True Inner Peace

For an entire week, Hugo trained relentlessly beneath the guidance of the Sage within the Grand Archive. Each day was a fierce battle—not against physical enemies, but against the darkness within himself.

Over and over, Hugo faced his deepest fears and most painful memories, only to succumb repeatedly to Voltra's consuming corruption. Each time, however, he regained control faster, gaining strength, slowly but surely confronting the shadows of his past.

Until finally—after days of relentless struggle—he stood calm, his breathing steady.

Cosmos hummed softly, stable for the first time in weeks.

The Sage watched Hugo carefully, a faint smile on their lips.

"You've done well," they said softly. "But your true trial begins now."

Hugo raised his gaze, exhausted but determined. "What do you mean?"

The Sage's expression softened. "You've learned control, but Eclipse Mode remains locked away. To truly awaken it, you must confront the heart of your greatest pain—your origins."

Hugo's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Eclipse War…"

The Sage nodded. "Tell them. Your allies deserve to know the truth of how it all began."

Hugo exhaled slowly, realization dawning on him.

Flowerfield Village.

The place he had first met Xander and Mina.Where everything started.Where their bonds formed—and where those same bonds eventually shattered.

With newfound determination, Hugo nodded. "I understand."

Outside, Eclipse Zero waited, anxiously awaiting Hugo's return.

When he finally emerged from the Grand Archive, they could instantly tell something had changed.

Nathan's eyes brightened. "Did it work?"

Hugo nodded once. "It did—for now."

Lena looked relieved. "Finally, some good news."

Ethan crossed his arms, cautious but optimistic. "So, you have Eclipse Mode back?"

Hugo shook his head. "Not yet. But the Sage showed me the next step. To fully awaken Eclipse Mode, we have to face the truth of how this all began."

Stella tilted her head curiously. "What does that mean?"

Hugo's eyes grew distant, his voice quiet but firm. "It means we're heading to Flowerfield Village."

The group exchanged confused glances.

Darius raised an eyebrow. "Flowerfield Village? Never heard of it."

Hugo's gaze softened slightly, his voice carrying the weight of memories. "It's the place where everything started—where I first met Xander and Mina. It's where Eclipse Requiem was formed."

The group fell into silence, understanding dawning on their faces.

Nathan swallowed. "And then?"

Hugo exhaled slowly, resolute. "When we get there…I'll tell you everything."

With that, he walked forward, determination etched into his expression.

Eclipse Zero fell into step behind him, prepared to face whatever truths awaited them in Flowerfield Village.

Eclipse Zero had barely begun to absorb Hugo's decision when—

A deafening explosion shook Lunaris Sanctum.

The force was so violent it sent shockwaves through the ground, rattling windows, shattering distant glass, and causing scholars and researchers to flee from the buildings in panic.

Lena immediately drew her Arc-Gun, her expression tense. "Dominion?"

Darius spun Drill Fang, eyes sharp. "Who else?"

Nathan tightened his grip on the Arc-Hammer, eyes wide. "They're here? Now?"

Stella's Arc-Blade flashed into her hands. "No way this timing is coincidence."

Hugo glanced toward the source of the explosion, his eyes narrowing dangerously. Cosmos hummed urgently, sensing the threat.

Iris stood quietly, her silver eyes reflecting the distant glow of fire. "They must have tracked us here."

Another explosion thundered in the distance, sending smoke rising over the rooftops.

Ethan cursed. "What's our move?"

Hugo stepped forward, determination returning to his voice.

"We protect Lunaris Sanctum. Let's move!"

Without hesitation, Eclipse Zero raced toward the battle—ready to defend the city, no matter the cost.