Location: Lumina's Home

  Time of Day: Night

  Day 7 Week 3

  Lumina's home was quiet, the stillness broken only by the faint chirp of crickets outside. Somewhere upstairs, Slayer's snores rumbled through the halls, while the others slept soundly. But in the basement room, Hikari lay wide awake. Sleep wouldn't come because her thoughts were fixed on Echohold-09, and on whether they were truly ready for what awaited. She stared at the ceiling, exhaling softly.

  ("I wonder how Dr. Naru is doing... Will everyone still be alive? Did we perhaps take too long? And... what's the first thing we'll see when we step through that portal...?")

  Her thoughts tumbled over one another until she finally sat up, slipping into her lab coat. Quiet as a shadow, she crept upstairs and slipped out the side entrance. The night air was cool. Above Xevia, thousands of stars glittered, and beyond the house, the forest loomed silent and still. Arms crossed tight against herself, Hikari lifted her gaze skyward. "Three weeks..." she whispered. "Three weeks in this world... and now it's time to finally go back."

  Her eyes lowered as her hand slipped into the pocket of her coat. The smooth surface of the Artifact pressed against her fingertips. She drew it out slowly, letting it rest in her palm for a moment. ("Once this is all over... I think I'll be taking a long vacation. Hehe... well, that's only if things actually go right.") With a small breath, she tucked the Artifact back into her coat pocket. A few minutes slipped by as she stared up at the sky. Her expression softened, when suddenly... she heard it.

  "I can help you..." The whisper was faint, high-pitched, like a little girl's voice.

  Hikari froze. THUMP. Her heart skipped a beat. "Huh...?" Her eyes darted around, but nothing stirred. Only the trees swayed gently in the wind. "Someone there?!" she called out. Silence. She frowned, about to brush it off, until she heard it again.

  "You must seek out to the truth..."

  Her breath caught. "What the-? Again?" She raised her voice, calling out toward the forest. "Hello?! Is someone out there?!" Silence. Then, the voice came once more.

  "Hey... this way..."

  Hikari swallowed hard. ("Uhm... okay, someone is definitely out there. Maybe they're lost?") She hesitated, curiosity gnawing at her until she let out a long breath. SIGH. "Fiiine, you win brain. I'll follow the damn voice into the creepy forest." Every instinct screamed at her to turn back, but her legs carried her forward anyway. "Careful now, Hikari..." she muttered under her breath.

  She stepped past the fence toward the forest's edge. Moonlight trickled through the canopy, but the deeper she went, the dimmer it became. "Why am I following this voice again?" she muttered. The trees seemed to lean closer, watching her every step. Then, the voice came again but softer this time, barely audible.

  "I can help you... but you must first see..."

  Hikari froze. WHOOSH. The wind died in an instant. "See? See what exactly?"

  The forest fell utterly silent. Not even the leaves stirred. "And why did it get so quiet...?" Then... she saw them. Dozens of faint, glowing purple eyes blinked open in the dark bushes, low to the ground, unblinking, and fixed on her.

  "They're watching us... but I can't protect you just yet."

  Her breath hitched. GASP! "W-W-What the heck are those?!"

  "I was so close... she has found me again."

  Hikari's body reacted before her mind could. Step... step... she backed away, eyes wide. SNAP! A branch cracked underfoot. "Nope-nope, nope! Not today!"

  She spun and bolted. THUD! THUD! Roots snagged at her boots, branches scraped at her coat and arms, but she didn't dare look back. The glowing eyes didn't follow... yet their presence clung to her like a shadow. Her heart hammered until finally, the warm yellow glow of Lumina's windows broke through the dark. Hikari burst through the side door and slammed it shut behind her. SLAM!

  From upstairs, a floorboard creaked faintly CREAK... Captain shifting in his sleep. No one woke. Hikari pressed her back to the wall, gasping. "What the hell was that...?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "And that voice... why did it call out to me?" She didn't know what the voice meant or what "truth" it wanted her to seek. Without another word, Hikari slipped back into bed, the Artifact in her pocket glowing faintly.

