Location: Echohold-09 (Inside - Sublevel Area)

  Time of Day: Morning

  Dr. Naru continued, gesturing a hand toward the scorched FOS. "The scanner revealed that this Artifact is capable of opening portals to other worlds. To be precise... a portal to the nearest universe." He looked toward Lumina and Slayer. "That would be yours."

  Lumina's eyes widened slightly. "...Is that so?"

  Slayer crossed his arms. "And here I thought we were special."

  Hikari lifted an eyebrow, surprise in her voice. "Woah... now that's an unexpected revelation."

  Lumina turned back toward Dr. Naru. "So what you're saying is that it wasn't just some random chance that Hikari and Captain appeared in our world."

  Dr. Naru nodded once. "Exactly. It wasn't simply a matter of coincidence." He adjusted his glasses. "FOS detected confirmed signs of life beyond the portal before I sent them through." A slight pause. "It also detected stable energy signatures and signs of advanced combat capability." He turned toward Hikari. "That's why I told you before sending you through the portal that whatever lay beyond it had the potential to help us."

  Hikari raised an eyebrow. "So that confirmation came from the scanner, huh?" She let out a quiet sigh. "And all this time, I thought it came from someone inside the facility."

  Dr. Naru gave a small smirk. "My apologies. I suppose I should've verified it with another Hollow agent before sending you all in." His expression softened slightly. "But it was a desperate situation... so I hope you can understand my reasoning."

  Hikari rolled her eyes. "Oh, Dr. Naru... we could've died, you know."

  Dr. Naru gave a playful shrug. "Maybe... but I knew you wouldn't."

  Captain let out a short chuckle. "Jeez, you've got way too much faith in us Doc."

  Dr. Naru simply chuckled in response.

  Hikari shook her head, then glanced back at the damaged scanner. "Well then..." Her tone shifted. "What else did FOS detect?"

  Dr. Naru cleared his throat. "It also possesses anti-aging properties." He straightened his posture. "As long as you remain within its radius, biological aging is temporarily halted. And once you leave it, the effect ends."

  Slayer clenched a fist. "Now that's a useful ability, if you ask me."

  Hikari nodded slowly. "Strange ability..." She glanced at the Artifact in Dr. Naru's hand. "But alright. Anything else you discovered?"

  Dr. Naru continued. "This next ability was discovered later during the breach." He placed a hand on his chest. "I witnessed it myself, so in that moment I had to run a second scan through FOS for deeper analysis." He raised the Artifact slightly. "This Artifact can completely seal off physical entry points - doors, passageways, walls, or openings." He paused. "And if the structure has been damaged, the Artifact can reconstruct and restore it once the seal is applied."

  Captain's eyes narrowed. "Wait... then that means the Artifact you're holding was the one that sealed the blast door back there?"

  Dr. Naru hesitated slightly. "...Yes. But it activated on its own and sealed it off."

  Hikari glanced away briefly. "Would've been nice if it hadn't sealed the door while we had a swarm of Nethcarne chasing us."

  Dr. Naru coughed awkwardly. "Well... I was being chased by those things too when it happened." He gave a small shrug. "So I guess we were stuck in the same script."

  Hikari blinked, then her expression softened a bit. "Oh... sorry. Didn't realize it happened like that."

  Dr. Naru waved a hand lightly. "No worries. Either way, my apologies." His expression turned curious as he looked back at her. "But how did you manage to break the seal, anyway?"

  Hikari gestured slightly. "It was actually Akari who managed to break the seal."

  Dr. Naru turned toward the Artifact in Hikari's hand. "Oh? Is that so, Akari?"

  THUMP! The Black Star pulsed faintly. Akari's soft voice followed. "Y-Yes..." She hesitated. "It felt... familiar to me. That's why I was able to break it so easily when I sensed it."

  Dr. Naru placed a hand on his chin, deep in thought. "Familiar, huh..." He glanced briefly at the White Star from the Artifact in his hand. "That would make sense, considering how similar the two Artifacts are in structure... and even in the abilities they possess." A pause. "It's almost as if they were designed for each other."

  Hikari scratched her cheek awkwardly. "Yeah... well, that sounds kinda weird when you say it like that."

