Location: The Stadium's Plaza

  Time of Day: Morning

  The artifact in Hikari's hand stirred awake, a faint, childlike voice slipping from its depths. The team froze - unsure whether to fear the words, or the will behind them.

  "...Did that rock just talk?" Slayer muttered, raising his shield.

  Hikari stared at the glowing light of the Artifact, her heart pounding. "I didn't trigger anything... it's never done this before."

  The voice came again, clearer this time, and smooth. "The Siren's essence... weakened. Capture condition met, the seal can begin. Use me... and I will lock her spirit."

  Captain, still sitting on the ground, narrowed his eyes. "Lock her? What the hell does she mean?"

  Hikari's breath caught. "It's responding to her..." She glanced at the fallen Echo. "The Bloodspore Siren... somehow, it knows she's still alive, just weakened."

  The artifact glowed brighter, as if waiting for an answer.

  Slayer frowned, suspicion in his tone. "Hold on... who even are you?" He tapped the artifact once. "And why should we trust whatever you're saying?"

  Lumina stepped closer, her tone measured. "Can it even hear us? Or is it just reacting to our presence?"

  The voice responded, steady but faint, "The choice lies with you. Consent required. ...Awaiting response."

  Captain pressed a hand to the ground, forcing himself upright with a grunt. "If it can seal her away," he said firmly, "then let's not waste any time and seal the damn thing before it recovers."

  Hikari's eyes locked on the glowing artifact. "Right, let's see what it does." She drew a sharp breath and raised a hand. "I consent!" VMMMM!

  "Understood," the voice answered. "Capture sequence activated... Black Seal Protocol Initiating."

  The artifact ignited in a burst of black light, tendrils of dark energy spiraling outward in smooth arcs. The air trembled as the dark glow spread, casting the whole area into a dim, shadowy haze. Across the plaza, the broken body of the Bloodspore Siren twitched in a pool of blood. Her limbs jerked as black spores crawled over her wounds, trying to pull her back together. A distorted shriek erupted from her throat. "Yes! Yes! I must recover!"

  A small circle of black starlight opened above the artifact, its edges shimmering faintly. Chains of shadow lashed out, piercing through every limb of the Siren's body. She screamed, trying to crawl away, black spores bursting from her wounds as the chains dragged her toward the artifact's small void. "No! You're not taking me alive - little lambs!" she shrieked, voice cracking.

  The shadow chains pulled tighter, dragging her across the plaza. Even weakened, she tried to resist, thrashing violently against them. But then CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! More chains burst from the void, spearing through her body. "DAM YOU ALL! I WILL BE BACK TO-!" Her words broke into a strangled scream as she was pulled into the Artifact's void. Then FWOOOOSH...

  She was now gone.

  The small black portal closed with a faint whisper. The shadowy haze faded from the area, and the glow around the artifact slowly dimmed away. The team stood frozen. A voice echoed one last time - soft, distant, almost mechanical. "One of many..."

  Hikari stared down at the artifact in her hands, her breath unsteady. "Wh-What just happened? It... it somehow contained her. "

  Slayer exhaled, arms crossed. "Woah. Creepy talking star rock just ate a Siren like a snack. Now that's what I call a horrific show."

  Lumina’s gaze stayed fixed on the artifact, her tone uneasy. “That was definitely not creepy.” Her voice then shifted, sharper and more thoughtful. “But that voice... it sounded familiar.” Her eyes widened. “Wait, that’s right! It’s the same voice that foretold your arrival in our world, Hikari.”

  Hikari tilted her head, curiosity flickering. "Seriously? So it finally decided to speak again... but why now? And why help us? Or at least, that's what it seems like it's trying to do."

  "I don't know," Lumina admitted quietly. "But if this artifact truly has the power to capture Echos without risk... then it'd be wise of us to take advantage of it."

  Captain pushed himself upright, tone firm and steady. "Whatever it is, it proved itself. If it can do that to her, then this thing might be our best weapon against the Echos ahead."

  Slayer gave a low chuckle. "Ha. With that in mind, that rock'll probably blow up with how many Echos are crawling around this world."

  Hikari looked back down at it, the faint glow of the black star reflecting in her eyes. "...I'm actually curious to see what happens if we do." She rose slowly, her voice softer now. "Calling back... I've heard that voice before."

  Lumina's eyes narrowed. "You have? When?"

  Hikari nodded. "Yup. Back in the forest, near your house. It whispered to me... said, 'I can help you,' and that I had to learn the truth. It then led me deeper into the woods, trying to show me something. But then..." Her voice faltered as the memory surfaced. "...those purple eyes appeared, watching me from behind the bushes."