  Departure Day

  The scent of breakfast drifted through the air, cooked eggs, steamed rice, freshly baked bread, and green tea. Everyone gathered around the kitchen table, eating together. But Hikari wasn't there. She sat alone in the basement, her back pressed against the cold stone wall, knees drawn to her chest. In her hand, the Artifact glimmered faintly as she turned it over, studying every detail. No whispers came this time... only the echo of one, looping faintly in her mind.

  "I can help you... You must seek out to the truth..."

  "Hmm... I wonder if this thing was the one picking through my mind," she muttered, turning the Artifact in her hand. "Lumina did mention before that a voice called out to her from it." Her eyes lingered on the black star engraved into the Artifact. "But should I tell them what happened last night...?" Her fingers curled tightly around it. "No... not yet." She slipped it back into her coat and pushed herself to her feet. "I'd rather not have them worry about it. For now, we've got other things to focus on instead."

  Upstairs, Slayer was already through a second plate of eggs and rice, somehow managing to chew happily with his helmet still on. CHOMP, CHOMP. Captain sat nearby, double-checking his gear while his rifle rested across his lap. Lumina sipped her tea calmly, her gaze eventually drifting toward the living room just as Hikari finally emerged from the basement.

  "Ah there you are," Lumina said with a faint smile. "You already missed round one."

  "Let me guess," Hikari said, covering a yawn with her hand. FWAHH~ "Slayer already ate half the table?"

  "Uh-uhm, that's incorrect," Slayer replied proudly, tapping his chestplate. "Two-thirds of the table, to be exact."

  Hikari tilted her head with a sideways nod, then slid into the seat next to Captain, grabbing a piece of bread from the table. Captain glanced her way, his expression firm. "You okay, Hikari? You look kinda pale. I assume you couldn't sleep well?"

  Hikari hesitated before forcing a faint smile. "Haha... yeah... something like that. Pre-portal jitters, that's all, I guess." She took a small bite of the bread. MUNCH. "Ooo~ yummy bread."

  Captain gave a short nod, unconvinced but unwilling to press further. Lumina poured tea into a mug and reached across the table, offering it to Hikari. "Here. Have some tea."

  "Ah, thanks," Hikari said, blowing gently across the surface before taking a sip. SIP. "Mmm... delicious."

  CLINK. Lumina set her cup back on the table. "Listen up, everyone." The others turned their gaze toward her. "We'll be heading out to the tavern first. I've still got a few things to wrap up before we leave."

  "We have until nightfall to open the portal, right?" Captain asked.

  Hikari nodded. "Right. We wont be able to open it until then."

  "Great," Slayer said, brushing his hands clean. "We leave in an hour then. And once we enter that portal... we're not coming back through it unless we've saved your world, Hikari."

  Hikari stared down into her tea. "...Thanks. That means a lot." ("I guess this it then.")

  Later that morning...

  The sun shone bright as the party gathered in front of Lumina's tavern, geared up and ready to go. Hikari turned to face the tavern one last time. The SWAY... of the "Open" sign in the breeze caught her eye.

  "It doesn't feel like we've been here that long," Hikari murmured.

  "And yet... we've made many memories here," Lumina added softly.

  Hikari gave a small smile. "Yeah... ones I won't forget anytime soon."

  "I'll miss this place," Slayer said, arms crossed. "Mostly the food though. Or... maybe the moments we had together."

  Captain shot him a sharp glance. "Keep talking, and you'll miss your chance to say goodbye at all."

  "Aww, Cap! You do care!" Slayer teased, finger-gunning at him. "Always threatening me with a good time, huh?"

  "Regretting everything already," Captain muttered, arms crossing with a sigh.

  Lumina stepped forward, her gaze sweeping across Xevia. She adjusted the black pendant around her neck, her voice calm and steady. "Oh right, almost forgot."

  Hikari blinked, watching her turn back inside the tavern. "Hm?"

  Lumina stepped inside alone. The tavern was quiet now, still and familiar. She walked behind the bar, letting her hand glide along the polished wood she had cleaned countless times. She paused, closed her eyes, and whispered softly to herself. "Thank you... to everyone. To Rena... to the memories we created in this tavern."

