Scene: Hokori's Fortress – Throne Room
(Hokori sits on a throne made of black stone and crystals pulsing red. He receives word of the scout's death.)
Hokori (coldly): "She used the Flame? Hmph… even untrained, she's dangerous."
(He slams his hand on the armrest — a ripple of dark energy pulses outward.)
Hokori: "Send the next wave. This time, I want the Reaper Twins to retrieve her."
Scene: Night – Megum's House, Underground Shelter
(The team gathers in a hidden room under their home, with ancient scrolls and weapons lining the walls.)
Megum: "We're running out of time. They'll keep coming. We need to leave Airoma."
Luci: "Where would we even go?"
Isaka: "There's one place — the Sanctuary of Solunaris. Hidden deep in the mountains. It's where Aether energy was born."
Marine: "How do you know that?"
Isaka: "Because I was built from its blueprints. And it's the only place where Marine can safely awaken her full power."
Scene: Kazuya's Arrival in Airoma
(Space warps above Airoma. Kazuya descends in a beam of red and gold light, landing at the edge of the forest. He senses the remnants of Marine's energy.)
Kazuya (to himself): "That was… pure Aether… She's here."
(He pulls out a golden compass. It spins wildly and then points toward the village.)
Kazuya: "I'm coming for you, little one. Before he does."
Scene: Midnight – On the Run
(The team is packed and ready to leave Airoma.)
Megum (to Marine): "You ready?"
Marine (nods, clutching a small pendant): "I don't know what's out there… but I know I have you all."
Isaka (smiling): "Not for long. One day, you'll be the one protecting us."
(They begin their journey into the dark forest. As they disappear into the shadows, two masked figures step out from behind a tree — the Reaper Twins, silent and deadly.)
Reaper 1 (whispering): "Target has moved."
Reaper 2: "We hunt at dawn."
Scene: Flash to Luci's Dream – A Premonition
(Luci dreams of blood, fire, and a battlefield. Marine stands alone, crying, surrounded by shadows. Then Hokori appears behind her.)
Hokori (in the dream): "She will burn this world if you fail her."
(Luci wakes up in a sweat, gripping her weapon tightly.)
Luci (to herself): "I won't fail her. Not again…"
(A thin mist curls through the trees as the team hikes toward the Sanctuary of Solunaris. Birds fly off in silence. A strange hush falls.)
Isaka (scanning surroundings): "Something's wrong… There are no animal traces. Not even wind."
Marine (nervously): "Do you think they're here?"
Gara (gripping Marine's hand): "We'll fight if we have to."
(Suddenly, a sharp WHISTLING sound — a blade cuts through a tree right next to them. The Reaper Twins appear, one with twin sickles, the other wielding a blade of dark fire.)
Reaper 1: "Marine Aetherius. You are to be collected."
Reaper 2: "Dead or alive. Preference… uncertain."
Luci (steps forward, gun aimed): "Then you'll leave in pieces."
Scene: Intense Battle Begins
(Megum summons metal shards to form a massive mechanical arm. Gara starts casting light spells, while Isaka powers up her energy shields. Marine watches in fear and confusion.)
Isaka: "Marine, run if you have to. We'll hold them."
Marine: "No… I won't leave you again."
(She closes her eyes, her hands shaking, then glowing. A green sphere forms around the group, shielding them from the Reaper's attack.)
Reaper 2 (laughing): "The Core awakens."
(A clash erupts. The forest is torn apart in the chaos. Just when the Reaper with the dark blade is about to strike Marine—)
Scene: Kazuya's Intervention
(A red-golden flash explodes from above. Kazuya slams into the ground, sword glowing. The Reaper Twins back off instantly.)
Kazuya: "Back away from the Core."
Reaper 1: "You again…"
Reaper 2: "This interference will be reported."
(They vanish into black mist. Everyone is left stunned.)
Marine (eyes wide): "Who… who are you?"
Kazuya (kneeling): "Someone who once believed in peace… And now must protect the last hope of this world — you."