The Northern Territory Training Compound sprawled across a remote valley surrounded by dense forest, its architecture a stark blend of modern military efficiency and ancient magical fortifications. Constructed specifically for high-level Syer development, the facility operated under stringent security protocols—multiple yers of both conventional and arcane defenses ensuring that what happened within its perimeter remained isoted from civilian awareness.
Eris stood at the edge of the training field, watching as the Science Division's technicians made final adjustments to the dimensional sampling equipment. Her specialized Battle Mage armor gleamed in the morning light, the reinforced panels bearing protective enchantments that complemented her own magical capabilities. At her hips, her twin daggers rested in custom sheaths, their crystalline bdes dormant until called upon to channel her spells in close combat.
This was day three of the specialized deployment that Commander Reeves had briefed her about—the mission that had required arranging extended childcare for Marcus. The unusual dimensional entities the Science Division had detected had proven even more anomalous than initially reported, necessitating carefully controlled exposure protocols rather than standard combat engagement.
"Final calibrations complete, Commander Kane," the lead technician reported, stepping back from the equipment array. "Entity manifestion sequence ready to initiate on your signal."
Eris nodded, completing her own mental preparation. The previous two days had involved graduated exposure to lesser entities from the same dimensional origin, allowing her to analyze their magical vulnerabilities and develop targeted countermeasures. Today would bring the most significant challenge yet—direct engagement with a previously undocumented entity cssification that exhibited resistant properties against standard magical approaches.
"Dimensional containment fields at maximum," confirmed the security coordinator from the reinforced observation bunker. "Medical team standing by. You may proceed when ready."
Eris performed a final magical attunement, feeling the flow of arcane energy through her system—a direct connection to the dimensional forces that Battle Mages were trained to manipute and direct. Unlike other Syer cssifications that relied primarily on physical enhancements or technological advantages, Battle Mages drew their power from their ability to channel and shape raw magical energy into specific spell forms.
"Initiating manifestation sequence," she confirmed, taking position at the center of the reinforced training circle.
The dimensional sampling equipment hummed to life, specialized arcane technology creating a controlled breach—a miniature version of the rifts that occasionally tore through the fabric of reality in urban environments. The air shimmered with growing distortion, reality bending as something began to push through from elsewhere.
Eris's enhanced senses detected the entity's approach before it became visible—a distinctive magical signature unlike the familiar patterns she had encountered throughout her Syer career. This was what had drawn the Science Division's attention: an entirely new dimensional frequency, suggesting origin in a previously uncontacted realm.
"Manifestation at thirty percent," reported the monitoring technician. "Signature stable but... unusual harmonic fluctuations detected."
The distortion intensified, coalescing into a physical form that defied conventional cssification parameters. The entity that materialized within the containment field resembled a constantly shifting mosaic of translucent geometric shapes, each segment containing what appeared to be miniature gaxies or star systems in perpetual motion. From its core emanated pulses of violet-hued energy that momentarily distorted the very air around it.
"Cssification parameters inconclusive," the technician continued, voice tense with concentration. "Tentatively designating as Prismatic Archon based on preliminary energy analysis. A-rank threat assessment confirmed."
Eris maintained her position, senses fully alert as she analyzed the entity's magical signature. Her specialized training allowed her to perceive magical frequencies and vulnerabilities that standard instrumentation often missed—a key advantage of Battle Mages in confrontations with previously uncssified dimensional threats.
"Containment field stable," the security coordinator confirmed. "You may begin assessment protocols, Commander."
Following established procedures, Eris initiated the first diagnostic—a non-aggressive magical probe designed to assess the entity's response to different elemental alignments. She traced a complex sigil in the air before her, whispering, "Elementia Revelio," as silver-blue runes briefly materialized around her fingertips.
The spell sent tendrils of pure magical energy toward the Prismatic Archon, each strand attuned to a different elemental frequency—fire, frost, lightning, earth, wind, arcane. As the magical probes made contact with the entity's shifting form, Eris monitored the reactions carefully, noting which elements appeared to create resonance and which encountered resistance.