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  Her hand rose to the black pendant resting against her chest, fingers tightening around it. "...Mother, Father... please watch over Xevia while I'm gone. I promise I won't be long. Until then... guide me. ...Thank you." She moved to the back and opened a small chest. Inside rested Rena's favorite tea blend. Lumina picked it up carefully, holding it for a moment before tucking it away. ("Just in case.")

  When she stepped outside again, she turned to face the tavern door one last time. Her fingers lingered over the wooden sign. Then, with a steady motion, she flipped it over. CLOSED ...Until the Next Story Begins. A soft CLICK followed as Lumina locked the door. The key glowed green in her hand for a brief moment before vanishing into thin air.

  "You good?" Slayer asked gently.

  With a calm nod, Lumina turned to him. "It'll be waiting. Now... shall we get going?"

  The party spent a little more time in the city, making their final purchases. Lumina and Slayer exchanged farewells with the people of Xevia. As the sun dipped lower, they regrouped at the city's entrance. Night had finally fallen.

  "It's time," Lumina said, adjusting the black choker marked with its familiar symbol around her neck.

  Slayer groaned as he sat down on the grass, stretching his arms wide. "Aww maaaan... I was just starting to enjoy my nap."

  "You can nap after we survive the next world," Captain replied flatly.

  Hikari stood still, her lab coat fluttering softly in the night breeze as she stared ahead at the looming forest.

  "I can help you..."

  The female voice still echoed faintly in her thoughts, but Hikari said nothing. She stepped forward, then glanced back at the others with quiet determination. "Alright... let's go, everyone."

  Hikari and Captain no longer walked as wanderers or strangers. They weren't the same people who had first stumbled through the portal. They were Xevian warriors now, awakened by their Emanation. In the darkness ahead, their destination waited. And this time... they weren't alone. Their allies now stood beside them.

  The Deep Forest

  The moon hovered high above the treetops. The party moved quietly toward the place where the Artifact had first been found. At the front, Lumina walked with calm precision, leading the way.

  "Try to stick close," she said without looking back. "There may still be things in these woods that don't care how many weeks you've trained."

  "I knew I should've brought snacks," Slayer said, punching his palm. SMACK. "Maybe they only attack if they're on an empty stomach."

  "In that case," Captain muttered, "if they eat you first, then they won't be a problem for us."

  Slayer gasped. "Woahh, is that concern I hear? You really do care, huh?"

  "Gosh... what a knightmare with this guy." Captain said with a bothered expression.

  SIGH. Lumina exhaled, her voice even. "Just so you both know... if you guys get dragged into the trees, I'm not doubling back. So behave."

  Hikari smiled faintly but stayed quiet. Farther ahead, the forest began to thin. After a few more minutes of walking, they finally reached it: the crater. Though the shape was unchanged, vines had begun to reclaim the area, curling around its rim, but it was unmistakably the place they were looking for.

  "We're here," Lumina said quietly as she stepped forward. "It's the same as before."

  Slayer stretched his arms behind his head and let out a loud YAWN. "Well then... do your thing, Hikari. I'm gonna go take a quick break."

  "Yeah, yeah, I know" she muttered, stepping into the clearing. Her boots CRUNCHED lightly against the dry soil as she approached the crater's edge. Peering down into the dark, webbed center, she drew in a slow breath before glancing over her shoulder. "Everyone ready?"

  Captain exhaled, his tone steady. "After everything we've been through, I'd say we're more than ready."

  "Oh, do the chant! Do the chant!" Slayer chimed in, way too excited. "You have to! It's tradition now!"

  Hikari blinked, her cheeks warming. "Hey! Stop making fun of me!" she snapped, quickly turning toward Slayer. "Ugh-that's just how the chant goes, okay?! Don't pressure me!" She crossed her arms with a pout, eyes fixed forward again.

  Lumina's lips curved into a smirk. "Well, we all heard you last time... so you might as well give it some style while you're at it."

