After some investigation, combined with a vague hunch, l've identified a highly suspicious Wanderer.Andrew is tracking it, but it's been several days since I got a response.This lull allows me to test the new gear Simone modified for me before the next mission.
The only problem is that my partner, who promised to join me for this trial, is late as usual.

"That's Simone for you. She can turn even the simplest sidearm into something extraordinary..." I switch on the safety and put away my gun. My gaze drifts to the empty lane beside me. "Looks like Xavier, King of Tardiness, didn't get the chance to try out the new gear first."

"But at least I have the luck of a partner who's always thinking about me." The door to the shooting range opened without me noticing. Xavier leans against the doorframe and smiles. "I got caught up following a new lead. I didn't have time to tell you."

"Is it about that case you've been digging into? You've been really mysterious about it. Time you filled me in."

He raises the cup in his hand as he speaks. "Let's talk over a cup of coffee first. I'll tell you everything then."

I follow Xavier to the Training Room's lounge area. I grab the cup of coffee he offers me.I cautiously take a small sip. It's a little hot and sort of weak. But it's still decent.

"You made this?"

"The coffee machine did all the work. I just put in the beans and provided the cup."

"It sounds like you didn't do much... But the coffee isn't bad.
Hearing this, Xavier chuckles.

"So, your investigation is coffee-related?"

"Certain people were smuggling painted Protocore fragments in the coffee beans. I had to attend as a judge at the coffee contest.I figured that with all the effort they put in, there would be a clue about the Aether Cores. But all we got were some modified, regular Protocores."

"Oh, I thought..."I pause, and my gaze falls into the cup in my hand.

"..What is it?" He asked.

Since joining Special Operations, Xavier and I busied ourselves with tracking down leads on the Aether Cores.But I always had a feeling that he was carrying out this "secret mission" even long before he joined.I also think it's connected to Xavier's other secrets-but this isn't the right time to delve into them.I hold myself back from saying, 'I thought you'd know something related to the Aether Cores' whereabouts.'

"I thought you had more solid leads than Simone and I."

"Oh, I figured you'd ask something more probing."

"How so?"

As if reading my mind, Xavier gives me a chance to steer the direction of this conversation.But when Xavier lowers his head in response to my question, it almost seems like he's slightly
upset.

"Isn't there anything you genuinely want to ask?"

Despite everything we've been through so far, l've never really pressed Xavier about his connection to the Aether Cores.

"In that case.. You must know more about the Aether Cores than the Association, right?"

"In your mind, am I more capable than all of the Association's hunters combined?"

"The Association has its network, but maybe you're aware of things they can't access."

His fingers lightly tap the wooden table in the lounge area. "l'm not entirely sure how many AetherCores there are, let alone their capabilities.Their power comes from the very core of the cosmos. If fully awakened, they would spell disaster for the world.Noticing my thoughtful expression, he smiles and gently smooths the furrow between my brows. "I know. You aren't satisfied with my answer.
But there are some truths you have to see and decide for yourself."

Xavier's Hunter's Watch as well as mine beep at the same time as he finishes speaking.

"The Wanderer you identified earlier-the one associated with the ß-Protocurve energy-is confirmed to be related to the Aether Cores." Andrew said The detailed information has been synchronized with your device's data log.Get ready to head out. This Wanderer will also be difficult to deal with. Should I ask Simone to assist you?"

"That won't be necessary. My best mission partner is back. The call ends. " I raise an eyebrow at Xavier. "I should witness the truths and answers I'm after for myself. But that doesn't mean I have to do it alone. One last question. I'd like to know if my partner is willing to fight alongside me for this. And whether or not it's just for today."

"I believe this answer will meet your expectations. I'll always be with you. Beyond just today."

A/n:I'm gonna skip some parts unfortunately it's just school stuff and mystery and I unfortunately don't have the patience to write it all after my issues with both Zayne and Rafayels.

Nebulae tranquilly hang in the sky as if they're the eyes of the universe. Faint rays of light spill over the shadows of trees that sway like waves.This feels like... a Protofield.Countless waves of both strong and subtle forces swirl through my heart. I stand in this unfamiliar forest enveloped in thick fog.This definitely isn't a regular Protofield...The energy here is erratic, and the fluctuations are violent.

"Xavier, can you hear me?"I call out to him several times, but only the wind's rustling of branches and leaves answers me.He was probably dragged into the Protofield too. I have to find him quickly.
I look up, and a meteor streaks across the sky. It leaves behind a trail of fire as it flies past the tops of tall trees. "A meteor..."

Several more follow suit before I can say more.All of them are heading toward one side of the forest.I can't help but follow them. In an instant, the night sky is ablaze with countless rays of light.
Meteors pour down like rain. They disperse the fog and darkness which plague the forest as they fall in the same direction.Are they guiding me...?I walk faster, gradually quickening my pace until I break into a sprint.Like me, the meteors fall even more intensely and rapidly. It's as if they're urging me to run with all my might.

"Silver? Is that you?" This voice... Xavier! "Answer me... Where are you..."

