After everyone finished their meal, they convened.
Himitsu: Alright, what's the plan for this rift mission?
Kono: Honestly, I'm not really sure. We have no information on who is causing chaos in this world.
Daru: Well, we've only met two people so far: that Cliff guy and Froog.
Gram: So how are we supposed to find this person?
Zodiac: It's straightforward; we need to conduct an investigation. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out.
Gram: And how do we do that?
Zodiac: By being observant. We need to search everywhere for clues that can help us find this idiot.
Himitsu: But where should we begin?
Zodiac: Really, Himitsu? We just found this city—where do you think we should start?
Himitsu: Oh right. That was a silly question…
Daru: We might as well begin in the tower to see if we can gather any information.
Gram: What! There are 500 floors! It would take an eternity to search them all.
Daru: I know that. That's why we should split up to get it done faster.
Akira: Fine by me. I'll go alone.
Ohma: You're going alone? I thought we were splitting into groups.
Akira: You're funny if you think I'm teaming up with any of you.
Kono: Well, if that's the case, we should all meet outside the tower once we're done.
Daru: And don't go around telling anyone we're here to stop someone.
Akira: Hmfp.
Akira walks to the front door, opening it as she exits the lounge.
Kono: There she goes. What about the rest of you? Are we splitting up or not?
Himitsu: I don't mind going alone.
Kono: Are you sure, Himitsu?
Himitsu: Yeah, I should be fine. Don't worry.
Zodiac: Saves me the headache.
Daru: (Looking at Zodiac) Guessing you're going alone.
Zodiac: Yep.
Kono: What about you, Gram?
Gram: What, me? I'm staying right here and relaxing.
Daru: Yeah, that's not happening. Either you go alone or go with someone.
Ohma: Oh, I can accompany Gram!
Gram: What!?
Daru: There you go. Ohma will go with you.
Gram: (Upset) Oh, come on!
Daru: How about you, Kono? Are you going by yourself or what?
Kono: Uhhhh, I suppose I can go with you if you don't mind.
Daru: I don't mind, so sure.
Kono: Alright then. Remember to meet everyone outside the tower when you're done. Good luck!
Following this, the remaining individuals leave the lounge and proceed on their separate paths. Himitsu makes his way down the hallway toward the stairs.
Himitsu: I wonder where I should start looking.
As he approaches the stairs, he notices several doors to his right.
Himitsu: Are these the doors the Cliff guy mentioned?
As Himitsu gets closer, he observes numbers beside each door indicating the corresponding floor.
Himitsu: (Examining the numbers) So we have floors 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500. It looks like the last door leads to the first floor. I guess I'll choose the 200th floor.
Himitsu proceeds to the 200th floor and opens the door. The room is completely dark, similar to the other doors. As he walks in and navigates to the other side, he finds himself in a spacious bar filled with patrons.
Himitsu: Is this a bar?
As Himitsu begins to explore, some patrons cast him disapproving glances.
Person1: Who is this?
Person 2: He's definitely not one of us.
Himitsu: (To himself) Why is everyone staring at me?
???: Hey, you.
Himitsu turns to see a man seated alone at a table.
Himitsu: U-uh, yes?
???: Come over and take a seat.
Himitsu approaches the man and pulls out a chair to sit with him. The man takes a sip of his drink, appearing refreshed.
???: Are you new here?
Himitsu: Umm, yes! I just arrived not long ago.
???: Hmm, I can tell.
Himitsu: (Confused) You can tell?
???: Of course. We don't often get your race visiting us, especially in a place like this.
Himitsu observes the man, noting his green skin and distinctive features.
Himitsu: Oh, I see. I had no idea.
???: (Takes a sip of his drink) Be honest: is this your first time seeing our kind?
Himitsu: (To himself) Oh crap! What should I say!?
???: Uhhh, hello?
Himitsu: (Shaking his head) S-sorry about that. No, I've definitely seen your kind before, but I forgot what you are called.
???: Is that so?