  Hikari let out a grunt, running her hands through her hair in frustration. ("Ugghh... why am I the one who has to do this again? Oh, right. Because apparently I'm the only genius here who figured out the chant in the first place.") She shook her head side to side before letting out a deep SIGH. "Guess I have no choice." She then reached into her coat and drew out the Artifact. Raising it high above her head, she spoke in a voice far more dramatic than necessary as the chant began:

  "Twinkle, twinkle, little star... Oh, how I wonder what you are... Up above the world so high... OPEN UP A PORTAL UP, UP IN THE SKY!!"

  The final words echoed across the clearing like an incantation. The Artifact gave a powerful PULSE!, then flashed. The instant her last line rang out, the ground trembled beneath their feet. RUMBLE. A roar of wind tore through the clearing as the night sky brightened, then split apart. A vertical tear of red energy slashed downward from above, and the portal began to take shape. Slowly, it descended toward the crater's center, twisting into an oval form. Crimson energy swirled around it as waves of heat rolled outward.

  "There it is again..." Hikari whispered. "Just like last time."

  "Yes," Captain said, stepping forward, his eyes fixed on the swirling red light. "But this time, we're going in and taking back what's ours."

  A brief silence hung in the clearing before Lumina gave a small nod. "Well... I'm glad it opened again without failure."

  Hikari exhaled, her fingers tightening around the Artifact. "Yeah... I guess it's safe to assume that it'll work every time we try to open another portal."

  Slayer stretched his arms with a grin. "Then no more standing around." He then stepped forward. "Let's get this done."

  Captain's voice was steady. "Once we cross through, there's no room for doubt. Echohold-09 is probably crawling with Echos by now. So we'll deal with whatever's waiting for us on the other side as one."

  Hikari's eyes lingered on the red rift, her grip still firm on the Artifact. "...It's strange," she murmured. "A part of me doesn't want to leave. This place... you guys... you gave me more than I ever thought I'd find after everything collapsed." Her gaze shifted toward Lumina and Slayer, her voice soft. "But I can't ignore what's waiting on the other side. I have to go back... and this time, I won't be alone. ...So I'll be counting on you guys from here on out."

  "You can count on us, Hikari," Lumina said steadily. "We promised we'd help you and that's exactly what we're going to do." She rested a hand on Hikari's shoulder, her tone unwavering. "I swear we'll bring peace back to your world."

  Slayer chuckled. "Haha, well, guess this is it. I was kinda hoping for one last round of stew before jumping dimensions, but... I'll settle for saving the world instead." He nudged Captain's arm with a grin. "Let's just make sure red-flame boy here doesn't break down mid-fight."

  Captain's eyes narrowed. "Hmph. You'd be dead before that ever happens."

  "See?" Slayer said brightly, throwing up his hands. "Bonded!"

  Lumina fell silent, her gaze locked on the portal. "I've watched people leave my side before," she said quietly. "And none of them came back. But this... this feels different. It's like were stepping into a chapter that's meant to be written... something only we're capable of doing." She turned, meeting Hikari's eyes, then Captain's. "You both have come so far. So whatever happens... know you're not alone. Because this time..." her hand pressed firmly to her chest, "I won't make the same mistake twice." Her voice steadied, resolute. "We'll make it through this... no matter what."

  Captain gave her a firm nod.

  "...Thanks, Lumina," Hikari said quietly.

  Before them, the portal swirled, its glow humming through the clearing. HUMMM. Lumina lifted a hand. "Oh actually, before we go," she said calmly, her gaze shifting between Captain and Hikari. "There's one more thing I need to teach you both."

  Hikari tilted her head. "Now? Right before the portal?"

  Lumina's lips curved faintly. "Now it won't take long. I'm sure you guys will grasp it quick."

  Her hand lifted higher, her aura glowing faintly around her fingers. GLOW. "You've seen this once before. Back when Slayer stored the Artifact away. Remember?"

  "Ohh, yeah, I remember that!" Hikari said, her voice perking with excitement.

  "I remember too," Captain added, folding his arms. "So... are we finally learning that magic trick?

