Cassandra hissed, unable to comprehend his actions. Storm's expression softened, and he gently held her arms.
"Alright, alright," he surrendered, tapping her head lightly in an attempt to calm her down. "Where do you want to go this time?" he asked, shifting the conversation to another topic.
"I can't believe you, Storm! You're definitely not the Storm I used to know," she told him, her voice laced with a mix of disappointment and lingering frustration, as she walked away, her demeanor filled with annoyance. Storm followed her, reaching out to hold her arm and prevent her from walking further.
"Alright, I'm sorry," he apologized, his expression softer and his eyes filled with a seeking for forgiveness.
"Okay," Cassandra relented, unable to prolong the argument any further. "Let's go uphill to hang this bad luck charm that I picked out," she suggested, her voice calmer but still carrying traces of frustration due to the unfortunate charm she had chosen earlier.
They walked away together, Cassandra mumbling, "What bad luck! Getting this bad luck charm, you getting mad at me, and meeting those elites just getting on my nerves. I have to hang this bad luck charm to ward off the negativity that's coming my way."
Storm's expression shifted abruptly, becoming sharp, blank, and tinged with urgency. As they walked, Cassandra's eyes fell upon Kyle, and she called out to him, "Kyle!"
Kyle approached them, inquiring if Cassandra had finished praying. She replied affirmatively, mentioning that she and Storm were heading uphill to hang her charm. Cassandra extended an invitation to Kyle and Eveline, but Storm, sounding slightly irritated, took her arm.
"Tss, let's go," Storm uttered curtly. However, as they began moving away, Cassandra abruptly halted and complained, "Aw, let go, Storm! You're hurting me!" Storm appeared somewhat shocked, as he had not realized he was gripping her tightly.
"I'm sorry," he immediately apologized, his voice filled with remorse.
"What the heck is wrong with you, Storm? You're acting so unbelievably! Is this because of Eveline?!" Cassandra couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth.
Storm stared blankly into her eyes, still processing that he had unintentionally hurt her for the first time.
"I'm sorry," he continued to ask for forgiveness, attempting to reach out for her arm. However, Cassandra swiftly withdrew her hand, avoiding his touch.
"You know what?! I've been observing the changes in your behavior lately, and do you think I can't tell? Yesterday, where were you at night? You weren't in your room, and you know what crossed my mind then? That you were with her, spending the night together. You were never like this before, and it's irritating because you're changing because of her. You're definitely becoming a different person. You've changed into a different person, and I just don't know when it all started. So, when did it, huh?" Cassandra confronted him, her voice filled with a mix of anger, confusion, and hurt.
Storm simply stared, his gaze locked onto her, unable to provide an immediate answer.
"What is happening with you, Storm? What is it?" Cassandra pressed, her frustration mounting, but Storm could only shake his head in response.
"I don't know," he answered honestly, a sense of helplessness in his voice.
"You better sever your ties with her, or else," Cassandra demanded, her tone laced with a warning.
"But I can't. We've already signed a contract," Storm admitted, revealing a truth that caught Cassandra off guard.
"What?!" she hissed angrily. "Without even telling me?! And wait, I thought you didn't like the idea of being a servant, but...but you were willing to become one because of that filthy girl?!" Cassandra's voice rose as her anger intensified.
"Don't...say bad things about her, please," Storm pleaded, his voice filled with a mixture of protectiveness and vulnerability, leaving Cassandra momentarily shocked.
"Now," Cassandra gasped, her breath catching, "now you're siding with her," she added, her disbelief evident in her tone.
"I'm not siding with anyone, I just..." Storm couldn't finish his sentence as confusion clouded his mind, making it difficult for him to put his thoughts into words.
"I don't care about anything else. You know what's going to happen if you choose her over me," Cassandra declared with finality, ending the discussion. She held his arms tightly and pulled him towards the uphill path, her grip conveying her determination.
Meanwhile, the group of elites had arrived in town, diligently searching for Eveline's whereabouts. Junave suddenly pointed in a specific direction, exclaiming, "She's over there!"
"Wait, is that Kyle she's with?" Jen squinted her eyes, as if trying to focus like a camera lens, attempting to zoom in on the distant figures.
"Oh no," Lucille gasped, covering her mouth, her gaze fixed strangely on Loremae.
"What?!" Loremae asked, her tone serious and demanding.
Lucille looked at her mischievously, giving her a teasing grin.
"What is it?" Loremae inquired again, growing impatient.
"I know your little secret," Lucille winked at her, instantly piquing the curiosity of the entire group of friends.
"What is it? What is it?" the girls chimed excitedly in unison, their eyes shimmering with anticipation.