Himitsu: (To himself) Dammit! I blew it!
Himitsu begins to perspire as the man takes a large sip of his drink and slams his cup on the table while laughing.
Neth: Ahhhh, you're a funny one! No need to be nervous. Since you don't know, we're called "Gliffs," but you can call me Neth.
Himitsu: (Feigning laughter) My name is Himitsu.
Neth raises his hand.
Neth: Can I get another drink of shiba, please?
Himitsu: Shiba?
Neth: Yeah, shiba is my go-to drink at this bar. You should try it.
Himitsu: Oh, no thanks! I don't drink alcohol.
Neth: Ah well, you're missing out, kid. This stuff is amazing.
As they converse, the scene transitions to Daru and Kono walking down the hall, attempting to engage with individuals who ignore them.
Kono: None of these people want to talk to us, Daru.
Daru: It's probably because we're not from around here.
Kono: I know, but still. You'd think they'd be a bit friendlier.
Daru: I don't know. Let's just keep trying.
The scene shifts to Ohma and Gram walking together.
Gram: (Frustrated) This is not going well! We haven't gotten anywhere so far!
Ohma: (Pointing) Hey Gram, take a look over there!
Gram turns to see three girls sitting together on a bench, engaged in conversation.
Gram: (Smiling) Those girls look hot! Good job, Ohma!
Ohma: They look hot? I didn't know they were on fire!
Gram: No, no! I mean they're attractive.
Ohma: Oh, I see… I still don't get it.
Gram shakes his head.
Gram: Don't worry about that. Just stay here and watch me work my magic!
Gram confidently approaches the girls.
Gram: (Smiling) Hello, ladies. It's a pleasure to meet you.
Girl 1: Umm, who are you?
Gram: Tch, who am I? Well, I'm glad you asked. I am Gram the Great! But you can call me Gram. (Winking)
Girl 2: Gram the Great?
Girl 3: Is this how humans always act?
Gram: Whoa now. I may be a human, but I'm the best-looking one you'll ever find. I'm the chosen one, the myth, the legend! I stand above all humans!
Guy 3: Who do you think you're talking to?
Gram: Huh?
Gram turns to see three men approaching him.
Guy 4: Those are our girlfriends you're talking to.
Guy 5: Do you have a death wish or something?
Gram: (Nervously) H-hey now! I was just trying to have a normal conversation, that's all!
Guy 4: That's nonsense!
Guy 3: Is that true, ladies?
Girl 1: I think he was trying to hit on us.
Guy 3: So that's what you're doing.
Gram: Well, yes—no! I would never do that!
All three men begin cracking their knuckles, preparing for a confrontation.
Guy 3: I think it's time for you to learn your lesson.
Gram: (Panicking) Wait! I can explain!
Just as the man in front of him swings a fist, Ohma intervenes, stepping in front of Gram and seizing his fist.
Guy 3: What the!?
Ohma: I don't think that would be wise.
Guy 3: And why is that!?
Ohma looks at him, his eyes shifting to a hazel hue.
Ohma: (Serious) Because you will regret it.
Time passes, revealing a gathering outside the tower.
Kono: It's great to see everyone back! How did it go?
Zodiac: Couldn't find a single thing.
Akira: Same here. I already hate it here.
Kono: Oh, that sucks.
Gram: (Upset) It was horrible! I can't even talk to girls in peace!
Daru: What?
Zodiac notices bruises on Ohma's knuckles.
Zodiac: What happened to your knuckles, Ohma?
Ohma: (Smiling) I beat up some guys!
Himitsu: Wait, what!?
Ohma: Yeah! Gram was trying to talk to some girls who have boyfriends. They got mad at him and tried to hurt him, so I protected him!
Daru: (Angry) Gram! What did I say about doing stupid stuff!? We're on a mission, remember!?
Gram: I know, I know! I was just trying to pick up some girls this one time.
Akira: Why are guys so stupid…
Kono: Sometimes I wonder the same thing…
Daru: (Sighing) Well, Kono and I couldn't get anything either.