  "Yes. Now watch closely," Lumina said, her tone steady as she bent down to pick up a small rock from the ground. "The skill you saw back then is called Aura Vanish. This technique is about will and not force. You're not destroying the item, instead you're folding it into the void. Think of it as... putting it somewhere your hands can't reach, but your aura can." She extended her palm, the small rock floating above it. Her green aura shimmered faintly. With a smooth gesture, the rock dissolved into nothing. She closed her hand, then opened it again... the rock reappeared in her palm. "See? It's simple once your mind accepts it."

  Hikari leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "Oh wow... so, I just think it away?"

  "Not just think it away, more like believe," Lumina corrected, her voice calm but firm. "Picture it vanishing. Not hidden or dropped... just simply gone. Remember, your aura obeys intent, not hesitation."

  Hikari nodded quickly and lifted her hand, the Artifact still resting in her grip. Her pink aura flowed around her fingers as she squeezed her eyes shut and muttered, "Artifact... vanish." The Artifact glowed pink and then BLINK! it vanished. She gasped softly, pulling her hand back as though startled. She slowly opened her palm again, wide-eyed. "I-I did it... it's gone!"

  "Good," Lumina said with the faintest smile. "Now, try bringing it back."

  Hikari focused, pink aura flowing in her hand again. POP! The Artifact reappeared in her hand. She laughed nervously. "Okay... that's actually pretty amazing."

  "Very good. Try it once more," Lumina instructed. Then her gaze shifted to Captain. "Your turn. Try doing it on your rifle, it should get stored away with ease."

  Captain grunted, lifting his rifle in one hand. "Tch. Let's see." His aura flared red, wrapping tightly around the weapon. He narrowed his eyes, voice low. "...Vanish." The rifle trembled in his grip, aura flowing as it surged violently around it, then in a flash, it dissolved into the void. Captain let out a sharp exhale, staring at his empty hands. "It worked."

  "Well? Go on," Lumina said softly, resting her hand against her hip.

  Captain nodded, then flexed his fingers and reached out. SNAP! The rifle reformed in a burst of red light, snapping back into his grasp. He chuckled low. "Hmph. Not bad. I can work with this."

  "Not bad at all," Lumina agreed. "But just remember this. Aura Vanish isn't just about convenience. It's also about survival. One day, this may be the only reason you walk away from a fight alive." She pressed a hand over her heart, her gaze steady. "So don't treat it lightly."

  Hikari gave a determined nod. "Got it."

  Captain smirked faintly. "I'll keep that in mind."

  "Good. See? I knew you guys would pick it up quickly." Lumina's voice softened, though her expression stayed steady. "Just keep practicing until you master it."

  CLANG! Slayer clapped his armored hands together, grinning. "Ha! Finally! You two really learned the trick huh. It took me a couple days to figure it out without accidentally making my dinner disappear."

  Hikari blinked. "...You used Aura Vanish on food?"

  "Of course! I've got sandwiches stored in the void. Then, whenever I'm feeling hungry, boom! I spawn one and problem solved."

  Lumina sighed, though a tiny smile tugged at her lips. "Slayer... you're supposed to use it for survival, not snacks."

  "Hey," Slayer shot back defensively, "when you're starving in the field, survival is snacks."

  Hikari couldn't help but laugh. The sound echoed lightly in the clearing. Then, a few seconds passed...

  Lumina drew in a steady breath, she then gave a firm nod and grasped her katana's hilt. "Alright. Now we can go."

  Slayer adjusted his helmet with a calm breath. CLICK. Captain chambered a glowing round into his rifle with a sharp CLACK. Hikari stepped forward, slipping the Artifact back into her coat pocket. They stood together before the swirling portal. This was it... the end of one world, and the reentry into another.

  Hikari inhaled deeply, then gave a small nod. "Now... it's time to bring back the light to our world." She then stepped into the portal. One by one, the others followed, back into Hikari's world, and whatever awaited Beyond the Breach.

  As the swirling light began to close behind them, a lone hooded figure emerged from the treeline, her face hidden in shadow. She stood silently, watching the fading rift.

  "Hmm... so it begins." Her eyes lifted beneath the hood, glowing with a purple heat before fading as the portal vanished.

  The Containment War Arc now begins...!