Nakamura (shouting with overconfidence):
"You're no different from those scum... Your stance won't save you from having your bones crushed!"
Nakamura pounces quickly, firing black energies from his palms, which extend like raging whips towards Zethar. But Zethar... doesn't move. At the last moment, he simply disappears, leaving the blows to pass through an empty void.
Zethar appears behind Nakamura without making a sound.
Zethar (coldly):
"Your right shoulder... Excessive mobility on direct attack. A weakness."
He lightly touches the shoulder area, and a small dot of blue light ignites, then takes one step back.
Nakamura (angrily):
"Making fun of me?!"
He unleashes a series of random, direct blows, but Zethar dodges them as if dancing to an invisible rhythm. With each dodge, he touches a different point: Elbow, waist, nape of the neck... Each time, Nakamura is alerted by a short comment.
Zithar:
"Your reflexes are delayed by 0.7 seconds."
"Your energy core is unstable."
"Your pressure distribution is unbalanced."
Each sentence from Zethar hits Nakamura like a stab. The anger in his face turns to madness.
Nakamura (in a voice trembling with anger):
"I'll make sure you regret every word you say!"
He unleashes an all-out attack: A black storm erupts from his body, filling the sky with deflected energy spikes, but it hits Zethar's spectral wall without touching him.
Zethar (looking at his hand):
"Combat level... Boring."
He slowly raises his right hand, and strands of blue light mixed with gray gather in it. Around it are symbols resembling elite military seals.
Zethar (in a low, dry voice):
"Field Technique: [Nullpoint Collapse]."
He taps his finger in the air, and an intricate circle of elite seals appears at Nakamura's feet. It shrinks in the blink of an eye, and begins to pull his black aura as if it were being emptied right out of his heart.
Nakamura (screams as he feels his energy collapse):
"What the... What have you done to me?"
Zethar (approaching him slowly):
"I identified and froze the basic mana node. Your fight... is over."
Nakamura falls to his knees, gasping like his heart is being ripped out, and can only glare at Zethar with hatred.
Sigma (from afar, speaking into his device):
"Target is neutralized. Activate Protocol 3: Immediate transport to necropsy."
Nakamura, though exhausted, his body begins to tremble. His eyes burn with black malice. Suddenly...
A monstrous snarl rises from his throat, and a pitch-black aura begins to emerge from his body in terrifying ripples, almost shattering the reality around him. The ground shakes, and the air becomes as heavy as lead.
Nakamura (in a voice imbued with madness):
"I'll tear him apart... That wretch Ryuichi... I'll make him regret being born! And I'll crush anyone who reaches out to him!"
He tries to get up, but Zethar doesn't move an inch. He just raises his finger steadily... The black aura vanishes in an instant as if it never existed.
Zethar (with deadly coldness):
"Any attempt to escape is automatically extinguished. Don't try to show off, your fate is sealed."
But Nakamura insists on snarling, and the aura returns again and again. And each time...
With a simple gesture, Zethar represses it, as if controlling a switch of his own internal energy. In the end, Nakamura's screams rise to the sky:
Nakamura (screaming in a terrifying frenzy):
"Ryuwuichiye!!!"
In an instant, Zethar's transportation technology is activated. Blue flashes surround the two. A vertical energy vortex engulfs them, and in seconds they disappear completely, leaving behind a faint trace of energy charge.
Sigma (looks at the horizon, then speaks softly into the communicator):
"Transportation successful. Nakamura and Zethar are now inside the Level 14 prison under full elite security."
The transportation vortex that took Zethar and Nakamura faded away, and there was a heavy silence for a moment. Sigma was still staring at the horizon, as if weighing something that wasn't on the surface.
Then he slowly turned toward Miku and Natsume, eyebrows knitted, his voice low but sharp:
Sigma:
"I want clear answers... Now. Who is this boy?"
Miko looks at him for a moment, then takes a step forward, her voice a mixture of sadness and pride:
Miko:
"His name is Ryuichi... He's more than he looks."
Sigma (with suppressed tension):
"I saw him fight over his head. Copying techniques he didn't learn. But his mana center is... shattered. Theoretically, that's impossible."
Natsumi stepped forward in a soft but firm voice:
Natsumi:
"That's why we came back. We didn't come to fight, we came to save him. You saw for yourself... Despite his weakness, he faced Nakamura alone."
Sigma looks at the unconscious Ryuichi, then activates his optical scanning technology again-his right eye glows turquoise, and a holographic energy map is displayed in front of him.