Himitsu: I found one thing.
Daru: And what is that?
Himitsu: I found out what their race is called. They call themselves Gliffs.
Zodiac: Gliffs?
Himitsu: Yeah, but that was all I could get.
Kono: Hmm, I guess that's something. But we need major clues about who they might be.
Gram: Maybe we should check out this city since we're done with the tower.
Akira: That's the smartest thing you've said all day.
Gram: That's not very nice!
Akira: It wasn't meant to be nice.
Daru: Alright, let's head to the city and see what we can find.
They all depart as darkness begins to settle.
Himitsu: It's getting dark already. This sucks.
Gram runs up to Himitsu.
Gram: NO, IT'S NOT!
Himitsu: Huh? What?
Gram: Nighttime is the best! That's when everything is BETTER! There's probably music, dancing, and mo—
Zodiac strikes Gram on the head.
Gram: Ouch!
Zodiac: Shut up, we don't have time for this.
Gram: For what? I haven't even done anything yet!
Daru: Exactly… yet!
Gram: Man!
They continue exploring as people hurry into their homes, shutting and locking their doors.
Kono: Looks like everyone is in a hurry to sleep.
Ohma: Yeah, maybe!
Old Man: That's because it's almost midnight.
Everyone turns to see an elderly man.
Gram: AHHHH!
Gram gasps at the sight of the man's green skin.
Gram: W-why is his skin green?
Himitsu: Oh, he's a Gliff! This is what they look like.
Gram: But the other people we encountered weren't green.
Old Man: Ahh… I see those people are Gliffs too. Some can hide their skin color while others don't care.
Gram: Well… you shouldn't scare people like that!
Ohma: But Gram, you were the only one who got scared.
Gram: Ohma, SHUT… UP!
Ohma: (Smiles) Okay!
Daru: You mentioned it being midnight.
Old Man: Yes…
Zodiac: So what?
Old Man: Has no one informed you yet?
Everyone looks puzzled.
Akira: Told us what, old man?!
Old Man: You have to be inside by midnight.
Kono: Why is that?
Old Man: Because bad things happen at night. Well, that's the thing… No one knows what happens, but something terrible occurs every night.
Himitsu: Thank you for letting us know, sir.
Old Man: No worries! Just make sure you're in by then.
The old man walks away.
Akira: Now we can finally see what we're up against.
Daru: No, we're going inside.
Akira: What?! Why?!
Gram: See, Daru, I was thinking the same thing. Great minds think alike, right, Akira?
Akira: Shut up before I light a fire under you.
Gram: Ahh!
Gram rushes behind Daru.
Daru: Because we don't know how strong this thing is or what it can do.
Akira: What are you talking about? We fought those Nitharians! Did we not?!
Daru: Yeah, we did, but if you think about it, you'd remember we almost died battling them!
Akira crosses her arms.
Akira: This is ridiculous!
Zodiac: I agree we should come back tomorrow morning, but let's go early to get a head start.
Gram: What? No! Not early; I need my rest!
Himitsu: Gram, saving the world is more important than sleep.
Gram: (Makes a face) Well… when you put it that way, it sounds bad.
Daru: That's the mindset you need! Now think about your sleep!
Gram: Okay, okay, fine!
Kono: Alright, it's settled. Let's go back and get some sleep!
Everyone proceeds back into the tower, making their way to the guest lounge and then to their respective rooms.
Gram: This place is nasty, but I hope to get a good night's sleep.
Gram is taking a shower and singing.
Gram: (Singing) Gram the Great is the best! Gram the Great is a legend and the finest human of all—
Suddenly, Gram looks down and notices a leech in the shower.
Gram: AHHHHHH!
Daru and Zodiac's eyes widen as they rush into Gram's room, finding him fleeing from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his body.
Gram: AHHHH!
Daru: WHAT! WHAT'S WRONG?!
Zodiac: SPEAK, YOU IDIOT!
Gram: (Pointing) THERE!
