Astral Point: Summoners Dimensional War

Luna sat in a corner of the tavern, her hands wrapped around a half-empty cup of warm tea. Her eyes were fixed blankly on the wooden table before her, her thoughts wandering to the events at the main headquarters earlier that morning. Her usually calm face now bore a faint trace of unease.

"Luna?" Thomas's deep voice broke her reverie. The man sat in the chair beside her, a mug of beer in hand. "You look like you're deep in thought. What's going on?"

Luna flinched slightly and quickly lifted her face, trying to smile even though it was awkward. "It's nothing, Thomas. Just a bit tired after these past busy days."

Thomas raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. "Really? That's unlike you. Even after tough missions, you usually seem more relaxed. Are you sure nothing's bothering you?"

Luna avoided Thomas's gaze, focusing instead on the cup in her hands. "I just need some time to clear my head. That's all."

Across the table, Sasha, who was enjoying a piece of toast, observed their interaction. Tilting her head, she looked curious. "Luna, you seem different today. Are you feeling unwell?" she asked gently, her tone full of curiosity.

Luna turned toward Sasha and quickly shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Just a little... distracted by some things."

"Distracted by what?" Thomas pressed, watching Luna intently. "You know you can talk to us if something's troubling you, right?"

Luna took a deep breath, trying to keep her face composed despite her swirling thoughts. Her mind flashed back to how the Navigator had interacted with the new recruit earlier—so casual, almost... teasing. Just the memory made Luna's heart race slightly.

"Nothing," Luna repeated, her voice firmer. But her cheeks flushed a bit, a detail not lost on Sasha.

Sasha placed her toast back on her plate and narrowed her eyes at Luna. "Oh, I can tell there's something. Look at your face—you're blushing now. Is this about someone? Someone special?"

"No!" Luna denied immediately, perhaps too quickly. "It's not... it's not what you think."

Thomas leaned back in his chair, his gaze still fixed on Luna. "Someone special, huh? Don't tell me this has something to do with the Navigator."

Luna froze, Thomas's words only heightening her discomfort. She avoided their eyes, staring blankly at her now-empty cup.

"I'm right, aren't I?" Thomas teased, his tone light but probing.

"Thomas, stop meddling!" Luna finally huffed, though her voice carried no anger. She only felt more flustered.

Sasha giggled softly, her tone cheerful yet knowing. "Luna, you're terrible at hiding things. But it's okay; we won't force you to tell us. Though I am curious—what exactly did the Navigator do this time?"

Luna shook her head again, this time with a faint, forced smile. "He didn't do anything. It's just... he has a way of making me feel confused."

Thomas and Sasha exchanged glances, clearly not entirely convinced by her response. Still, they decided not to push further. Instead, Thomas raised his mug. "Well then, I hope whatever's on your mind gets resolved soon. We all need clear heads for the next mission."

Luna nodded slowly. "Thank you, Thomas. I'll... I'll be fine."

Yet deep down, she knew her mind wouldn't be at ease until she figured out what she truly felt.

Suddenly, Luna almost dropped her cup when the Navigator's firm voice echoed in her mind. "Luna, gather all combat units in front of the dormitory immediately." The voice was clear, urgent, and left no room for questions.

"The Navigator?!" Luna exclaimed, jolting upright from her seat in the tavern. Thomas and Sasha, seated nearby, exchanged puzzled looks.

"What's wrong, Luna?" Thomas asked, raising an eyebrow. Sasha, usually more reserved, gazed at Luna with concern.

Luna swallowed hard, trying to steady her nerves. "The Navigator wants all combat units to gather in front of the dormitory," she said, her tone slightly uneasy.

Sasha looked surprised. "Why so sudden? Is there a problem?"

"I... I don't know. But I need to inform the others," Luna replied quickly before hurrying out of the tavern.

Sasha turned to Thomas. "This is strange. The Navigator doesn't usually give orders without a clear reason."

"Indeed," Thomas agreed, standing up. "But we'd better head to the dormitory ourselves. We'll find out more there."

Meanwhile, Luna ran toward the training hall. She found Catherine, Virginia, and Pierre there. Pierre was focused on training with a dummy, while Catherine and Virginia were chatting in one corner.

"Luna?" Catherine called out, noticing Luna's hurried approach. "What's going on?"

