Hey again, reader! We’ve now officially made it into the Relics of the Breach Arc! Hooray!

  First off, thanks to everyone! If you’ve been here since the beginning, I appreciate you more than you know. This story has been ongoing for about 5 months now. So It means a lot to me having you guys read the story I have created. Now then… let’s talk about what’s ahead.

  From this point on, the story will begin to shift. The Breach was only the beginning, and the Echos continue to roam Hikari’s world. What lies ahead for the team will be filled with more mysteries, difficult decisions, and formidable foes. But when foes arise… so do allies.

  This arc will dive deeper into:

  - The Hollows of Echo Institution

  - The Obsidian Veil’s long-term motives

  - The origins of certain Emanations and what other powers it holds

  - And secrets that are still meant to be discovered

  The tone will still carry the team’s banter and chaotic energy so don’t worry, but the stakes are rising. Hikari and Captain's world isn’t just under threat by Echos. Something else is watching closely.

  The focus of this arc centers around the Artifacts themselves and the consequences of using powers that were never meant to exist in one place. The team’s journey won’t just test their strength… it will test their trust, resolve, and their understanding of what the breach truly unleashed.

  You’ll see:

  - New Hollow members stepping into action

  - Emanation abilities evolving

  - And even more Echo action with more intense battles that will involve strategy

  If the Containment War was about survival… Relics of the Breach is about discovery and the cost that comes with it. I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your theories? What else do you think we’ll encounter? Do you trust certain characters? Are you looking forward to seeing more characters?

  Comments are always welcome. I’m also constantly working to improve and refine this universe, and your support genuinely helps shape that journey. Thank you again for being here because from this point forward… things will never be the same. And when we meet again at this arc’s epilogue… I promise you, we’ll have much more to talk about. Now then. Let’s have a small off-canon moment with the team before chaos begins… shall we?

  Location: Neluya Nature Park

  Time of Day: Afternoon

  Warm sunlight filtered through the trees along the perimeter as a narrow stream ran nearby, its water moving in a soft, steady rhythm. Whooo... A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers drifting over the grassy field.

  Slayer lay flat on his back in the grass. “Finally! A well-deserved break. Now all we need is some void sandwiches and it’d be juust the perfect day.”

  Lumina stood near the stream, arms folded. “You don’t get tired of those, do you?”

  Slayer shrugged lazily. “Well, no. Because nothing beats void-made!”

  Lumina sighed. “Like I said before, Aura Vanish isn’t meant to store food. You don’t even know where it goes once it’s in the void.”

  Slayer was already chewing on a sandwich he had just pulled out using Aura Vanish. He glanced up at her. “Uhrm- whart was dat rgain?”

  Lumina rolled her eyes. “Never mind.”

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Captain scanned the perimeter, his gaze moving from the trees to the stream, and even to a pair of wild deer passing quietly between the trunks. He muttered under his breath. “Hmph. It’s pretty peaceful around here. Not bad for a resting spot.”

  Hikari held the Black Star Artifact gently, watching the sunlight reflect off its obsidian surface as she inspected it. “Hmm… I wonder what other secrets this Artifact holds.”

  Then-

  A soft crunch of leaves echoed from behind them. All four turned toward the sound. Then I stepped out from the path between the trees.

  Slayer blinked. “Wait… Is that.”

  Lumina narrowed her eyes.

  Captain straightened. “Hmph. Well look who decided to show up again.”

  I raised a hand casually as I approached the team. “Glad I picked a peaceful location for you guys to make rest. Seems like you’re all enjoying the view around the park.”

  Hikari’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh? You say that like you can just throw us at any location whenever you please.”

  I cleared my throat. “Well… it’s a bit more complicated than that, but sure. We can go with that for now.”

  Hikari gave me a deadpan stare. “How comforting to hear.”

  The breeze shifted. Then the Artifact in Hikari’s hand pulsed. THUMP! Akari’s voice followed gently. “U-Um… I've never seen you before. Sorry, but who are you exactly…?”