Daru and Zodiac enter the bathroom and observe a leech crawling in the shower.
Zodiac: That is disgusting…
Daru: (Sighs) I thought he was being attacked.
Daru grabs the leech, opens the window, and disposes of it.
Daru: There, it's gone. Now I'm going to sleep.
Gram: Whew! That was close. Thank you, Daru and Zodiac, for coming to my aid.
Zodiac: Next time, I'm not coming if it's this nonsense again.
Everyone gathers in the room.
Kono: Hey, what happened, everyone?
Himitsu: Is everyone alright?
Ohma: Gram, did you get scared again?
Gram makes a face at Ohma.
Zodiac: The fool is fine. I'm heading to bed.
Kono: Oh, okay… cool.
Everyone heads to their rooms as Daru exits and sees Akira leaning against the wall.
Daru: So, you did come.
Akira: Yeah… so I did.
Daru: You know what I think.
Akira: I don't really care what you think.
Daru: I think you like this crew more than you realize.
Akira crosses her arms and walks away.
Daru: (Chuckles) Hmm.
As they lie in bed, preparing to sleep, everyone feels and hears a rumbling that shakes the tower and the city.
Zodiac: What the hell!
Akira: Great, what is it now?
Daru gets up, approaches the window, and sees something in the distance.
Daru: What the hell is that?
As it draws nearer, he recognizes a black wave of something unidentifiable. The black wave begins to ascend the tower.
Zodiac: What the hell is that?!
Kono glances at her Jump Watch as it calculates the time.
Kono: It's 12:00.
Kono recalls the old man's warning.
Kono: He wasn't lying.
Three hours pass, and the rumbling finally ceases.
Gram: FINALLY! DAMN!
Daru: It has stopped…
Zodiac glances out the window and observes that the black wave has disappeared.
Akira: Now I can finally sleep.
Everyone returns to rest. As time passes, early morning arrives, finding Gram in his bed snoring.
Akira: GRAM, WAKE UP!
Gram: (Startled) AHH!
Gram leaps out of bed and tumbles to the floor.
Gram: Ouch…
He glances at his Jump Watch, which reads 6 a.m.
Gram: 6 IN THE MORNING!
Akira: They sent me to get you out of bed, so you'd better be ready in less than 10 minutes!
Gram: Yeah… I'll be ready.
Fifteen minutes later, Gram exits the room. As he steps out, Akira taps him on the shoulder.
Gram: Ouch! What was that for?
Akira: I SAID 10 MINUTES, AND YOU TOOK 15!
Gram: Akira, do you know it's hard to look this good?
Akira: You don't look good. Your hair is ginger, and you look ugly.
Gram: Hey! I should take you to a club so you can have some fun; it doesn't seem like you know what fun is.
Akira: I heard about what happened the last time you went to a club.
Gram: Okay, yes, that was my fault, but this time will be different.
Akira receives a call on her Jump Watch; it is Daru calling. She answers.
Akira: What!
Daru: Is he with you?
Akira: Yes, I have him.
Daru: Well, hurry up! We're waiting!
Akira: Stop rushing me! It was his fault for taking so long!
Daru: (sighs) Just hurry up!
Gram and Akira proceed downstairs to join everyone on the main floor.
Daru: Finally, you're here.
Akira: Like I said before, don't blame me; he took forever!
Gram: It takes time to look good!
Daru: Let's just go.
Kono opens the main doors, revealing blood on the ground.
Himitsu: W-what the hell!
Gram: There's so much blood!
Kono: What happened?
Himitsu spots the old man from yesterday.
Himitsu: Guys, look, it's the old man… maybe he knows what happened.
They approach the old man.
Himitsu: Umm… sir?
Old Man: Huh? Oh, it's you all. How are you?
Kono: We're okay… but what's with all this blood?
Old Man: I warned you that bad things would come.
Zodiac: Last night, there was a rumbling that went on for a few hours.
Old Man: Indeed… what you experienced was the Black Surge...