Location: Lumina's House.

  Time of Day: Night

  Minutes later, Lumina led the group out of the forest and toward her home, nestled just beyond the outskirts of Xevia. Though it was only a ten-minute walk from the city, the towering trees surrounding the area gave it a tranquil seclusion, almost like a hidden retreat untouched by the noise of the world.

  "We're here," Lumina said, stepping aside with a small smile.

  Hikari's eyes widened as she took in the view. "Whoa... this place is amazing." Both hands now on her hips. "Your house is huge," she added in awe.

  "No kidding," Captain muttered, raising an eyebrow. "Do you come from a rich family or something?"

  Lumina chuckled softly. "Not exactly. I got separated from my family when I was little... so I've been on my own for most of my life."

  "Oh..." Hikari's voice lowered. "Sorry to hear that."

  "No worries. I'll live," Lumina replied, brushing it off with calm composure. "After all that, I met Slayer, so I wasn't alone for long."

  Slayer grinned as he stepped forward. "Back then, we met at a dojo in Xevia. I saw her training and, well, struggling with her technique."

  "I wasn't struggling," Lumina interrupted with a teasing smirk. "I just had a different approach."

  "Heh, sure you did," Slayer laughed. "Anyway, I offered to help. She didn't like it, buuut I taught her anyway. We ended up training together every single day since then."

  Lumina looked over at Slayer with a nostalgic smile.

  "We became partners," she said, her voice steady. "We trained to grow stronger, so no one else would have to go through what I did. Eventually, we started taking on quests, saved up, I opened a tavern in Xevia... and when we had enough, we built this house."

  Hikari crossed her arms, nodding slowly. "Sounds like the two of you built everything from scratch. That kind of discipline... I respect it."

  "Thank you," Lumina said softly, her eyes lowering for a moment.

  "I admire that kind of determination," Captain added, his tone unexpectedly warm. "Maybe someday, when all this is behind us... we can sit down and talk more about our lives." He gave a rare, faint smile.

  Lumina blinked. "...Wouldn't mind that at all, actually."

  ("That's... surprising coming from him. Maybe hearing their story made him realize we're not so different after all.") Hikari thought.

  Lumina tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Well then... I'll look forward to that day."

  "Same here," Slayer said with a nod. He gestured toward the house. "But for now, why don't we head inside? Save the chit-chat for when we're not standing around."

  "Yeah, follow me," Lumina said, pushing open the front door. CREAK.

  Warm air rolled out to greet them, carrying a faint scent of lavender. The house had the feel of a traditional home, yet its many rooms gave it an unusual size. Still, it was lived-in... peaceful. Lumina gave them a quick tour before stopping near the main hall.

  "Alright, now that you've seen the place," Lumina said, turning to the others, "Slayer and I will show you to your rooms."

  "Sounds good, and thanks for doing this for us," Hikari replied with a bright smile.

  "Yeah," Captain added with a small nod. "Appreciate you letting us stay."

  "Don't mention it." Lumina's lips curved into a soft smile. "Slayer, if you would?"

  "With pleasure!" Slayer gave an exaggerated bow, then turned to Captain. "This way, good sir."

  "Right behind ya." Captain followed him up the stairs. Their footsteps echoed down the long hall until Slayer stopped at the last door. CREAK. He pushed it open, revealing a tidy guest room.

  The space was modest but comfortable. Polished wooden floors, a neatly made bed, and a shelf by the window with a lantern resting on top.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  "And over there is the bathroom," Slayer added, pointing across the room. "In case you wanna freshen up. So... any questions for me?"

  Captain glanced around. "I think I'll be good for now. Thanks."

  "Well, if you need anything, or just feel like chatting, I'm right across the hall." Though his face was hidden behind the helmet, the tilt of his head and the playful tone in his voice made it feel like he was winking.

  "I'll consider that," Captain said dryly, crossing his arms. "When I'm asleep that is."

  PFFT. "Good one." Slayer laughed, stepping back into the hallway. "Alright, I'll leave you to it. Sleep well, bud!"

  "Jeah sure, night." Captain offered a small salute as the door clicked shut.

  Left alone, Captain exhaled quietly. His gaze swept the room until it landed on a photo frame by the nightstand. He walked over and picked it up. A picture of Lumina and Slayer. Arms around each other, standing proudly in front of their tavern. Happiness written on their faces.

  "...Hm," Captain muttered under his breath. "Wonder if I'll ever find something like that again..." He set the frame down, turned off the lantern. CLICK. Darkness filled the room as he lay on the bed, eyes slowly drifting shut.

  Meanwhile...

  Back downstairs, Lumina and Hikari walked quietly through the hallway.

  "Alright, Hikari. This way to your room," Lumina said, gesturing toward the staircase.

