[Short Summary of What's to Come]

  Hey there, reader!

  If you've made it this far... thank you, seriously! The Training Arc was a different pace, less Echo chaos, more character development and focus, but you stuck with it. I hope you enjoyed the bonding moments within the party and of course, the wild sparring matches (shoutout to Slayer's "tin can" durability). But now... things are shifting, and soon we'll be seeing the team going against the dangerous anomalies that lurk in Hikari's world.

  This epilogue marks the end of the Training Arc and soon the beginning of a new one. In just three days, Hikari and Captain will return to their world, and let's just say... the calm doesn't last long. The anomaly count is rising and hidden enemies are watching from behind the curtains. We'll be picking up the pace from here on out next, and everything they've learned will be put to the test. But before that... lets check in with the team!

  [Enjoy the following Party Banter...]

  Scene: Lumina's Tavern

  Time of Day: Evening

  The party were all sitting around on chairs, chatting about the battle they had. Hikari leaned back with a satisfied sigh, gently tapping the rim of her glass with her finger. "Okay. That drone and katana combo I executed? Easily my top three coolest moments."

  Captain sat at the table's edge, arms crossed. "We nearly blew a hole in Verdant Ridge."

  Slayer barked a laugh, finishing off the last bite of his meal. "Nearly, but not quite, soldier boy."

  Lumina emerged from behind the bar, drying her hands on a cloth. "You two have impressed us. Truly. You guys are now more prepared than ever before."

  Hikari lit up. "Awwe, thanks, Lumina. That actually almost sounded like a compliment."

  "It was a compliment," Lumina replied, deadpan.

  "You sure?" Captain asked, one brow raised. "Sounded more like a 'don't die tomorrow' pep talk."

  "I can multitask," she said dryly.

  Slayer burst out laughing. "PFFFT oh man, classic Lumina. Giving out compliments and threats in one breath!"

  Hikari smirked, crossing her arms. "Hey, I'll take any compliment I can get, thank you very much."

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Captain shook his head and Lumina just sighed. The room fell into an easy silence and then the tavern door creaked open. Everyone turned around to see. It was me, I decided to step inside, brushing some stray dust off my shoulder as I walked toward the team.

  "Evening, team."

  Slayer tilted his head. "Oh great, the writer's back. Let's see what he has to say this time."

  I raised both hands. "I come in peace. Just... checking in before things get serious again."

  Captain raised an eyebrow. "How serious are we talking?"

  I glanced at each of them before pointing at Hikari. "You. You'll face a choice that will cost you more than you're ready for."

  Hikari blinked. "Uhh- wait, what?"

  I turned to Captain. "You'll be pushed harder than ever. The past you've buried? It's coming back."

  He muttered under his breath. "...Of course it is. Wait in what way?"

  Slayer leaned forward. "Alright, now I'm intrigued."

  "You," I pointed.

  He sighed, crossing his arms. "Oh boy, here we go."

  "Might finally have to choose between being a shield... or a sword."

  Slayer looked down at his mug. "...Yeah, I'm gonna need another drink."

  Finally, I faced Lumina. She didn't flinch.

  "And you, Lumina. You'll face something no training could ever prepare you for."

  Her eyes narrowed. "Hm? What kind of something?"

  I smiled faintly. "You'll know when it comes."

  A beat passed as the fire popped behind us. Then I clapped my hands. "But hey! No need to ruin the moment, I could be lying for all you know. Either way you all earned this night. Rest, laugh, drink, enjoy the food, because soon, you're heading back to Hikari's world. And it won't be the same one as before."

  Slayer raised his mug. "To surviving the Training Arc."

  Captain lifted his as well. "Of course we did. And we'll survive the next one too."

  Hikari gave a half-smile. "Wow... yay. Can't wait to struggle all over again."

  Lumina sighed, arms crossed. "Fine. Whatever you say, writer."

  "Yeah, I don't think she likes me one bit." I muttered under my breath. I stepped back toward the door, already fading from view. "Okay, great. Because the real battle is just beginning." I slipped out of the tavern. Then SCRAAAPE! Slayer shot up, planting one boot dramatically on the table.

  "NEXT TIME, ON BEYOND THE BREACH Z!"

  Captain groaned. "Oh no..."

  Slayer struck a pose, voice booming like a narrator. "Will Hikari survive returning to a world filled with Echos and unholy paperwork? Will Captain finally admit today that he actually likes me? Can Lumina go one full day without rolling her eyes into another dimension? And will Slayer finally get the praise he deserves, or just more sarcasm and explosions?!"

  Hikari raised her hand. "Wait... do we actually have paperwork?"

  Captain grunted. "Hell no."

  Lumina calmly sipped her tea. "Hmm. I'll think about it. ...Hmph. Who am i kidding? She rolled her eyes with practiced precision. "Of course I won't. Don't be ridiculous."

  "Maybe if the writer didn't suck so much at writing us, we wouldn't have so much to worry about," Captain muttered.

  I poked my head back in through the door. "Hearrrd that~!"

  Slayer grinned wide under his helmet. "Don't miss the next chapter, folks. It's got funny moments, more Xevia action, and maaaybe at least one emotionally repressed confession."

  "I said don't make it weird," Captain growled.

  "Too late," Hikari said with a smirk. She stepped forward, turning to the audience with a playful gleam.

  "Well, that's our cue. See you in the next one and stay curious, everyone!"

  With a grand FWOOSH! she yanked the stage curtains shut. DA-DUNNN! Overly dramatic music blasted as the screen faded to black.

  Next chapter - Crowned in Emanation! Don't miss it!