Sigma (with genuine surprise):
"As I mentioned earlier, he can't even fire a single spark... And yet he fought as if he had an undying flame inside of him. There's something here... something I don't understand."
Miko:
"I'll let you answer that question, Sigma. Because even I... I don't have the full answer."
Sigma is silent, looking at the boy, as if he's seeing the beginning of a puzzle that's much bigger than just a battle.
Sigma is silent for a moment. His gaze is no longer as skeptical as it was at first, but more thoughtful... more respectful. He takes a few steps toward Natsume and Miku, then stops.
Sigma (in a steady, determined voice):
"What you did, Natsumi... was a clear violation of protocol, but... After reviewing what happened and understanding the motives, I will not take any disciplinary action against you."
Natsumi's eyes widen slightly in surprise, but he continues:
Sigma:
"You used your defensive heritage to save a life, not to launch an attack. That, even according to our laws, is classified as self-defense... moral duty."
He then turns to Miko, his tone of voice carrying a hint of caution and mutual respect:
Sigma:
"Ryuichi's condition is very complicated... We can't risk admitting him to a civilian hospital. I will issue an order to transfer him to one of our Intelligence Division's hospitals. There... we can provide more precise, safer care."
Miku nods her head in agreement, but her eyes remain fixed on Ryuichi, who seems to be sinking further into his trance.
Sigma (adding):
"I will accompany you myself. We'll activate a complete blackout on his identity, and I'll make sure he's not registered in any open database."
He then turns to his mobile device, issuing quick commands over an encrypted channel. Seconds later, a soft teleportation light appears beneath Ryuichi's body, ready for transportation.
Sigma (quietly):
"Let's transport this kid... before his next class begins."
----
Intelligence Hospital - Fifth Floor, Biological Isolation Wing
The doors to a suite surrounded by dim blue energy fields open. Ryuichi is transported on an anti-gravity bed surrounded by advanced medical monitoring systems, with Mikiko watching with worried eyes, and Natsumi silently behind her.
After Ryuichi is ushered into the designated room, Sigma looks at the doctor in charge and nods silently to her. She quietly leaves the room, and he stands alone with Miku in the glass corridor overlooking Ryuichi's room.
Sigma (without looking directly at her):
"...I didn't think I'd see you again. In this way."
Miku (in a calm tone with no apparent emotion):
"Neither did I. The world has changed a lot, Sigma... and maybe us too."
Sigma sighs, looking at Ryuichi through the glass.
Sigma:
"Your daughter... Natsumi. I didn't know she existed. Is... Is that why you disappeared?"
Miko (hesitates slightly):
"It was part of the reason... But it's more complicated than you think, Sigma. There are secrets that are much bigger than us. And sometimes... Absence is a kind of protection."
Sigma (in a low voice):
"And sometimes it's a betrayal."
Miku is silent, her eyes watching Ryuichi, who moves involuntarily in his restless sleep.
Sigma:
"When we parted, I didn't know you would carry so many secrets... nor that you would walk this path alone."
Miku (in a whisper):
"And I didn't know that my heart would still be there... the moment I left you."
Sigma backs off a bit, something inside him seems to have been shaken, but he quickly regains his usual toughness.
Sigma:
"Look at him... This kid almost died, and he doesn't even know exactly who he is. I don't understand... Who is Ryuichi to you?"
Miku (blinks):
"You'll have to find out for yourself, Sigma... just like he did."
Sigma is silent for a moment, then looks up at her.
Sigma:
"Okay, I'll wait. But know this, Miko... If there's danger coming, or secrets surrounding this boy... we'll be the first to move."
Miku (in a mysterious tone):
"That's exactly what I was counting on."
The floor becomes quiet. The lights dim, illuminating the faces of Miku and Sigma as they stand behind the glass, watching Ryuichi. There's a heavy silence before they continue.
Sigma (in a low, quiet voice):
"Do you remember that night in Lenark City, when we had to flee from the Shadow Unit?"
Miku (smiling lightly):
"You were bleeding, yet you insisted on singing the victory song in a terrible voice."
Sigma (narrows his eyes in disapproval as he smiles):
"That awful voice saved us from being tracked. The sonic frequency kept us off the surveillance sensors... I say it every time."
Miko (looking down):
"You always knew how to make me laugh at the wrong moments."
A long moment of silence.
Sigma:
"But you didn't laugh when you left."
Miku's features freeze. She tries to respond, but falls silent. Sigma continues quietly, but with an undercurrent of pain:
Sigma:
"You gave up everything. From the team. About the mission. About... me."