  I tilted my head slightly. “Oh right. We’ve never met before, huh. Let me intro-”

  Captain cut in. “He’s the person that shows up whenever something big is about to happen.” His eyes stayed locked on me. “You could say he chooses our fate… and decides what happens to us in any moment.”

  Akari hesitated. “S-So does that mean he’s like an Echo of some sort?”

  Captain nodded once. “Bingo. Very troublesome for us.”

  I waved my hands quickly. “No, no, I’m not a-” I dragged a hand across my face as I sighed. “…Never mind. Forget it.” I straightened myself. "I just wanted to check up on you guys and let the readers know that we're about to enter a new arc."

  Slayer jumped to his feet. “Ah, I remember these now! I always look forward to them whenever we get the chance.”

  I smiled slightly. “Great to hear! I’m glad we’re on the same page here.”

  Lumina side-glanced at me. “Okay… so what challenges do you intend to throw at us this time?”

  I met her gaze. “Nothing you guys aren’t capable of overcoming. No matter how difficult it gets.” I paused. “I’m sure all four-” My eyes shifted to the Artifact in Hikari’s hand. “-five of you will be capable of getting through it.”

  Hikari placed both hands on her hips, a smug look forming on her face. “Well, whatever those challenges might be… I’ll evaluate them, calculate the variables, and formulate the optimal solution. That’s what I do best after all.”

  I clasped my hands behind my back. “Always determined, aren’t you, Hikari. Very good.”

  Akari’s voice came softly from the Artifact in Hikari’s hand. “U-Um… can I ask you something, Mr. Echo?”

  I blinked, then let out a light sigh. “Sure. Go right ahead, Akari.”

  Akari hesitated. “A-am I ever going to know who I truly am? And why I’m inside this Artifact? Am I… not human like the rest of you?”

  I froze for a brief second. “I... I’m not allowed to tell you that unfortunately. Forgive me for that Akari...”

  Lumina narrowed her eyes. “Not allowed… or don’t wanna tell her?”

  I looked at her. “Jeez, Lumina. Nothing gets past you, huh?" I smiled as I crossed my arms. "Glad to know that you still don't like me after all this time.”

  Lumina turned away from me, not saying anything else.

  Slayer suddenly clapped his hands together and laughed. “Well! That’s my cue to intervene and have us wrap this up!”

  I raised an eyebrow. Then I checked a watch that wasn’t even on my wrist. “Oh wow… would you look at that.” I nodded slightly. “You’re right, Slayer. Time is really running out. You guys have to get going now.” I stepped back toward the trees. “All I can say is this… you’ll be more than ready to face the challenges ahead. And by the next arc, you’ll have grown even more than before. I can assure you that much. Well mostly...” I gave them one last look. “So prepare yourselves from here on out.”

  Captain shot me a glare. “What do you mean by mostly?”

  I suddenly broke into a sprint. “You’ll find out sooner than you think!”

  Captain stepped forward and reached out. “Hey come back! We're not done talking here!”

  But I was already gone, disappearing into the trees.

  Slayer looked around. “Aaaand he’s gone.” He cracked his knuckles. “Well! Time to end the peace and begin the action!” He turned toward Hikari. “Ready to close this out?”

  Hikari nodded confidently. “Let’s do it!”

  Slayer suddenly pointed toward the camera. “Next time on Beyond the Breach Z! Will Captain ever get stronger? Will Lumina ever like void sandwiches? And will Akari ever find out her true identity?”

  Akari’s voice echoed from the Artifact. “W-What is going on…?”

  Lumina tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Just ignore him.”

  Captain sighed, shaking his head. “Why me…”

  Slayer raised a dramatic fist. “Find out on the next chapters of Beyond the Breach!”

  Hikari smirked. Her drones materialized around her FWOOM! She pointed forward. “Until then… see you all next time!”

  The drones turned toward the camera. PEW! PEW! PEW! CRACK! The screen splintered like shattered glass. DA-DUNNN! Overly dramatic music blasted as the screen slammed to black.

  Next Chapter - A Step Beyond...

  Trust will matter more than strength this time.