"Should I tell them or not?" Lucille continued to taunt Loremae playfully.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Loremae replied, feigning boredom.
"Tell us, tell us, tell us!" the girls chanted in unison, their excitement evident.
"She likes Kyle," Lucille confidently admitted, causing the girls' excitement to quickly turn into disappointment.
"No way, Loremae definitely can't like someone other than animals," Jen expressed her disappointment and disbelief.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's just your imagination, Lucille," Diane chimed in, supporting Jen's viewpoint.
"Let's go somewhere else. It seems like we'll just disrupt those two if we mingle with them now," Denise suggested, taking the lead in redirecting their attention elsewhere. They didn't want to spoil the enjoyable atmosphere for Kyle and Eveline, who were immersed in the games.
"But I'm telling the truth, though. Loremae likes him," Lucille persisted, refusing to let go of the subject.
"It's just your wild imagination," Junave said, even tapping Lucille's shoulder playfully, before leading the group away to find another spot.
As the night fell, the group of elites, having enjoyed the events, gathered around the central pond, eagerly anticipating the highly awaited fireworks display. The area was crowded, with people filling every available space, making it difficult to move around. While they waited for the colorful eruption of fireworks, Storm released Cassandra's hand from his arm and hastily departed. Cassandra shouted for him to come back, but he didn't bother looking back, driven by his desperation to navigate through the crowd in search of someone. He carefully scanned the fully packed area, distinguishing each face until he found the person he was looking for. Gently brushing people aside, he reached out and firmly grabbed Eveline's arm. Caught up in her admiration of the skies, Eveline had no time to react as Storm's grip tightened around her wrist. Brushing people out of his way, Storm led Eveline through the crowd, determined and focused on their path.
Eveline's POV
Storm brought me to a towering structure, a vantage point that offered a breathtaking view of the Quinto town below. The town was adorned with mesmerizing decorations and vibrant lights in honor of the festival. From this elevated position, I could even see the majestic Quilak Mountain, a place I once called home.
"The view from here is even better than at the pond," Storm remarked, leaning against the tower with his hands casually tucked into his pockets. His gaze was fixed on the night sky, and I found myself unable to tear my eyes away from him. Words failed to escape my lips as I absorbed the moment, but my astonishment was interrupted by a sudden explosion of light.
Looking upward, I beheld a magnificent fireworks display unfolding before my eyes. The fireworks burst into various shapes, each one adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors that illuminated the dark expanse above. They shimmered and danced, casting a vibrant glow that painted the night sky.
"Woah," I exclaimed, my voice involuntarily escaping my lips in awe. I kept my gaze fixed on the spectacle above, but from the corner of my eye, I noticed Storm stealing glances at me and the illuminating sky. It seemed as though he was observing my reactions, silently appreciating the beauty of the moment alongside me.
"Quite a sight, isn't it?" he finally spoke, his voice filled with a hint of admiration.
I turned to face him, a wide smile forming on my lips. "It's absolutely breathtaking. I've never seen anything like this before," I responded, my voice filled with genuine excitement.
He nodded, a soft smile playing on his face. "I'm glad I could share this moment with you."
We stood side by side, our gazes alternating between the magical display in the sky and each other. The silent understanding between us spoke volumes, as if the fireworks were a symbol of the connection we were forming.
As the fireworks continued to light up the night, we found solace in each other's company, reveling in the shared wonder and beauty of the moment.
Emerald's POV
I was observing Storm and Eveline, noticing the way they gazed at each other – a sight that felt strangely familiar to me. I had been with Eveline even before she was born, possessing the unique ability to see into the future. However, I kept this ability a secret, especially from her. I foresaw Eveline's impending demise and wasn't ready to meet my own end. To alter the course of events, I manipulated the situation. Storm and Eveline's initial encounter was coincidental, but I seized the opportunity to ask Storm for help, knowing I would die later that day. Guiding Storm, I urged him to take us to Quilak, as I was aware of the danger Eveline faced. Unbeknownst to Storm, I set these events in motion, concealing my true powers to avoid detection by my enemies.
I made Eveline fall asleep and took over her body. Storm furrowed his brow, his gaze now focused on me.
"What happened to your eyes? They turned green," he said, confused.
"Hi," I greeted him with a smile, unsure of how it appeared.
"Eh?" he muttered, completely bewildered.
"You probably don't remember, but you've already met me before," I told him, closing the distance between us.
"What?" he said, now showing signs of frustration.
"I'm Emerald. Nice to see you again." I forcefully shook his hand with Eveline's hand. "You first met me when you and Eveline bumped into each other in the town square. I took that chance to manipulate you into saving me, as I was destined to die later that day," I explained, as I had erased our previous conversation from his memory to avoid further complications. However, he can still remember what he did and what happened. The only thing he can't recall is the conversation we exchanged on that day.