  Slayer leaned in with a grin. "Wait, did you die?"

  Hikari shot him a deadpan stare. "Yes, Slayer. I died. I'm actually a genius Gravehowler just waiting for the right time to feast on your flesh."

  Slayer snapped his fingers. "Knew it!"

  Hikari rolled her eyes and tilted her head. "Anyway... after I saw those eyes, I ran back to the house. The last thing the artifact whispered to me was that someone had found her, and that we were close to discovering the truth. Whatever that meant."

  Lumina frowned. "How strange... but why are you telling us this just now?"

  "Hehe, sorry," Hikari admitted softly, rubbing the back of her head. "I didn't want to worry you all before we made it back, so I kept it to myself. Sorry for not mentioning it earlier..."

  Slayer waved it off. "Eh, don't sweat it. Things probably would've turned out the same anyway."

  Captain crossed his arms, his tone firm. "Maybe so, but next time, keep us in the loop. You never know when that kind of information might save us."

  Lumina nodded in agreement. "He's right. We're a team, and secrets can be our downfall, especially when it involves something as strange as the artifact speaking."

  Hikari lowered her head for a moment, then nodded firmly. "You're right. If we want to save this world, we have to trust each other first. Otherwise... we're better off just being strangers fighting side by side."

  The group exchanged silent glances, a quiet understanding passing between them. Their bond felt heavier, stronger - each silently preparing for whatever came next.

  Lumina tilted her head. "I still wonder what the artifact was trying to show you, Hikari."

  Hikari shrugged, half-smiling. "Beats me. For all I know, maybe it was trying to lure me in for dinner."

  Captain's low voice cut in. "Whatever its reason, there's no point overthinking it now. My guess? Capture more Echos, and it'll talk again."

  Hikari looked down at the artifact in her palm, her brows furrowing. "What if it's not just an artifact... what if it's a spirit trapped inside just trying to escape?"

  "She sounded gentle," Lumina said softly. "Maybe it's a good spirit."

  Slayer raised a finger dramatically. "Or maybe she's a thousand-year-old void demon pretending to be all kind and innocent, waiting for the perfect time to possess our bodies and-"

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  "You're not helping," Lumina cut in flatly.

  "...Okay, shutting up," Slayer muttered.

  Hikari giggled. "Well, I say she's on our side. For now." She put the artifact in her coat pocket and looked around at the team. "Speaking of sides, let me patch you all up."

  They sat down to rest while Hikari flared her pink aura, healing each of them in turn.

  Slayer sighed in relief as the glow mended his wounds and restored his armor. "Thanks, Hikari. I'll repay you with a void sandwich later."

  Hikari gave him a sheepish smile. "Ahaha... I think I'll stick to normal sandwiches for now, thanks."

  Lumina sat nearby, knees bent, watching the soft pink glow of Hikari's aura. "Thanks... you really do have a useful ability."

  Hikari smiled faintly. "You're telling me? That Elegant Form of yours was incredible." She gave a soft laugh. "Captain wasn't kidding when he said you were fast, you took that Siren down before I could even blink."

  Lumina let out a faint chuckle. "Fast, huh? Guess that's one way to put it." She rested her hand on her knee. "I'm just glad I was able to bring him back." Her gaze shifted to Captain, who was checking his rifle in silence.

  "Yeah," Hikari said, turning toward him. "Thanks for bringing him out of that Feast Dimension."

  Lumina nodded, her fingers brushing over the black pendant at her chest. "Just making sure everyone comes out alive from this."

  Hikari turned back to Lumina, finishing the last of her healing. "There all good now."

  Lumina glanced down, inspecting her outfit. The torn cloth and wounds were completely restored. "Great. Feels much better now. Thanks, Hikari."

  Hikari smiled and gave a small nod, then her tone shifted, curiosity flickering in her voice. "Actually... I have a question about the Feast Dimension that I hope you can answer for me."

  "Sure. What is it you wanna ask?" Lumina asked, tilting her head slightly.

  Hikari pulled out a small notebook from her coat pocket, pen ready. "What exactly did you see inside the Feast Dimension? I'd like to know for future reference... and keep a record of it in my data book."

  Lumina hesitated, her expression darkening. "Well... it wasn't pleasant, I can tell you that much."

  Hikari pouted, her tone suddenly sharp. "Please elaborate!"

  Lumina flinched slightly at her intensity. "Alright, alright... didn't know you were this serious. Let me think how to put it..."