"Interesting," she murmured, observing how the entity seemed to actively absorb arcane energy while repelling elemental magic. "Primary resistance to all standard elemental approaches. Possible vulnerability to temporally aligned spells."
The Prismatic Archon appeared to notice her probes, its mosaic form reorganizing as if in response to the magical contact. The star-like points within each geometric segment brightened, and the entity began to rotate slowly, its movements creating a complex harmonic pattern that Eris could perceive on both physical and magical levels.
Without warning, the entity emitted a concentrated pulse of violet energy directly toward her. Eris responded instantly, her hands moving in a practiced gesture as she incanted, "Speculum Arcanum!" A mirror-like shield of enchanted energy materialized before her, reflecting the pulse back toward its source with perfect precision.
The reflected energy struck the Prismatic Archon, causing its segments to temporarily desynchronize. Eris noted this reaction with professional interest—a potential tactical advantage if combat engagement became necessary.
"Entity exhibits directed energy projection capabilities," she reported for the observation team's benefit. "Magical reflection effective but likely to become less so with repeated application. Adaptation behavior observed."
Indeed, the Archon was already reorganizing its form, geometric segments realigning in a new pattern that suggested preparation for a different approach. Eris began weaving a more complex spell, silver runes dancing around her hands as she prepared a multi-yered magical assessment.
"Tempus Revelio Maxima," she incanted, the spell focusing specifically on the temporal aspects of the entity's structure—the dimensional attribute she suspected might prove its vulnerability.
As the spell took effect, Eris's enhanced magical perception detected exactly what she'd hypothesized—the Prismatic Archon existed partially outside normal temporal flow, its consciousness operating on multiple timelines simultaneously. This expined its unusual resistance to standard magical approaches; it could effectively "sidestep" spells by shifting its awareness to a timeline where the attack hadn't yet occurred.
"Confirmed temporal dispcement properties," she reported. "Entity exists across multiple timestreams simultaneously. Standard magical approaches will be increasingly ineffective as it adapts."
This assessment changed the parameters of the engagement entirely. Temporal magic was among the most complex and dangerous magical disciplines, requiring precision that few Syers—even among Battle Mages—could reliably achieve under combat conditions.
The Archon seemed to sense her analysis, its rotation speed increasing as more violet energy gathered at its core. Rather than another directed pulse, this time it released a spherical wave of energy that expanded outward in all directions, distorting both space and time as it approached the containment barriers.
"Containment field destabilizing," the security coordinator warned, arm evident in his voice. "Unknown temporal effect interacting with arcane barriers. Integrity at seventy percent and dropping."
Eris recognized the escating threat immediately. If the containment field failed completely, the Prismatic Archon would be free to interact with the broader environment—potentially causing catastrophic temporal distortions throughout the region.
Decision made, she shifted from assessment to combat protocols. Drawing both daggers in a fluid motion, she began channeling a specialized temporal counterspell through the crystalline bdes. The weapons glowed with silver-violet light as they absorbed and focused her magic, ancient runes etched in their surface temporarily illuminating as they amplified the specific magical frequency.
"Initiating direct neutralization," she informed the observation team. "Recommend facility-wide temporal stabilization fields."
Without waiting for acknowledgment, Eris unched into action, moving with magically enhanced speed as she approached the increasingly unstable entity. The Prismatic Archon responded by projecting multiple energy nces toward her, each one bending in impossible ways as it traversed the distorted space surrounding the entity.
"Chronos Aegis!" Eris cast a temporal shield spell, creating a bubble of stabilized time around herself that allowed her to perceive and react to the seemingly erratic energy projections. Within this protective field, the Archon's attacks returned to predictable trajectories, allowing her to evade with practiced precision.
Closing distance to strike range required navigating the increasingly distorted space around the entity. Eris channeled a localized stability spell through her left dagger, using it to literally cut through the temporal anomalies that the Archon was generating to keep her at bay. Each ssh of the enchanted bde temporarily normalized the affected space, creating a path forward through the chaotic distortions.