"The Navigator has ordered all combat units to gather in front of the dormitory immediately," Luna said, slightly out of breath.

Virginia narrowed her eyes. "That's abrupt. Is it something serious?"

"I don't know either," Luna admitted, still trying to make sense of the situation. "But we should go right away."

Pierre lowered his sword and wiped the sweat from his brow. "Alright. If it's the Navigator's order, we don't have a choice."

Without further questions, the three followed Luna out of the training hall. On the way, Catherine asked casually, "Luna, you seem a bit anxious. Is there something you're not telling us?"

Luna quickly shook her head. "No... nothing. I'm just... a little startled by the sudden call."

Catherine nodded, though her expression suggested she was still slightly doubtful.

When they arrived in front of the dormitory, Thomas and Sasha were already waiting. Thomas greeted them with a brief nod. "You just got the message too?"

"Yes," Pierre replied. "Any idea why we're summoned?"

"Not at all," Sasha said, her tone worried. "But judging by Luna's reaction earlier, this seems important."

Virginia folded her arms. "Then let's wait. The Navigator must have an explanation."

They stood in a small circle, light chatter emerging to pass the time.

Catherine, ever curious, turned to Luna. "Do you have any idea what the Navigator is planning?"

Luna shook her head again. "No, I just received the order to gather everyone here."

Thomas observed Luna's expression closely. "You seem more nervous than usual, Luna. Is something bothering you?"

Luna hesitated for a moment before answering, "No, really. I just… think this might be something significant."

Their conversation was cut short as they all heard footsteps approaching. Their gazes instinctively turned toward the right side of the dormitory, curiosity mixed with a touch of tension evident in their expressions.

Suddenly, the Navigator appeared from around the corner, a broad smile on his face, waving cheerfully at them. "Good morning, everyone! Thank you for gathering here," he greeted them in an unusually bright tone.

"What are you up to this time?" Catherine asked suspiciously, her eyes narrowing at the Navigator.

"Patience," he replied, raising his hand. "I have a few important announcements to make. But first..." He cleared his throat awkwardly, drawing everyone's attention, then gestured behind him. "Come on out."

All eyes turned to where the Navigator pointed. From the shadows, a girl slowly emerged, crawling on the ground with a chain fastened around her neck. The Navigator held the chain casually, as though leading a pet.

The girl looked utterly humiliated. Her breathing was heavy, her face flushed crimson. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she remained silent, crawling with her head bowed, as if wishing to disappear from sight.

"What the hell is this?!" Thomas stood up straight, his voice full of shock. "Navigator, what do you mean by bringing someone in that condition?"

"This is completely unacceptable," Catherine added, her eyes blazing with anger. "Explain yourself, now!"

"Calm down, calm down, everyone," the Navigator said, his smile unwavering. He raised his hands to pacify the group. "I know this looks strange, but hear me out first."

Virginia crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "You have five seconds to explain before we lose our patience."

The Navigator chuckled lightly, unfazed by the rising tension. He gently tugged the chain, pulling the girl forward. "This here is your new comrade. She'll be joining our team starting today."

Everyone fell silent, staring at the girl in utter confusion. Luna, standing toward the back, could only cover her mouth, unable to believe what she was seeing.

"Sit," the Navigator instructed the girl. With a soft voice, she obeyed, sitting on the floor with her head still bowed.

"Now, introduce yourself as we practiced earlier," the Navigator added, his tone remaining casual.

The girl trembled but didn't resist. With shaking hands, she formed double peace sign and forced a smile onto her tear-streaked face. "G-greetings… I…" Her voice was barely audible, but she forced herself to continue. "I'm Elizabeth Bathory… please… take care of me."

The atmosphere became deathly quiet. Everyone stared, dumbfounded, trying to process what they had just witnessed.

Thomas was the first to break the silence. "Are you serious? Who is she?"

"A pure Damage Dealer, SSR rank, and an incredibly talented new partner for our team," the Navigator declared enthusiastically. "I believe her personality will fit in perfectly with all of you."

"Her personality? You've got to be kidding," Catherine muttered, massaging her temples.

"Is she okay?" Luna asked hesitantly, her gaze filled with concern for Elizabeth, who looked as though she might faint.

The Navigator only chuckled. "She'll need a bit of time to adjust. So, come on, give her a warm welcome as your new comrade!"

***