  She then described everything she had witnessed in the Feast Dimension. Hikari scribbled down each detail with focused precision, her expression growing more uneasy with every word.

  "How horrifying..." Hikari muttered, shivering at the thought. "Well, thanks, Lumina." She closed her notebook, tucking the pen inside before slipping it back into her coat pocket. "All this info will help the Hollows of Echo Institution keep a proper record of it since It's never been documented before."

  "Of course," Lumina said softly. "Glad to help. Though... may I ask something in return?"

  Hikari tilted her head. "Hm? Sure, go ahead."

  "What exactly is the Hollows of Echo Institution?" Lumina asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "You've mentioned the name before, but I'd like to know more."

  Hikari crossed her arms thoughtfully. "Well, to put it simply... it's the largest facility in the world, hidden away so securely that even I've never been there myself."

  Lumina blinked in surprise. "Really now? Not even you?"

  "Yup," Hikari nodded.

  Lumina replied back, "So exactly goes on in this facility?"

  Hikari continued, a hand on her chin. "Well, they're responsible for maintaining all Echo records. Echohold locations around the world send their data to them whenever an Echo is captured or Echolocked. Only a very small number of Hollow members are ever permitted to go in... or come out."

  Lumina frowned. "Interesting. So you've been in the field for six years, and you still haven't been allowed inside?"

  Hikari smirked. "Oh, I was offered a position as an Ascendant Hollow Member."

  "Ascendant?" Lumina arched a brow. "So you have ranks now?"

  Hikari crossed her arms. "Yup. You could even call it Class-A Hollow for short."

  Lumina tilted her head. "I see... so did you accept the position?"

  Hikari shook her head. "Negative."

  Lumina blinked. "Why did you reject the offer, if I may ask?"

  Hikari shrugged, lips quirking into a smug grin. "Eh, too much paperwork. I'd rather put my genius mind to use out here in the field."

  Lumina let out a soft hmph. "What an interesting reason."

  "Yeah, well..." Hikari chuckled. "Maybe it worked out this way so I could join you guys instead."

  Lumina chucked lightly, smiling faintly. "I guess that's a good way to see it."

  Hikari turned toward Captain. "Well, I've got one more to patch up."

  Lumina nodded slightly. "Sure. I'll let you go now. Thanks for the talk."

  Hikari gave her a small nod, then walked over to Captain. She knelt beside him, her hands glowing faintly as she began to mend his wounds. "How are you holding up?" she asked gently.

  Captain exhaled through his nose, wincing slightly. "I'll be fine. After all, I'm not a top Hollow agent for no reason."

  "Yeah," Hikari said with a faint smile, "But even Hollows can die if they're not careful."

  Captain smirked. "Tch. It'll take more than a couple of Echos to put me down."

  Hikari chuckled softly as she finished her work. ("Even though he technically did die in that Feast Dimension,") she thought to herself.

  Captain lifted his gaze to the sky, his expression hardening. "Makes me wonder where the rest of the Hollow teams are... You think they're out there fighting too?"

  Hikari nodded without hesitation. "I'm more than certain they are. We just haven't crossed paths with most of them yet - besides the one back in Black Hollow City. Samantha Park, was it?"

  Captain's tone softened. "Yeah... that was a tragedy."

  "Makes me wonder if Echohold-02 she mentioned to us is still standing," Hikari said quietly. "But still... it'd be comforting to know that they're alive and still fighting."

  Captain's voice dropped, quieter. "Maybe we'll see some at Echohold-09. At least, I hope we do."

  Hikari's smile faltered. ("I hope so too") she thought. ("With how relentless these encounters have been, even Dr. Naru might be struggling just to stay alive... just praying he's doing okay.") She rose to her feet. "Well... all we can do is press on. We've got a long road ahead. So, what do you say? Shall we get moving?" She offered Captain her hand.

  Captain gripped it firmly, pulling himself up. "Yeah. Let's go."

  The group, now rested and their stamina restored, began planning their next move. Dawn had broken - sunlight rising across the horizon as they left the ruined stadium behind, setting their course back toward Black Hollow City. Hikari summoned one of her drones, eyes narrowing as she activated Cognitive Acceleration. The city's layout unfolded in her mind - every street and landmark flashing in perfect detail - before she relayed the data directly to her drones. "Locate Echohold-09 and find us the quickest route there."

  The drone hummed softly, processing before projecting a thin pink guiding line along the path ahead. The data was then transmitted directly to Hikari's mind. Her eyes glowed pink as she pressed a hand to her temple. "My drones are showing me an outer forest we can cut through. Once we move deeper into the city, it should lead us straight toward it. From there, Echohold-09 should be about fifteen miles beyond the forest."