"What is going on?" he asked, staring intently into my eyes. "Where is she right now, then?"
"I put her to sleep because I need to tell you something important," I told him in a serious tone.
"You're... her demon?" he said, unable to believe it.
"A demon or guardian, call me whatever you like. But anyway, it's about your father," I told him, maintaining a serious demeanor.
He also grew serious, furrowing his brow, and his gaze turned dark. "Tell me what you know."
"You can defeat him by obtaining the gemstone of energy," I revealed. Recognition flickered in his eyes, as he had heard that term before.
"Yeah," I said. "The word you and Eveline found in Zenia's room, and probably the reason why she's dead now."
"I've been searching for it ever since I learned of its existence," he replied, glancing down the town with a serious expression mixed with frustration.
"It's likely inside the Keimusho Academy. Just keep searching," I advised him.
"Why are you telling me this?" he asked, turning to face me with a determined expression.
"Just..." I paused for a moment before answering. "I just don't like your father," I told him.
"But anyway, since you're going to forget me anyway, let me tell you this: live your life as if it's your last," I said, pressing on his nape and erasing from his mind the fact that we had spoken. However, I manipulated the information about the gemstone of energy, as I wanted him to find it for me.
Eveline's POV
I snapped back to reality and wondered what I had been thinking about, but the memory eluded me. I had only found myself lost in deep thought earlier, and something had triggered it, though I couldn't clearly describe what. However, when I turned to Storm, he seemed to be in the same state, staring into empty space.
"Storm," I called, touching his arm briefly, and he snapped out of it.
"Why were you lost in thought?" I asked him, and he shook his head, returning to reality.
"I don't know. I think I had a flashback of the day when I saved you," he told me, still uncertain.
"Really? I vaguely remember when you carried me away from the town," I replied.
"Weird," he muttered, looking down before focusing his gaze on me. "By the way, there's still a place I want you to see. Would you like to come with me?"
"You already kidnapped me," I answered, rolling my eyes.
He chuckled a bit before making his way toward me, closing the distance between us. He looked down at me, his eyes searching the depths of mine.
"What?" I asked, confused and feeling a strange sensation in my stomach as he continued to search.
He took a deep breath. "I genuinely wanted to save you," he muttered to himself while still looking at me, his gaze intense. It was as if he was convincing himself. I could hear him clearly since we were so close. 
"But we were strangers then," I told him, and he took another deep breath.
"That's what makes it weird," he replied, still fixed on me. Then, slowly, he held my arm, his hand traveling from my arm to my hand, sending a shiver down my spine and making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
"What... what are you doing?" I stuttered, unable to suppress the feelings evoked by his gentle touch.
Taking my hand, he didn't say a word, and we leaped from the tower. As we began to fall, he carried me in a bridal hold and landed gracefully on the ground.
"Gosh!" I exclaimed, touching my chest as if my soul had momentarily left me. "You should have warned me!" I added, playfully hitting his arm after he carefully set me down.
He laughed at my reaction, saying, "I wanted to see that reaction, though," still chuckling.
I rolled my eyes in frustration and retorted, "I hate you!"
He stopped laughing and held my hand once again, taking the lead to wherever he wanted to take me. My feet followed his lead as if it were meant to be.
In a matter of minutes, we arrived at a secluded place. The surroundings were engulfed in darkness, devoid of any lights unlike the bustling town square we had left behind. He persistently pulled me along, leading me through a narrow and obscure hallway.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked, my voice filled with confusion, unable to discern the path we were traversing.
"Paradise," he replied, his answer only deepening my bewilderment. With a gentle yet firm grip, he continued guiding me, ensuring my footing in the pitch-black darkness. My senses were heightened as I strained to perceive any faint glimmers of light or discernible shapes.
As we ventured deeper into the unknown, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The atmosphere grew ethereal, carrying hints of blooming flowers and distant melodies. Despite the darkness, I trusted his hand and surrendered to the adventure, eager to uncover the secrets of this mysterious realm.
After walking with him for a few minutes, we arrived at a tranquil clearing. The soft glow of moonlight bathed the surroundings, casting a serene ambiance upon the scene. The gentle chirping of crickets filled the air, their melodic symphony providing a soothing soundtrack to our presence. The flickering light of fireflies danced among the grass, creating a magical spectacle that added to the enchantment of the place. It was as if we had stepped into a hidden oasis, far removed from the chaos of the outside world.
"Woah, what is this?" I muttered as I was mesmerized by its beauty.
"I told you, paradise," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of mystery. "Not everyone is aware of its existence, though."
