Season 2, Chapter 2: Echoes of the Past

Days passed in a steady rhythm. Itsumi moved through his missions with practiced precision, completing objectives with little trouble. Between assignments, he would sometimes find Zhu Yuan waiting for him, eager to share news or simply listen.

One afternoon, as they sat together in a quiet corner of the Public Security headquarters, Zhu spoke up, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

"I've been hearing a lot about a group called Faeton lately. Proxys, apparently—very skilled, very coordinated. Have you ever crossed paths with them?"

Itsumi paused, a flicker of memory surfacing. He remembered a pair of siblings—laughter, warmth, a moment of hesitation that changed everything. The reason he surrendered, the reason he was free. But he didn't dwell on it. In truth, he didn't care what had become of those siblings. Not anymore.

"They're just another group," he replied, his tone even. "Nothing special."

Zhu nodded, but her mind was elsewhere. "There's a mission coming up. I'll be working with those Proxys. Honestly, I'm a little nervous. The operation is huge—Sons of Calydon, Public Security, Division 6, Victoria Housekeeping, Belobog Construction, even the Cunning Hares. All for one mission. It feels… excessive."

Itsumi offered her a rare, gentle smile. "Don't worry. Nothing bad will happen. You'll be fine."

Zhu smiled back, reassured by his calm. Soon after, Itsumi was called away for another mission. He left without a word, disappearing into the city's labyrinth.

Hours later, Itsumi stood alone in the Hollow, his latest mission already complete. He lingered, taking in the strange, shifting landscape—a world of chaos and beauty, danger and silence.

Suddenly, the distant roar of battle shattered the calm. Itsumi hesitated, uninterested at first, but then he remembered: Zhu Yuan was supposed to be here.

He moved quickly, crossing the fractured terrain with inhuman speed. As he approached, he saw the chaos—a massive battle, agents from every faction locked in combat with swarms of Ethereals. Itsumi activated his visor, scanning the area. Near the heart of the fight, he spotted a battered van—likely the Proxys Zhu had mentioned.

A monstrous Ethereal reared up, preparing a devastating attack. Itsumi recognized the threat instantly. For him, it was nothing. For the other agents, maybe just a few injuries. But the Proxys—hackers, not soldiers—were just civilians.

Without hesitation, Itsumi moved. In a blur of electric speed, he grabbed both siblings by the collars, yanking them clear just as the world behind them erupted in a violent explosion.

Back on the battlefield, agents from every group staggered to their feet, coughing and wiping dust from their eyes. Panic spread as they realized the van was gone, reduced to twisted metal.

"Wise! Belle!"

"Where are they?"

"No… no, please—"

Some agents shouted in anger, others wept, and many simply stared in shock, unable to process what had happened.

Then, as if by miracle, Belle and Wise tumbled to the ground, landing roughly but alive near the cluster of agents. For a moment, there was stunned silence—then shouts of joy, relief, and disbelief as the agents rushed to their side.

High above, on a broken bridge, Itsumi watched the scene unfold. He remained still, a silent observer in the shadows.

Miyabi, standing among the agents, felt his presence. She spun around, drawing her sword, eyes narrowed in suspicion. But Zhu Yuan stepped forward, placing a hand on Miyabi's arm.

With a warm smile, Zhu called out,

"So it was you, Itsumi… I'm glad you're here."

One by one, the others turned to look up at the young man standing above them—the one they now realized had saved the beloved Proxys.