[Short Summary of What's to Come]

  Hey reader! I just want to appreciate you for making it this far in the story!

  We're about to enter The Training Arc! A slower-paced but important phase where the team focuses on refining their abilities and building up stamina, strength, and synergy. Expect more character development, deeper bonds, backstory, and a few more surprises along the way. You'll also be seeing some funny moments between the group that show just how chaotic (and lovable) they really are when they're hanging out together.

  And yes, there will be exciting battles, falling over, yelling, and maybe a training dummy being chopped in half. Now, before we get serious, let's check in with the team. Let's dive in!

  [Enjoy the following Party Banter...]

  Scene: Somewhere outside a dojo, but somehow... off-canon. The dojo was quiet and peaceful. Almost too peaceful, until I walked inside. The party stares in confusion.

  Slayer turned first, tilting his helmet in confusion.

  "Uhh... who let the writer in?"

  "Are you... real?" Hikari asked, narrowing her eyes.

  "Wait, are we doing that 'breaking the fourth wall' thing?"

  I waved. "Yup! Just dropping in to say hi before the arc kicks off. I figured readers might enjoy a quick peek at the 'backstage' version of you all."

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Captain scowled. "You interrupted my warm-up for this?"

  "You were just standing with your arms crossed." I pointed out.

  "...It was an intense warm-up," he muttered.

  Lumina crossed her arms, eyeing me like I was some new species of anomaly. "And what, exactly, is the point of this scene?"

  "Simple!" I replied cheerfully.

  "Character bonding, reader engagement, maybe a few jokes... oh, and teasing what's to come. Gotta build hype for your suffering. I mean... growth."

  Slayer chuckled. "You hear that? 'Suffering equals growth.' I'm using that line next time I knock Hikari flat during training."

  "Excuse me?!" Hikari huffed. "I haven't been knocked flat once yet!"

  "Keyword yet," Slayer said with a grin only he could make sound smug through a helmet.

  "You're all insufferable," Captain muttered.

  I clapped my hands. "Alright, before I head out and let the real chapter begin, quick roll call. Slayer's excited, Captain's annoyed, Hikari's determined, and Lumina's already stressed."

  Lumina sighed. "You're not wrong."

  Slayer struck a dramatic pose. "Next time, on Beyond The Breach Z. Can Hikari endure the four week training challenge? Will Captain admit he actually likes us? Will Lumina finally snap and stab someone with the blunt end of her katana?"

  "I won't." Captain muttered.

  "That's not even physically possible," Lumina said flatly.

  "Try me," Hikari replied, she then let out a laugh.

  "Honestly, this is kind of fun. You should do this more often."

  "Maybe I will," I said, stepping back with a satisfied nod.

  "Alright, back to your script, everyone. This arc's going to test you in more ways than one. I'll be seeing you in the Training Arc." I then faded out and the cast stared at the spot where I'd just been.

  "...This universe gets weirder every day." Captain muttered,

  Hikari stepped in. "Anyway, we'll see you all in the next chapter, where things get a little more intense!" She gave a wink toward the audience. "Cue the dramatic training montage music!" With a playful smirk, Hikari reached out and drew the curtains shut.

  End Prelude.