"Containment field at forty percent integrity," came the increasingly urgent update. "Unknown temporal cascade beginning to affect peripheral systems."
Eris registered this warning without breaking concentration, her focus absolute as she executed a complex series of movements that positioned her within striking distance of the Prismatic Archon. Here, in the heart of the distortion field, reality itself seemed to stutter and skip, multiple timelines briefly visible as overpping ghost images surrounding her.
Drawing on her most advanced Battle Mage training, Eris began the incantation for a temporal binding spell—magic specifically designed to lock an entity into a single timestream, preventing it from utilizing dimensional dispcement as a defense or attack mechanism.
"Tempus Vincu Absolutum," she pronounced each sylble with perfect precision, the complex spell requiring both verbal and somatic components. As she spoke, she moved her daggers in synchronized patterns, each bde tracing half of an ancient runic circle in the distorted air. Where the paths crossed, reality seemed to crystalize, solidifying from potential into absolute.
The Prismatic Archon sensed the threat immediately, its form contracting and expanding rapidly as it attempted to shift between timestreams to evade the binding spell. Violet energy pulsed erratically from its core, creating localized temporal explosions designed to disrupt Eris's spellcasting.
She countered each disruption with precise applications of stabilizing magic, maintaining the integrity of her spell through sheer force of will and technical mastery. The crystalline daggers glowed increasingly bright as they channeled more magical energy, the ancient enchantments in their structure straining under the immense power flowing through them.
"Vinculum Temporis!" Eris completed the binding spell with a final gesture, bringing both daggers together to complete the runic circle. The magic coalesced into visible form—silver-violet chains of pure temporal energy that shed out toward the Prismatic Archon, encircling its geometric segments and pulling them into synchronized alignment.
The entity fought against the magical restraints, its form pulsing and distorting as it attempted to slip between timestreams. But the binding spell held firm, forcing the Archon to remain anchored to a single temporal reality—suddenly vulnerable to conventional magical approaches.
Without hesitation, Eris capitalized on this momentary advantage. Sheathing her left dagger to free one hand, she began casting a powerful offensive spell specifically calibrated to the entity's now-exposed magical frequency.
"Prisma Fractus Totalum!" she incanted, ancient words of power resonating with the specific dimensional signature of the Prismatic Archon. From her extended palm erupted a beam of concentrated arcane energy that struck the bound entity at its geometric center.
The impact caused an immediate chain reaction, the magical energy propagating through the Archon's structure along the paths of least resistance—the natural fault lines between its mosaic segments. Each geometric shape began to separate from its neighbors, the miniature gaxies within flickering erratically as the entity's cohesion deteriorated.
"Containment field stabilizing," reported the security coordinator, surprise evident in his voice. "Entity signature weakening. Neutralization protocols effective."
Maintaining absolute focus, Eris continued channeling the spell, adjusting its frequency as the Archon attempted to adapt. This was the most critical phase of the engagement—the entity was weakened but not yet neutralized, its consciousness still active enough to potentially break free of the temporal binding if her concentration faltered.
Drawing on her magical reserves, she poured more power into the spell, the beam intensifying from silver-violet to blindingly white as it reached maximum potency. Her right dagger, still in hand, began to vibrate from the magical feedback generated by such prolonged high-intensity spellcasting.
The Prismatic Archon's resistance finally colpsed under the sustained magical assault. Its geometric segments separated completely, each one contracting into a single point of light before winking out of existence. The violet energy at its core dissipated in a final pulse that washed harmlessly against Eris's magical defenses.
"Entity neutralized," she confirmed, lowering her hand as the beam faded. "Dimensional signature no longer detected."
The observation team erupted into controlled activity, technicians rushing to document readings while security personnel verified containment field status. Eris remained in the center of the training circle, performing a systematic assessment of her own condition. The engagement had demanded significant magical expenditure, particurly the temporal binding spell—one of the most energy-intensive techniques in the Battle Mage repertoire.