  Dr. Naru let out a soft chuckle and then coughed again.

  Captain raised an eyebrow. "Hey... you alright, Doc? You've been coughing ever since we got here."

  Slayer tilted his helmet slightly. "Yeah, man. Why don't you take a small break?"

  Dr. Naru waved a hand dismissively. "It's nothing. I'll be fine." He gave a faint smile. "Still... thanks for your concern you two."

  Hikari's expression shifted, worry flickering across her face. "Hmmm..." She took a small breath, then nodded. "...Alright." Her gaze sharpened slightly as she looked back at him. "Now that we know a bit more about the Artifact and what it can do..." She paused. "Can you tell us what Solareth said about it?"

  Dr. Naru adjusted his glasses before answering. "Ah yes... back to that." He took a slow breath. "After I informed him about the Artifact - and that you would soon be returning with help... he confirmed that he had never seen anything like it before." He paused. "So he wanted to see it for himself in person... And that's when he proposed a deal."

  The room fell silent.

  "He told me that if my team managed to return safely..." Dr. Naru continued. "...even after passing through that mysterious portal... he would grant us access to the Hollows of Echo Institution."

  Hikari's eyes narrowed slightly. "...Really now?"

  Slayer threw a fist into the air. "Alright! Then that means we passed and we can finally go to-"

  Dr. Naru raised a hand. "Hold on. It doesn't end just there."

  Slayer froze mid-gesture. "Oh..."

  "Solareth will grant you access, yes," Dr. Naru continued, "but first you'll have to prove yourselves to him." His tone turned serious. "You'll need to reach the Institution without being given any coordinates." He looked directly at Hikari. "If you were able to survive crossing worlds through that portal... then I'm sure you can handle this too." A brief pause. "This part will rely entirely on your judgment... and your instincts."

  Captain let out a low breath. "Hmph. Even after everything that's happened so far, they're still clinging to their rules." He paused briefly. "Plus, he's the one who wants to see the Artifact... so I don't see why he doesn't just give us the coordinates."

  Dr. Naru nodded slowly. "I understand how you feel, Captain. But these are his conditions." He adjusted his glasses. "And even so, Solareth is making an exception. Once you arrive, all of you will be granted entry into the Institution... even without holding A-Class status." He then glanced toward Slayer and Lumina. “…I’m certain he’ll even extend that exception to those who aren’t Hollows as well.”

  Lumina placed a hand on her chin. "Guess that's fair when you put it like that."

  Slayer cracked his knuckles. "Well, Hollow or not, I'm ready to meet this Solowrath guy."

  Hikari turned toward Captain. "Even so, I want to ask him some questions of my own." Her expression sharpened slightly. "So honestly, it's probably better that it went this way. Maybe he'll be able to give us some answers on how all of this started... and what we can do to end this ongoing breach."

  Captain looked away briefly. "Still. I don't like how he's going about it."

  Dr. Naru coughed lightly before speaking. "Whether we like it or not, this is the path in front of us." His voice steadied. "I'm sure you'll be able to ask him yourself on why he made this decision." He paused. "But for now, all we can do is follow through... and try to end this breach as quickly as possible." He looked at Hikari and Captain. "Remember. That's our mission as Hollows... To protect all of humanity."

  Captain hesitated, then let out a soft sigh. "Yeah... guess you're right about that one."

  Hikari lowered her gaze slightly, eyes narrowing in thought. "Finding the Institution won't be an easy task though..." She exhaled quietly. "But how are we supposed to find a place we've never even seen before?"

  Slayer suddenly snapped his fingers. "Oh! I know. We can ask Akari to guide us there with that detection skill she has." He nodded confidently. "I mean, we already know Solowreck's full name, right??"

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  Lumina cut in calmly. "It's Solareth, Slayer." A pause. "Solareth Ashcroft."

  Slayer waved a hand. "Yeah, yeah. That guy."

  THUMP! The Black Star Artifact pulsed faintly, Akari's soft voice followed. "U-Unfortunately... I'm unable to do that." She hesitated. "Even though I can locate someone using their full name, I also require their age." Another pause. "And even if we did have that..." Her voice softened. "Remember... my detection range doesn't reach farther than about half a mile. ...I'm s-so sorry about that..."

