[Location: Abandoned Train Depot – Night]
The air was still. Too still.
Daiki crouched behind a rusted support beam, breathing quietly. He had tracked the Void energy signal here using Zevor's scanner—alone, unapproved, and without his Nova Shard.
Daiki (muttering): "Just a quick recon. Prove I'm not some kid tagging along…"
The shadows twisted.
A hulking Void creature stepped into view—long-limbed, armored in black bone, with jagged eyes glowing green. It was nothing like the street-tier monsters he fought in Tokyo.
Karnex's Voice (echoing): "Another child with a spark. How... predictable."
The monster lunged.
[Back at the Nova Base]
Alarms blared.
Zevor: "Unauthorized field signal—Daiki Mave. Life signs unstable."
Lyra (panicked): "He went out alone?!"
The team sprang into action.
Kael: "We'll get him. Let's move!"
[Train Depot – Moments Later]
Daiki dodged blast after blast, barely staying ahead. Bruised and breathing hard, he dove behind a wall of crates.
Daiki (to himself): "I messed up. I'm not ready…"
He felt something press against his chest—the Silver Shard, which Lyra had secretly tucked into his jacket earlier that day. Even if she said no… she still believed he might need it.
Daiki (whispering): "…thanks, sis."
He stood.
Daiki: "Alright, Void freak. Let's see if I earned this."
He slammed the shard into his morpher.
"Silver Nova Ignite!"
In a flash of chrome and light, the Silver Ranger emerged—sleeker, faster, blazing with energy.
Daiki fought back. Not perfectly. Not without fear. But with purpose.
[Team Arrival – Seconds Later]
The Nova Rangers joined the fray. Lyra spotted him mid-spin kick and froze in disbelief.
Lyra (breathless): "He… morphed."
The monster roared—charging Daiki.
Lyra: "Daiki, MOVE!"
He turned—and Lyra dove in, shielding him just as the creature struck.
They rolled together. Daiki caught her, eyes wide.
Daiki: "Why'd you jump in?!"
Lyra (grinning): "Because that's what a Ranger does."
Together, they stood—and fired a joint Nova Blast.
The monster howled—and fled into smoke.
[Later – Nova Base Med Bay]
Bandaged, Daiki winced as Lyra checked his bruises.
Daiki: "So… am I grounded forever?"
Lyra (sighs): "No. Just for this week. And next time… you go with us."
She placed the shard back in his hand—no hesitation this time.
Lyra (softly): "You're a Ranger now. Let's train you like one."