"Exceptional work, Commander Kane," the Science Division's lead researcher approached, tablet in hand and professional excitement evident in his expression. "Your application of temporal binding was textbook perfect. We'll be analyzing the data for months."
Eris acknowledged the comment with a brief nod, already focusing on replenishing her magical reserves through controlled breathing and mental discipline. The researcher continued, apparently oblivious to her recovery process.
"The temporal dispcement properties you identified expin why our standard containment protocols were proving increasingly ineffective. Without your specific expertise in temporal magic, we might have experienced a catastrophic containment failure."
"The entity was unusually advanced," Eris observed, finally resheathing her remaining dagger as her magical systems stabilized. "Origin dimension should be cssified as high-priority for monitoring. If more Prismatic Archons discover pathways to our reality, standard Syer teams would be inadequate for containment."
The researcher nodded soberly, making notes on his tablet. "We're already implementing a specialized monitoring protocol based on the unique dimensional frequency. Early detection will be critical."
As the technical team continued their work, Eris completed her post-engagement recovery routine. The specialized deployment had achieved its primary objective—identifying and neutralizing the unusual dimensional threat—while simultaneously providing valuable data on an entirely new entity cssification. The experience had also pushed her magical abilities to new limits, particurly in the temporal discipline where few Battle Mages achieved mastery.
She was gathering her equipment when Commander Reeves entered the training area, her expression revealing nothing of her assessment of the engagement. As the highest-ranking Battle Mage in the Syer hierarchy, Reeves's evaluation carried significant weight in advancement considerations.
"Commander Kane," she acknowledged, approaching with precise, measured steps. "Walk with me."
They departed the training field in silence, moving toward the facility's eastern perimeter where the dense forest provided both privacy and a natural dampening effect for residual magical energies. Only when they were well clear of the technical teams did Reeves speak again.
"Your handling of the Prismatic Archon was impressive," she stated, her tone conversational but evaluative. "Particurly the temporal binding application. Few Battle Mages could have maintained spell integrity under those distortion conditions."
"The entity required adaptation beyond standard protocols," Eris replied, matching Reeves's professional tone. "Temporal magic was the only viable approach once I identified its dispcement capabilities."
Reeves nodded slightly, her silver-flecked eyes studying Eris with characteristic intensity. "Your affinity for temporal magic has always been noted in your assessment records, but today's demonstration exceeded previous parameters. The question is whether that represents natural progression or something more specific."
Eris understood the implication immediately. In the Syer hierarchy, magical affinities were carefully tracked and documented, with certain rare specializations—like temporal manipution—meriting particur attention due to their strategic significance.
"The Nightshade heritage," she acknowledged quietly, referencing her true identity that remained cssified at the highest security levels. "You're suggesting a connection."
"It's worth considering," Reeves replied. "The historical records on your parents are heavily redacted, but what remains indicates Selene Nightshade demonstrated unusual temporal perception capabilities during certain high-level engagements. The magical aptitude appears to be hereditary."
This information—a new piece of Eris's fragmented understanding of her origins—registered with both professional and personal significance. Commander Reeves was one of the few individuals with clearance to discuss her Nightshade heritage directly, having been involved in the original investigation following her parents' deaths.
"This deployment has provided valuable data beyond the immediate containment objective," Reeves continued. "Your performance against the Prismatic Archon, combined with recent mission assessments, supports advancement consideration beyond initial projections."
Eris maintained her composure despite the implications of this statement. "You're referring to S-rank evaluation."
"Precisely." Reeves stopped walking, turning to face Eris directly. "Based on demonstrated capabilities, particurly in temporal magic application, I'm recommending accelerated consideration for S-rank cssification. The formal evaluation could begin as early as next month."
The significance of this recommendation was impossible to overstate. S-rank Syers were exceptionally rare—fewer than twenty currently active worldwide—and represented the pinnacle of dimensional defense capability. If approved, Eris would become the youngest Battle Mage in Syer history to achieve that cssification.
"The evaluation process would be intensive," Reeves cautioned. "Multiple specialized deployments, psychological assessment, magical capacity testing beyond anything you've experienced previously. And with your... unique personal situation... the logistics would require careful consideration."