  Hikari lifted the Artifact slightly. "It's okay, Akari. I'm sure we'll be able think of another way to find the Institution without using your skill." She lowered her hand again, expression steady. "For now, we should get out of here first... then figure out how to reach Solareth."

  Captain nodded. "Sounds good to me." He checked his rifle, then turned toward Dr. Naru. "C'mon, Doc. Let's get you out of here."

  Dr. Naru stiffened. "I-I'm afraid... that won't be an option for me..." He suddenly coughed hard, clutching his chest. "I-It looks like... M-My time is running out."

  Hikari's eyes widened. "...What do you mean by your time is running out?" She stepped forward. "Are you saying you're not coming with us?" Her voice tightened. "But why?"

  Captain narrowed his eyes. "That cough you've been having... it's not normal, is it?"

  Dr. Naru shook his head slowly. "Sorry. I tried to hide it, but..." He gave a weak chuckle. "I guess nothing gets past you guys." Suddenly, his breath hitched. He coughed hard again. His legs gave out, and he dropped to one knee.

  "Doc!" Hikari reacted instantly. She shoved the Black Star Artifact back into her coat pocket and rushed forward, catching him by the shoulder.

  "Hey! are you okay? What's wrong??" Her voice wavered.

  Dr. Naru didn't answer.

  "I-I'm sure it's just a simple cold..."

  Still no response.

  Hikari tightened her grip slightly. "...Hey. I'm right, aren't I?" She forced a small, shaky smile. "Nothing more than a cold, right... Dr. Naru?"

  His voice came weak and strained. "It's... it's the Nethcarne virus that's been affecting me."

  Hikari froze. "What... no... no-no, that can't be true..."

  Slayer leaned closer to Lumina, lowering his voice. "Hey... is he talking about those things we saw back in the tunnel?"

  Lumina nodded slowly. "If I remember correctly what Hikari told us..." Her gaze shifted back to Dr. Naru. "They spit that flesh-like substance and infect you with it." She drew a quiet breath. "Judging by what he's saying... I'm guessing that's what's causing his coughing and sudden weakness."

  Hikari turned back to him, panic creeping into her voice. "When did this happen?! Why didn't you tell us sooner?!"

  Dr. Naru looked away slightly. "I didn't want to worry you guys..." He gave a faint, tired smile. "But I see now... that it still turned out that way."

  Captain clenched his jaw. "Hmph. Dammit, Doc." He looked aside briefly. "You didn't have to be so tough about it. Now look at you..." A quiet click of his tongue followed. "Tch."

  Dr. Naru coughed again, then slowly lifted the edge of his coat.

  The room fell quiet.

  Beneath the fabric, his skin was discolored - an unnatural yellowish, decayed-looking spread creeping across his lower torso, branching outward like a sickness taking root beneath the surface.

  Hikari's breath caught. "No..."

  "This..." Dr. Naru said quietly, "...is how far it's spread in two days." He steadied himself on one knee. "It happened while I was moving through the tunnels." His eyes lowered slightly. "I didn't even notice it at first..." A pause. "Not until this morning."

  Hikari's voice trembled slightly. "...And it's already spread this much."

  Dr. Naru swallowed slowly. "Y-Yes..." His voice wavered. "It's only a matter of time b-before I become one of them." A quiet breath escaped him. "...I'm sorry, everyone."

  Captain's gaze hardened at the sight. Lumina and Slayer remained silent.

  Dr. Naru lowered his coat, his voice lowering. "You have to get out of here, Hikari." His eyes locked onto hers. "Find Solareth." He raised a hand slightly. "And take this with you as well." He placed the Artifact into her hands. "I'm sure it will guide you just how it guided me."

  The White Star reflected in Hikari's watery eyes, her fingers tightened around it. She shook her head. "No... no, I can't leave without you!" Her voice wavered. "We came for you... not for the Artifact."

  Dr. Naru gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hikari... it's okay." A faint smile touched his lips. "I've already accepted my fate." His gaze shifted toward the others briefly. "Now I leave the rest up to you guys."