Miku (in a whisper):
"It was for Natsume."
Sigma:
"But you didn't tell me..."
Miku (turns to him with sudden sharpness):
"And would you have let me go if I told you? You would have pulled me back, like every time, pushing me to be what you saw in me, not what I saw coming."
Their eyes meet. A spark from the past burns between them, but it is quickly extinguished. At this moment, the monitor beeps.
Monitoring device:
"Sudden neurological response. Partial restoration of consciousness."
Sigma quickly turns toward the room, his eyes widening as he sees Ryuichi slowly open his eyes.
Sigma (in amazement):
"Impossible... He should have been gone for days. How...?"
Miku (without much surprise):
"...he's different, Sigma. From the beginning."
Ryuichi slowly raises his head, his vision blurry, breathing heavily. He whispers softly:
Ryuichi:
"Where... Where am I?"
Sigma (in a deep voice as he steps toward the glass):
"...you're in a safe place. And I have a lot of questions... Strange boy."
Ryuichi looks around, then frowns slightly as he mutters to himself:
Ryuichi (thinking):
"The glasses... where are they... and where are you, Aura...?"
Leaning back against the pillow, he turns to Miko standing by the wall, who immediately recognizes his gaze and takes the glasses out of her coat pocket and silently offers them to Sigma.
Miko:
"You'll need them."
Sigma considers the glasses for a moment, then steps toward Ryuichi and holds them out to him.
Sigma:
"You don't seem to be doing anything without these."
Ryuichi takes them slowly, placing them over his eyes... a moment of silence passes, then a faint word appears on the internal screen:
[WELCOME BACK, RYUICHI.]
Ryuichi's pupils light up slightly as the inner display of the glasses turns on, then turns back to look at Sigma.
Sigma (sitting in the chair in front of him):
"My name is Sigma. Commander of an elite dimensional police unit. I have a few questions... and they won't bear lying, believe me."
Ryuichi (looking at him with unwavering confidence despite his weakness):
"I'll answer... as long as you allow me one more question later."
Sigma (raises an eyebrow):
"Deal? Okay... First, how does someone with a shattered mana center copy high-level fighting moves? And with the same precision?"
Ryuichi looks down a bit... then whispers:
Ryuichi:
"...I don't know how it happened. My body is breaking down, but something inside me... is moving on its own. Something I don't know."
Sigma (carefully observing):
"This 'something'... Is that what made you stand up to Nakamura?"
Ryuichi (in a whisper, looking away):
"...if I hadn't stopped him, I would have lost everything."
Sigma (reflectively):
"Sounds like the words of someone who's mature for his age. That's more unsettling than comforting."
A moment of silence between the two.
Sigma (leaning forward):
"Who gave you those glasses? Who is the brain that recorded all that complex data in them?"
Ryuichi freezes slightly. Then he looks toward Miku. Miku remains silent.
Ryuichi:
"...Ms. Miku..."
Sigma stares at him deeply, then mumbles as if talking to himself:
Sigma:
"...you are a mystery, Ryuichi. Unfortunately, I'm the one who hates riddles."
He rises from the chair, walks toward the door, and then turns to Miku:
Sigma:
"Keep an eye on him. If he shows any sign of repeating what he did today... tell me immediately."
Sigma heads toward the door with the intention of leaving, but Ryuichi's hoarse voice stops him abruptly.
Ryuichi (anxiously):
"Wait... there's something else you should know."
Sigma stops, turns slowly, and looks at him with silent wonder.
Ryuichi (in a low but firm voice):
"Nakamura... threatened me during the battle. He said he was going to publish photos... of Suzuni. Private photos. And she's... not fully clothed."
A heavy silence falls over the room. Sigma narrows his eyes, stepping back toward the bed.
Sigma (hard tone):
"So... we have another crime that hasn't been recorded yet. Cyber extortion, exploitation... and above all: Possession of illegal content."
Ryuichi swallows, looking at Sigma with concern, as if he has just realized the gravity of the situation.
Ryuichi:
"But... what will happen to Suzuni? Will she be punished? I mean... she wasn't conscious or voluntary, was she?"
Sigma gives him a stern stare, then sighs and lowers his voice slightly.
Sigma:
"What Suzuni did... is against the law at her age. But... there are factors we take into consideration, especially if there is exploitation or psychological pressure."
He takes a step toward Ryuichi, placing his hand on the edge of the bed, his voice becoming more serious:
Sigma:
"You told the truth... now it's my duty to act. I'll take care of the photos and make sure no damage is done to them. But..."