I turned to look at him, my forehead furrowed, as he surveyed the surroundings. When he noticed my gaze, his eyes locked with mine, his expression unreadable.
"Why?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. His piercing gaze seemed to search the depths of my soul.
"Because it's my territory?" he responded, his answer taking the form of a question. He briefly took my hand and led me towards a long, beautiful old oak bridge. His grip on my hand was firm, and I could hear the faint rhythm of my own heartbeat, as if it were dancing to a melody only they could hear.
As we walked hand in hand, a mixture of curiosity and anticipation swirled within me. The soft moonlight bathed the surroundings, casting an ethereal glow upon everything it touched. The gentle chorus of crickets filled the air, creating a soothing symphony that seemed to serenade our every step. I could feel the warmth of his hand in mine, grounding me and igniting a flutter of excitement within my chest. The path led us towards the end of the old oak bridge, and my eyes widened in awe as a small yet elegant house came into view. It stood there, nestled amidst a picturesque garden adorned with vibrant flowers and twinkling fairy lights. The air carried a hint of enchantment, as if this secluded haven had materialized solely for us to discover. A surge of anticipation coursed through me as we approached the entrance, eager to uncover the secrets and beauty that awaited us within those walls.
"This is my house," he told me as I stood there, mesmerized by the beauty of the surroundings. I turned towards him, my eyes wide with astonishment.
"You live here?!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my awe. He gazed at me, as if drinking in every reaction I displayed. I couldn't help but glance at the enchanting surroundings before fixing my gaze back on him. A smile tugged at his lips, fleeting yet captivating, as he composed himself.
"Yes, but this beauty reveals itself only at night," he answered, leading the way towards the door of the house. With a graceful gesture, he opened it and tilted his head, inviting me inside.
Confusion mingled with curiosity, but I couldn't resist his magnetic pull. I walked towards him and stepped inside the house. It was a place of elegance and grace, with a touch of mystery lingering in the air. The soft glow of dimmed lights bathed the interior, casting a warm and inviting ambiance. The furnishings exuded a timeless charm, blending seamlessly with the ethereal atmosphere. As I took it all in, a sense of comfort and familiarity enveloped me, as if the house had been waiting for my arrival.
"Want some tea?" he offered, his voice warm and inviting. He proceeded to the countertop, and I settled down on the soft and comforting sofa. My gaze wandered around the surroundings, taking in every detail, as he asked the question. I nodded in response, still captivated by the beauty of the place, unable to tear my eyes away from its enchanting allure.
After a while, he placed the teapot and teacup delicately on the polished wooden table in front of me, his movements imbued with grace and precision. With a steady hand, he poured the fragrant tea from the pot, the aromatic steam rising and dancing in the air. As he handed me the cup, our fingers brushed briefly, sending a gentle jolt of warmth through me. I accepted the tea with gratitude, cradling the delicate porcelain in my hands, feeling the comforting heat radiate through my fingertips.
Taking a seat on the plush single couch sofa across from me, he settled in, his gaze steadfast and unwavering. I turned my attention to the cup, mesmerized by the play of soft light on its surface, the reflection of my own image rippling and shimmering with each subtle movement. The stillness of the moment enveloped us, the only sound being the faint rustle of leaves outside and the delicate clinking of our cups. It was as if time stood still, allowing us to bask in the tranquility and connection that swirled between us.
After a momentary pause, I playfully broke the growing silence, teasing him with a mischievous smile. "Didn't you put anything here? Like poison or something?" I asked, attempting to ease the awkwardness that seemed to have settled between us. He furrowed his brow, his expression reflecting a mix of confusion and concern. Adjusting himself on the sofa, he leaned back against the plush backrest, crossing his legs with a thoughtful air.
"Why would I do that?" he responded, his voice laced with genuine bewilderment. His sincere words immediately put me at ease, as if he couldn't fathom the idea of such deception. In that moment, I sensed his genuine nature shining through. Despite my lingering unease, a flicker of reassurance sparked within me, reminding me that there was no need to fear.
I took a sip of the tea he had made, feeling his gaze fixed upon me. As I set the teacup down on the table, a slight irritation crept into my expression. "What?" I asked, my voice tinged with impatience.
He shook his head gently, his eyes filled with a mix of uncertainty and determination. "I just wanted to confirm something, but I didn't know how to," he confessed, a trace of vulnerability coloring his words.
Confusion washed over me, causing me to furrow my brow. "What is it, though?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.
Taking a deep breath, he seemed to gather his thoughts, struggling to find the right words. "I'm not really sure myself," he admitted, his tone betraying the difficulty he faced in articulating his thoughts.
'Eveline, I sense danger'