Estella stepped closer to the table that separated her from the Headmistress, her fists curling at her sides.
"Headmistress… you're saying something out there managed to steal a fully guarded Celestial Magical Stone… without being obliterated?" Estella asked, her voice low but serious.
"Yes," the Headmistress replied.
Estella let out a breath. "That's… insane."
Aurelia's brows knitted together. "Planetia has the most advanced magical technology in the universe. How could a heist like that even happen? It doesn't make any sense."
Reika crossed her arms, her expression calm — but tight. "If my research is correct, whatever took the Stone isn't human… not even close. They're either power-based entities or monsters infused with extremely high levels of Galactic energy."
"That is exactly our concern," the Headmistress said, folding her hands together. "The Council and I have decided to initiate a universal shutdown. We must find the criminals immediately. Those Stones are far too powerful — and their intentions are unknown."
Solaria's dark eyes narrowed. "To find them, we need to know where they're heading next."
"If they're hunting Galactic Stones," the Headmistress said, "their next target will most likely be the Planet of Emerila."
Solaria tilted her head. "But how can we be sure? And more importantly — how do they even know where the Stones are? Last we checked, only the Universal Councils have that kind of access."
The other girls nodded in agreement.
"We are aware of that," the Headmistress said. "That is why every Universal Council is currently under investigation. We suspect there may be a traitor feeding them information. Until that is confirmed, the six planets that guard the Galactic Stones must be protected."
She looked at them — steady, deliberate.
"That is another reason I called you here," she continued. "I'm appointing you for this mission."
Silence dropped over the room.
"What? Us?" Estella glanced at the others. "No offense, guys, but we're barely in the Silver Leagues. We're just second-years."
Reika nodded. "Realistically…that's true, we'd be pulverized by whatever is after those Stones without hesitate."
"We're not strong enough this Headmistress," Aurelia added quietly.
The Headmistress stepped forward slightly. "Listen. I understand your fears. But you are wrong — you are strong enough for this."
The girls exchanged unsure looks.
"It doesn't matter if you're in the Golden or Silver Leagues. It doesn't matter if you're second-years or fifth-years. What matters is your ability — and your potential." Her eyes softened slightly. "In all of Verelia, I have never seen teamwork like yours."
"That is what makes you the best of the best." She straightened. "But we will never force a student into a mission they don't want."
Her voice gentled.
"We care about your will as much as we care about the universe. If you choose to walk away… that is your right."
The girls looked at each other, unsure as they communicating silently.
After a few seconds they smiled. And turned back to the Headmistress.
"So… when does this mission start?" Estella asked.
The Headmistress smiled — and then her expression hardened.
"Today."
After hours of preparation and space travel, the girls finally arrived at Emerila — the Planet of Diamonds.
Their mission was simple.
Enter the Diamond Kingdom. Present the permission scroll. Guard the Galactic Stone. Then wait.
It sounded exciting.
But really It wasn't.
And who knew how long they'd have to wait? A year? A decade? Or maybe Forever?
The chamber that held the Stone was nice though, it shimmered in soft, prismatic light. The artifact rested inside a magic-resistant crystal prism, untouchable and flawless. Legends said it had once been held by the Second Queen of the Celestial Kingdom during the First Galactic War — a relic of power and history.
None of that helped with the boredom.
At least the Diamond Kingdom was kind,
A servant girl approached with a silver tray. "The King would not want his guests — and protectors — to go thirsty. Please, accept this."
She handed each of them a glass of pale, glowing crystal juice.
None of them had ever tasted such a drink before, but refusing would have been rude. So they accepted.
The servant bowed and left.
Solaria took a sip and immediately grimaced.
"This is awful."
"Shhh! Solaria!" Estella hissed. "What if she hears you?"
"She's not wrong," Aurelia admitted, quietly tasting it. "It's… awful."
"I agree," Reika said calmly, even though she hadn't touched her glass.
Estella sighed putting her glass down and stretched her arms. "Ugh. These mission suits are so stuffy. How are we even supposed to move in these things?"
"I agree, they need a serious redesign," Solaria agreed.
Aurelia straightened. "Enough complaining. Standing in one room won't help. We need to monitor the entire kingdom in case something happens outside."
She turned to Reika.
"Reika, set up holographic surveillance around the perimeter."
Reika nodded and headed out.
"Solaria, create a barrier around the kingdom."
Solaria nodded and followed.
"I'll scan the skies for any incoming threats," Aurelia said. She paused and looked at Estella.
"And you… guard the crystal."
Estella groaned. "What? Why do I get the boring job?"
Aurelia crossed her arms. "It's not boring. You're guarding an object that could reshape the universe if it falls into the wrong hands. That should never be boring."
Estella huffed. "Fine, fine. I'll keep watch."
"If anything happens," Aurelia said gently, "contact us, We'll be close."
The three girls left the chamber, their footsteps fading down the crystal halls.
Leaving Estella alone in the glittering room, with the silent prism.
And four untouched glasses of crystal juice.