He pauses, looking at him intently.
"You will also be part of this investigation, even if you are the victim. Understand?"
Ryuichi nods slowly, concern still painted on his face, but he's kind of relieved that Sigma is taking this seriously.
Sigma (straightens up):
"Behave yourself... you're now on the police radar, and any mistake could cost you more than just a reprimand."
He slowly leaves the room, leaving behind an air of heaviness and anxiety.
Ryuichi looks at the door after Sigma has left, then his gaze drops to the glasses he has just put back on his eyes. He presses gently on the side of them, trying to make contact with Aura.
Ryuichi (whispering to himself):
"Aura? Can you hear me?"
No sound. No response. A transparent black interface appears above his eyes, centered on an empty battery symbol with a red flash.
Ryuichi (with a weary sigh):
"Of course... your timing is perfect as always."
He removes the glasses and turns them over in his hands, then notices a delicate power outlet at the back edge.
Ryuichi:
"I have to charge you first... and I hope your memory isn't damaged."
Miko approaches him and places the glass of water on the table beside him.
Miku:
"Are you feeling better? Tell me if there's any pain or dizziness."
Ryuichi (looking at his wrapped arm):
"The body is... a bit broken. But I'm alive, I guess that's an accomplishment."
Miku (smiling lightly):
"Quite an accomplishment, especially after what you went through... You were brave, Ryuichi."
There's a slight silence punctuated by the sound of medical equipment, then Ryuichi whispers after a moment:
Ryuichi:
"Were you... worried?"
Miko looks at him silently for a moment, then sits down in the chair next to him.
Miko:
"Of course. No one can watch you fall apart like that... without feeling anything. We all risked it... for you."
Ryuichi (in a hushed tone):
"I'm... grateful."
Another moment of silence, this time comfortable. Ryuichi tries to sit up a little straighter.
Miko (reaches out her hand for support):
"Don't overexert yourself. You still have time to recover."
Ryuichi sighs as he stares at the closed door, then turns his gaze to the miko sitting next to him, who notices his uneasiness.
Ryuichi (with obvious concern):
"Sigma... the way he talked to me... I didn't like it."
Miku (quietly):
"He's just... sharp in his manner. But he's not as bad as he seems."
Ryuichi (lowers his gaze):
"I just... when he said that what Suzuni did was against the law... I felt like he might actually arrest her. And... I don't want her to get hurt."
Miko (placing her hand gently on his shoulder):
"Rest assured, Sigma is not the type to act rashly. He follows protocol, but he knows when to use his authority wisely."
Ryuichi (whispering):
"But he looked serious... As if the mere mention of her name was enough to trigger the security pager."
Miku (with a reassuring smile):
"If you're worried about him, I promise you something... no one will harm her, and I'll talk to Sigma myself."
Ryuichi (looks at her gratefully):
"Thanks... I don't know what would have happened if you weren't here."
Miku:
"Now you're not alone, and remember... in this world, even the law sometimes needs to be reminded of mercy."
Ryuichi looks up at the ceiling, his eyes clouded with memories, fear, and relief all at once.
-Facility 09
The place is quiet, cool white lights dimly illuminate a long corridor surrounded by gray metal walls. The sound of vital equipment beeps regularly, and coded doors slam shut as someone passes through.
Inside a room surrounded by monitors, a strange, relatively tall man in a loose-fitting black cloak with tiny cords attached to complex devices stands in a room surrounded by monitors. His face is hidden behind a shiny white mask with no features, except for two narrow slits where the eyes should be, emitting a faint blue glow.
His voice is low, but strangely awe-inspiring, as he talks to himself in front of a screen showing an image of Ryuichi's unconscious face:
The Mysterious Man (in a melodious voice):
"So... the crack in the mana center has begun..."
He wraps his hands behind his back, and a minion, a half-organic robot, advances towards him:
Minion:
"Shall we accelerate phase two, sir?"
Mysterious Man:
"Not yet... Let the rest of the chessboard unfold... Some cards are being burned prematurely."
He then turns his gaze to another screen showing a picture of Sigma.
The mysterious man:
"But his presence now... may complicate the process."
He approaches an electronic panel, presses a single button, and a complex glowing symbol appears: [Summon: Shadow Unit #3].
Mystery Man (in a whisper):
"Ryuichi... we will finally meet..."
The lights in the room gradually dim, the air gets unnaturally cold, and the scene begins to turn black.