The "personal situation" reference was clearly to Marcus—the unprecedented circumstance of an S-rank candidate with guardianship responsibilities for a young child. Eris had expected this complication to arise eventually, had prepared for it logistically and emotionally.
"I understand the requirements," she stated. "And I'm prepared to navigate the necessary bance."
Reeves studied her for a long moment, the evaluative gaze softening slightly with something that might have been respect. "The modified deployment protocols we've established for your current cssification have proven effective. S-rank would require adjustments, but not wholesale restructuring."
Left unspoken was the acknowledgment that Eris's performance had already disproven the historical assumption that Syers—particurly those on accelerated advancement paths—needed to sacrifice personal connections for professional excellence. Her unorthodox situation with Marcus had become, if not fully embraced by the Syer hierarchy, at least accepted as a workable anomaly.
"There's one additional consideration," Reeves added, her tone shifting subtly. "S-rank cssification would potentially make you a more visible target for whoever was responsible for your parents' neutralization."
This sobering reality wasn't new to Eris, but hearing it stated so directly by her commanding officer emphasized its significance. The investigation into her parents' deaths remained officially open but effectively cold—whoever had betrayed the S-rank Nightshades had covered their tracks with professional precision, leaving few leads and no conclusive evidence.
"I've considered that possibility," Eris acknowledged. "The security protocols currently in pce for Marcus would need reassessment."
Reeves nodded once, apparently satisfied with this response. "We'll discuss specifics as the evaluation process develops. For now, complete the documentation for this deployment. The transport returns to Sanctum City at 1800 hours."
As Reeves departed toward the main facility, Eris remained at the forest perimeter, processing both the professional opportunity and its potential ramifications. S-rank cssification represented validation of her capabilities as a Battle Mage, recognition of magical aptitude that had apparently been inherited from parents she couldn't remember. It aligned perfectly with the goal she and Marcus had discussed—becoming stronger to better protect people from dimensional threats.
But it also carried undeniable risks—increased visibility within the Syer hierarchy, greater scrutiny of her activities, potentially renewed interest from whoever had orchestrated her parents' deaths. Risks that now extended beyond herself to include a five-year-old boy who had already lost one family to dimensional violence.
As if conjured by her thoughts, her communication device activated with a personal alert—the daily call with Marcus that she had maintained without fail throughout the deployment. Even in the midst of specialized training and dimensional containment, this connection remained her unwavering priority.
Finding a seated position against a broad oak tree, Eris activated the secure communication protocol. The screen illuminated with Marcus's face, his expression brightening instantly upon seeing her.
"Eris-mama! Guess what? I lost my tooth today! The one that was wiggly yesterday!" His excitement overrode any greeting protocols, the milestone too significant to dey sharing even by seconds.
Eris's transition from Battle Mage Commander to "Eris-mama" happened with practiced fluidity, the compartmentalization that had once seemed impossible now almost second nature.
"That's excellent progress," she replied, genuine warmth entering her voice where professional detachment had been moments before. "Did you follow the proper tooth preservation protocol we discussed?"
Marcus nodded solemnly, holding up a small container. "I put it in the special box with Ms. Lena's help. She says I have to put it under my pillow tonight." His expression turned questioning. "Is that part of the protocol too?"
"It's a traditional approach," Eris expined, maintaining the serious tone that Marcus appreciated for important topics. "Some believe a mythological entity exchanges lost teeth for currency."
Marcus considered this information with characteristic thoughtfulness. "You mean the tooth fairy? Theo in my css told me about that. But it's not real, right? Not like the monsters you fight."
"Correct assessment," Eris confirmed. "But traditions can have value even when based on fictional constructs."
This philosophical point might have confused other children his age, but Marcus simply nodded in understanding. In the background, Eris could see Ms. Lena moving about the kitchen, preparing what appeared to be dinner.
"How has your deployment progressed?" Marcus asked, adopting the formal terminology he had learned was appropriate for Eris's professional activities. "Did you fight interesting monsters?"