  Something stirred within Hikari. A faint pink aura began to rise around her body, flowing softly in the light of the console room. "I have to at least try then," she said quietly. FWOO! The aura flared brighter. "If I was able to heal my allies with this power..." Her eyes sharpened with resolve. "Then I'm sure I can heal you too."

  Dr. Naru's eyes widened slightly. "...Wh-What is this warmth I'm feeling coming from you?"

  Hikari looked at her hand, her pink eyes glowing with determination. "It's a power born from will." Her voice steadied, turning to him. "And now... I'm going to use it to save you from that sickness you have."

  "I... see." Dr. Naru closed his eyes for a brief moment. "You're... always looking out for others, huh..." A faint, tired smile formed. "Hmph." He opened his eyes and nodded once. "...Very well then." A calm breath left him. "I'll put my trust in you... and that power of yours, Hikari."

  She nodded once, then carefully slipped the Artifact into her coat pocket, and knelt beside Dr. Naru as he lowered himself against the cold metal wall of the console. She placed both gloved hands gently against his torso. A soft pink glow ignited. Pink aura began to flow from her palms, streaming into his body in steady waves.

  "Okay..." She said quietly. "Just hold still."

  Captain clenched his fist. "C'mon, Doc... hang in there."

  Slayer glanced toward Lumina. "...You think it'll work?"

  Lumina didn't answer. She only watched. Pink aura continued to flow from Hikari's hands into Dr. Naru's body. Seconds passed... then a minute, but nothing changed.

  Hikari's brows knit together. "...Why isn't it working?" Her voice trembled. "It should've healed by now..." She grit her teeth, her aura flared brighter. "C'mon..." Her voice sharpened. "Work. Work!"

  The pink aura surged harder into him. A few more seconds passed. Then Hikari's breath hitched. "...I-It's not healing your wound... But why??"

  Lumina stepped forward slightly, arms crossing over her chest. "It's because it isn't just a wound, Hikari."

  She turned sharply. "What? What do you mean it's not just a wound?! His skin is clearly damaged!"

  Lumina exhaled slowly. "Yes... it's damaged. And although your power can heal injuries..." Her eyes lowered. "...I'm afraid it can't cure an illness." A brief pause followed. "You can try again and again, but your ability has limits." Her voice softened. "I'm sorry, Hikari, but unfortunately... your healing powers won't work here..."

  Tears welled in Hikari's eyes. "No..." She shook her head. "No-no-no, I refuse to believe that!" She turned back to Dr. Naru. Her aura ignited violently. FWOOSH! Pink healing aura poured from her hands again, this time brighter than before. FWOO! FWOO! "Work!" she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Work! WORK!" Suddenly-

  Dr. Naru grabbed her wrists. "Hikari, stop it!"

  She froze. Her glowing pink eyes met his. "...Dr..."

  He smiled gently. "It's okay, Hikari." His voice was calm. "If it can't be healed, then..." He drew in a slow breath. "...so be it." He shook his head. "I'm not afraid to leave this world."

  The room fell silent.

  "Remember what I said before, Hollows don't fall until their purpose is fulfilled," he said softly.

  Hikari didn't speak. She only sniffed quietly, lowering her head as her shoulders trembled.

  "And now that mine is fulfilled..." His gaze moved across the team. "I'm more than happy knowing you'll live on... and eventually fulfill your purpose as well." He watched her gently. "So please... go on without me."

  Hikari slowly lifted her sleeve and wiped the tears from her face. She drew in a shaky breath and her Emanation slowly faded away. "...Okay." Her voice steadied. "No matter what happens... I'll make sure to end this breach." She met his eyes. "I promise."

  Dr. Naru nodded once. "Thanks... I know you will, Hikari."

  She reached into her coat pocket and pulled out her notebook. Holding it close to her chest for a moment, she leaned closer and offered it to him. "Here. Take this."

  Dr. Naru blinked, surprised. "...Your notebook?"

  Hikari nodded. "It's filled with everything from my journey so far." Her voice softened. "And I want you to have it."

  He carefully took it, looking down at the worn cover for a brief moment before lifting his gaze again. "...Thank you, Hikari." A small smile formed. "I'll make sure to treasure it."