  Captain gave a firm nod. "Sounds good. Let's get moving then."

  The group set off toward the forest, Hikari's drone guiding them through as their footsteps echoed faintly against the cracked city road. Broken cars lined the streets, no people in sight, only shattered buildings watching in silence. For a while, no one spoke.

  Then Lumina broke the silence, her gaze shifting toward Hikari. "This place... Echohold-09," she began. "It's where the Echos first broke free from their vaults, isn't it?"

  Hikari nodded. "Yeah. It's one of many."

  "And you said someone's waiting for you there? Sorry, what was his name again?" Lumina asked, arms crossed.

  "Dr. Naru," Hikari answered softly.

  "Right. He was the one who opened the portal for you and Captain, correct?" Lumina clarified.

  "He was," Hikari confirmed. "He stayed behind to help us from this side. I just... hope he's still okay. Without him, Captain and I never would've made it through."

  Slayer tilted his head, voice curious but casual. "You talk about him like he's important. What's his deal?"

  Hikari's voice softened. "He's more than important. He's a Hollow lead member. Very brilliant and always remained calm under pressure. Half the time I thought he was crazy, but... he always knew what he was doing."

  Captain spoke up, his tone firm. "He's the only one who might understand what's happening to the Echos and what the Artifact we have really is."

  Lumina looked between them. "Sounds like you both knew him well."

  "Yeah," Hikari said quietly. "I trusted him with everything."

  Lumina's tone softened. "And you think he's still alive?"

  Hikari hesitated, her gaze lowering to the ground. "I hope so." Her tone shifted, thoughtful. "You know... thinking back to when Dr. Naru opened the portal for us - I didn't see a Black Star engraved on his artifact."

  Slayer perked up, tilting his head. "So you think it's different from the one we have?"

  "I don't know," Hikari admitted, her voice calm but uncertain. "I barely caught a glimpse of it so I was only able to see it's obsidian color. We were rushing, and I didn't have time to examine it."

  Captain glanced sideways, his expression serious. "You think it's connected to ours somehow?"

  Hikari furrowed her brows, deep in thought. "Maybe... or something close to it at least since it possesses the power to open portals too."

  Lumina slowed her pace, thoughtful. "Do you think he might know why there's a girl's voice inside the Artifact? And why it possesses such a power to capture Echos?"

  Hikari shook her head slightly. "I'm not entirely sure he would, but having his assistance in figuring it out is better than none."

  "I see..." Lumina murmured, gaze drifting toward the streets ahead. "Perhaps the artifact is reacting because there are two in this world now. They could be connected somehow."

  Slayer scratched the back of his helmet. "So... what happens if we bring both of them together?"

  Hikari exhaled, her tone uncertain. "Even I can't say for sure what would happen at that point."

  Captain cut in, voice steady. "For now, let's just focus on getting there. We still don't know the condition of Echohold-09... or if it even still stands."

  Hikari fixed her gaze ahead. "Yeah, let's push ahead."

  After several minutes of walking through the city ruins, they finally saw it - The Forest. The entrance stretched wide before them - walls of towering trees with bark dark and rough. Thick vines hung low, swaying with the faint breeze, while a mist clung to the ground, curling around the roots.

  Hikari slowed, her voice soft as her drone hovered beside her. "Here it is... the forest."

  Slayer let out a sigh. "Let's just hope we don't run into more Echos."

  Captain adjusted his grip on his rifle. "Yeah, well, that's inevitable at this point. So you better get used to it."

  Lumina glanced at them all, her tone firm but calm. "Whatever challenge arises, we'll overcome it as one."

  Hikari nodded. "Right. Let's do this." She gave her drone a light pat and smirked. CLANK! CLANK! "Alright then, onward, my little guide."

  The drone gave a soft HUMM! in response, lifting ahead to lead the way. The group followed, stepping into the dense woodland. Branches creaked overhead, and mist swallowed their path as they pushed deeper.

  Trailing behind, Slayer muttered, "Can we at least have a snack break before we go in?"

  No one answered. The forest grew darker with every step... and from the shadows, something stirred - waiting.

  Revenge of the Fated Mage by Am_a_fool. A fantasy tale of betrayal, magic, and fate - following the rise and fall of Richard Serdin, the 11th-circle mage who trusted the wrong king. If you enjoy stories filled with power, tragedy, and revenge, this one’s worth checking out!