  "Right behind ya!" Hikari chirped, practically bouncing after her.

  They descended into the basement. THUMP. THUMP. Their footsteps echoed on the stairs. But the space below didn't feel like a basement at all. It was spacious and warm, more like a private retreat hidden under the house. Soft lighting glowed off polished wooden floors. The same lavender scent from upstairs lingered here too.

  "Wow..." Hikari whispered, eyes wide. "This feels like a whole secret house down here."

  Lumina smiled. "Took me some time to set it up, but it's nice having a quiet retreat like this. Here, let me show you around."

  She guided Hikari through a short tour. A neatly arranged sitting area, a small kitchen nook tucked into the corner, and finally, the bedroom... a soft bed, a wide dresser, and warm wooden tones throughout. They stopped near the center of the room

  "Well, any questions about the room you'll be staying in?" Lumina asked.

  ("If you can even call this a 'room'... more like a luxury bunker.") Hikari thought, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

  "Nope, all good on my end," she said calmly. "Thanks again, Lumina. Your hospitality means a lot, to both Captain and me."

  "Don't mention it," Lumina replied with a smile.

  Hikari's eyes suddenly lit up. "Actually... there's one thing."

  "Hm?" Lumina tilted her head.

  Hikari pointed dramatically toward the far corner. "What's with that giant fluffy bear??" She squinted as if studying prey. "I must investigate this mysterious creature... with a BIG ol' hug!" She stomped forward, arms spread wide.

  Lumina blinked, caught off guard. Her gaze followed Hikari's arms to the plush bear. "Oh... that," she said quietly. Her voice softened. "Someone very dear gave that to me... before she passed away."

  The playful atmosphere vanished, replaced by a heavy stillness. Hikari froze mid-step. Her arms lowered slowly. "Oh... I didn't mean to bring up anything painful," she said softly.

  "It's okay." Lumina forced a faint smile. "It happened a couple of years ago. I'm better now. Really. Thank you, though."

  Hikari looked at the stuffed bear again, her expression gentle now. "It feels like... the world's always trying to take something from us, huh."

  "Yeah." Lumina placed a hand on her chest. "But all we can do is keep moving forward. For the ones we lost... and for the ones we still have."

  Hikari's smile returned, smaller but warm. "Right there with you. As long as we stick together, there's nothing that can extinguish our fire."

  Lumina chuckled softly. "Always so positive, huh? That's what I love about you, Hikari."

  Hikari rubbed the back of her neck, cheeks tinged pink. "Haha... I try."

  "Well." Lumina stepped back toward the stairs. "Get some rest. We've got training first thing in the morning, and I want you sharp and ready."

  "I'll be more than ready!" Hikari declared with a playful salute and peace sign. "Mentally, physically, and emotionally prepped!"

  Lumina smirked. "Glad to hear it. Goodnight, Hikari."

  "Goodnight, Lumina. Thanks again for everything."

  "As long as I get to try your world's food one day, I'll always be by your side." Lumina gave a wink before turning back toward the stairs. Her steps were light as she moved upward. "Oh, and if you ever need me, my room's right above you."

  "Okay, I'll keep that in mind!" Hikari called out. CREAK. The door closed partway, left just slightly ajar.

  The hallway lights faded, leaving the basement in soft shadows. Hikari stood still for a moment, then sat down on her bed. She slipped a hand into her coat pocket and pulled out the Artifact, holding it gently in her palms.

  ("What a journey so far...") she thought, eyes fixed on the Artifact. ("I'm glad we met such amazing people. Hopefully, we'll uncover the truth about this thing. For all I know, it could even be an Echo. Wouldn't that be bizarre?") She chuckled under her breath. Then WHSSSH.

  A faint sound drifted in, soft as a whisper. It came from just beyond the cracked door upstairs.

  Hikari's ears perked. "Huh?" she whispered. "Hello? Anyone there?" She stepped quietly toward the stairs, peering into the darkness above. All the lights upstairs were out. "...Maybe it was just Lumina moving around?" she murmured, unconvinced. Silence. Hikari hesitated, then shook her head. "Guess that's a negative." She stretched with a yawn. "I'm probably just exhausted from today. Welp... I'm done thinking so hard for tonight. Alright brain, you're officially off duty."

  CLICK. She switched off the main lights, leaving only the bedside lamp glowing softly. She crawled under the covers, the warmth and stillness wrapping around her like a cocoon.

  ("Tomorrow's the big step into learning some magic. Can Captain and I really pull that off? ...Guess we'll find out soon enough. No point dwelling on it. For now... rest.")

  CLICK. The lamp faded, and the room was filled in darkness. Hikari closed her eyes. Slowly, her breathing softened as sleep took her. The house was silent. Until... A faint sound drifted in, soft as a whisper. "Hehehe..."