  Hikari smiled back faintly, her eyes finally steadying. Then she stepped forward and hugged him. Dr. Naru returned the embrace, resting a hand gently against her back. After they separated, heavy footsteps approached. Captain stepped closer and slowly lowered himself onto one knee in front of Dr. Naru.

  "Hey, Doc," he said quietly. "Look I..." He took a small breath. "...Although we only worked together for a few months..." He extended his hand. "It was a pleasure to work with you on the field. And I'm glad I was able to meet you."

  Dr. Naru gave a faint smile and shook his hand firmly. "It was a pleasure working with you too, Captain." He gave a small nod. "Guess I'll... see you on the other side then, Hollow agent."

  Captain let out a short breath that almost sounded like a chuckle. "Hmph. Yeah..." He tightened the handshake once more. "See you on the other side, Doc." He then stood up and stepped back.

  Dr. Naru shifted his gaze toward Lumina and Slayer. "I know I didn't get the chance to meet you both very well but..." He coughed lightly. "...I only ask this one thing of you." His eyes hardened with resolve. "Help Hikari and Captain stop the breach." A pause. "Help them fulfill their purpose."

  Slayer stepped forward and slammed a fist against his chestplate. "Don't worry, Dr. Aru." His voice was firm. "I'll make sure to protect them with my shield."

  Dr. Naru smiled faintly.

  Lumina nodded once. "And with my blade, I'll fight alongside them. No matter how difficult it gets out there."

  Dr. Naru dipped his head. "Thank you... to the both of you. Truly."

  Silence followed.

  Then CRACK! The entire room trembled, dust fell from the ceiling as a loud alarm blared to life. WEEEOOO! WEEEOOO! The console room's lighting shifted from soft blue and green to deep red.

  Hikari spun around. "Wh-What's happening?!"

  Captain turned sharply. "The hell did that loud sound come from?!"

  Dr. Naru pushed himself upright, breathing heavier now. "Give me a second to check the security system..." He hurried to the terminal and typed rapidly.

  The main screen lit up and footage from the tunnels appeared. Concrete walls were shattered, massive holes torn through them. He then switched cameras and more feeds appeared. There was dozen of figures that flooded the corridors. Multiple of them coming straight at them from the tunnel.

  "...Not good," Dr. Naru muttered. "It's the Echos. It seems like they were able to find our location." His voice tightened. "And they're heading straight for us."

  Hikari glanced around the room. "What do we do?! That was our only way out!"

  Lumina reached for her katana. "Looks like we'll have to fight our way through, then."

  Slayer stared at the screen. "...You seriously think we can take all of those Echos at once?"

  "Th-That won't be necessary," Dr. Naru said. He pointed across the console room. Embedded into the floor was a reinforced metal hatch. "You can go through there instead."

  Captain raised an eyebrow. "A hatch?"

  Dr. Naru nodded. "Yes. It should lead you outside and away from the facility." His tone lowered. "A secret emergency passage for cases like these."

  Hikari turned toward him. "Then what about you?"

  Dr. Naru drew in a slow breath. "I'll have to stay behind." He met her eyes. "I must activate Echohold's termination sequence." A pause. "And to do that... I need to remain here and start the countdown."

  Hikari's eyes widened. "...You're going to destroy the entire facility?"

  "Yes," Dr. Naru replied quietly. "If we let these Echos escape, they'll only spread further." His voice hardened. "And they'll come after you guys." A beat. "So this is something I must do. Please understand, Hikari."

  She lowered her head, fists tightening. "...Okay." She lifted her gaze again. "If this what you wanna do then... I respect your decision." Her voice softened. "And... thank you. For everything."

  Dr. Naru nodded and gave a gentle smile.

  CRACK! Another impact shook the walls and more dust fell from the ceiling.

  He snapped his head up. "Go!" His voice rose. "You must hurry and get out of here quickly!"

  "Right!" Hikari turned toward the team. "To the hatch everyone! Move!"

  They rushed forward, passing the terminals until they reached the hatch. One by one, they dropped through the opening. Hikari was the last. She stopped at the edge and looked back. Their eyes met one final time. Then she turned and disappeared into the passage...