Eris considered how to frame her confrontation with the Prismatic Archon in age-appropriate terms without excessive simplification. Their agreement specified honest information about her missions, calibrated to his development level.
"I encountered a previously uncssified dimensional entity with unusual temporal properties," she expined, selecting key details that would satisfy his curiosity without causing unnecessary concern. "It existed in multiple timestreams simultaneously, requiring specialized magical containment."
Marcus's eyes widened with interest. "Multiple timestreams? Like it was in different times all at once?"
"Essentially correct," Eris confirmed, impressed as always by his quick comprehension. "It could shift between potential timelines, making standard magical approaches ineffective."
"But you figured out how to stop it," Marcus stated with complete confidence. "Because you're the best at magic."
"I identified its vulnerability to temporal binding spells," Eris crified, uncomfortable with absolute statements about her capabilities despite her professional confidence. "Each entity cssification has specific weaknesses that can be exploited with appropriate magical application."
Marcus absorbed this information, then shifted topics with the fluid adaptability of childhood. "Ms. Lena helped me practice writing my letters today. And I drew a new monster picture for when you get home. It's the best one yet."
"I look forward to reviewing it," Eris replied sincerely. These drawings—evolving from childish scribbles to increasingly sophisticated renderings of dimensional entities—had become significant markers of both his artistic development and their shared understanding of her work.
"When are you coming home?" he asked, the question containing both curiosity and the carefully controlled anxiety he worked hard to manage during her deployments.
"Transport departs at 1800 hours today," she informed him. "Anticipated arrival in Sanctum City by 2100 hours. I should return to our residence shortly after." Noting his slight confusion at the military time format, she added, "I'll be home tonight, after your bedtime. Ms. Lena will stay overnight as pnned, and I'll be there when you wake up tomorrow morning."
This crification visibly relieved him. "So we can have pancakes for breakfast? With blueberries inside?"
"Affirmative," Eris confirmed, the exchange having become a ritual reassurance of returning normalcy after deployments. "With blueberries inside."
Their conversation continued for the allotted fifteen minutes, covering Marcus's school activities, a minor disagreement with a cssmate that he had successfully navigated using conflict resolution techniques they had practiced together, and his continued care of Alexander the shadow beast toy, who apparently needed special attention due to "monster homesickness" that Marcus had diagnosed.
As their call concluded, Marcus's expression grew momentarily serious. "Be careful coming home, okay? Use your best magic if you see any monsters."
"I will maintain maximum vigince," Eris assured him, recognizing the genuine concern beneath the simple request. "Proper protocols will be observed at all times."
This security guarantee appeared to satisfy him. "Love you, Eris-mama."
"Love you too, Marcus," she replied, the phrase that had once felt so foreign now flowing naturally. "Sleep well tonight. I'll see you in the morning."
As the communication ended, Eris remained seated against the oak tree for several moments, the transition back to her professional mindset requiring brief recalibration. The contrasting realities of her life—S-rank Battle Mage candidate wielding complex temporal magic against dimensional threats, and guardian to a five-year-old discussing tooth fairy traditions and breakfast preferences—had become not separate identities but integrated aspects of a whole.
Rising to her feet, she reactivated her magical perception, scanning the area for residual energies before heading back toward the main facility to complete her mission documentation. The Prismatic Archon encounter would be thoroughly analyzed, its tactical lessons incorporated into training protocols, its dimensional origin fgged for enhanced monitoring.
And tomorrow morning, she would make pancakes with blueberries inside, examine a new monster drawing with appropriate appreciation, and listen to the detailed account of how the tooth fairy had or had not visited during the night.
Both responsibilities executed with equal precision, equal commitment.
As she walked back toward the facility, Eris reflected that perhaps this integration—this refusal to compartmentalize professional excellence and personal connection—was itself a form of strength that her previous self wouldn't have recognized. A different kind of magic, no less real than the spells she wielded against dimensional threats, and perhaps ultimately more powerful in its effects.