Even though I can clearly hear Xavier's voice, I don't know where it's coming from. Is it in front of me? Or... is it echoing from the depths of my heart?Brilliant arcs of light flash before me as the wind's whistle resounds in my ears. My heart surges, overwhelmed by the surrounding chaotic energy.I have a bad feeling... Please stay safe, Xavier. I hope nothing bad happened to you..As I traverse the dense forest, a mirror-like lake suddenly comes into view. Meteors streak down, falling into the expanse where the lake meets the sky. The energy fluctuation gets even stronger now. It pulls at my heart to the point where I struggle to breathe. Overwhelmed, I stumble and sink to my knees.

I frantically look around and spot Xavier near the lake's shore. Another figure quickly appears in front of him. Soren adjusts his glasses, and his previously friendly, bashful expression vanishes. Soren's laughter, twisted with rage, contorts his features into an unsettling and unrecognizable expression.

The energy in the surrounding area has changed... Wait, Xavier's Evol is...?! Xavier's flurry of attacks continues, and there's no room for counterattacks. Nothing is out of the ordinary in terms of his appearance. Yet...His usually serene sparks of light scatter and fly chaotically around him, as if they've lost control-agitated or consumed by something.

A meteor falls into the center of the lake. It awakens a sparkling light that twirls into a vague illusion. The silhouette wears a hunter's uniform. It's hard to make out, yet it's unmistakably familiar... it's me. My head... It hurts... But why...?Yet it's at that moment I realize something.Soren created this illusion to distract Xavier. He's using the lapse in judgment to attack Xavier's mind with his Evol.In any other situation, Xavier would have no difficulty dealing with this type of Evol. But with how chaotic the Protofield is along with his
power... Xavier falters, but he slowly regains his footing.
When he raises his head, his unfocused eyes resemble a frozen lake
They're cold and empty.

With a reluctant, sullen expression, the apparition dissipates. The energy fluctuation also calms down. Even though the apparition on the water's surface is gone, Xavier continues to head toward the center of the lake. His expression is cold, and his movements are stiff.It's as though an invisible force is pulling him along. This isn't good. The Evol is still controlling Xavier!I rush out to stop him.

"Xavier"

He slowly walks "A planet that uses... to survive... doesn't deserve to be saved."

"Come back to reality, Xavier! Don't lose yourself in the illusion!"I grabbed his face "I'm right here."

He looks at me with a shocked expression "you are.. silver?" He leans on my shoulder.

"What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

"You can't stay here... Run... Otherwise, you'lls as well...!"

His power is fading... Is this space trying to consume him? I grabbed his hand and used my power but it quickly faded "What's going on? Why can't I control your Evol?"

"...It's okay. Starfall Forest, will stop once it has enough power... It will..."

""Enough power?" In that case... The Aether Core's power should satisfy it!"I touched his chest and used the power for both of use.

"You... you really are..reckless"

He collapses in my arms and looks at me "Do you recognize me, Xavier"

"Silver Are you okay?"

"Don't move."I apply medicine to the wound on his arm, but he abruptly pulls away. I almost drop the bandage.Xavier ignores my "command" and grabs my shoulders. He gives me a once-over.
"I'm fine. Don't tell me you're underestimating the power of an Aether Core."

"I underestimated you. An Aether Core's power isn't something anyone should mess with. If you use it carelessly... The Protofield would have devoured you. What then?"

"Since the Aether Core is mine, I know I can control it."

"Are you sure?"

".Okay, I'm not exactly confident about that."His hands grip my shoulders more tightly. I glance at Xavier's pursed lips and pat his tense arm."Xavier, are you mad?I'll admit I was a little reckless. But wouldn't you have done the same thing if you were me? Don't be upset. It won't help you heal and might affect your Evol."

"You always have so many reasons, but you never listen to me."

"I will next time."

I poke his face again and again until he reveals a helpless smile.
He takes the bandage beside him, quickly wraps it around his arm a couple of times, and then stands up.

"The energy fluctuations around us have only temporarily subsided. They could spike again at any moment. And Soren is adding fuel to the fire... We need to get out of here before he makes his next move."

"While you were still unconscious, I used my Evol to scout the area. This Protofield does more than just devour power. I can't find its boundaries at all. It's like... a space where if you shout, there won't be an echo."

"Don't worry."After getting his bearings, Xavier leads me deeper into the forest. The Protofield's environment was based on my memories.
So, there might be something that can help us leave."

"I've never heard of a Wanderer that could invade and read memories before.Or does this Wanderer's connection with the Aether Core make it different?"

"There's also the possibility that Soren made some modifications to it."

After a brief silence, I carefully choose my words before speaking.

"Soren... He used to be your ally, right?"

"It was a long, long time ago."The lightblade slices through several overgrown branches to clear a path. It dissipates into shimmering specks of light. He changed his appearance and hid his Evol.He needs to hide his secrets and also be in a position to strike me down if needed."

I immediately remember the perilous moments I faced with Xavier. "When we first met at the abandoned research base with the Luminivores, and the robots watching us at Azure Square-He sent them?"

"Maybe." Xavier holds out a small light as if sensing something. He releases it and lets out a dry laugh. "This forest... It's a trap clearly designed for me. This can only be his doing."

"He really seems to know you well, but he also hates you"

Recalling the conversation I heard, I hesitate for a second."Did something happen in this forest?Is that why you're... afraid of it?"

Moonlight gently falls, softening Xavier's features into a blur. Then, I hear his voice again."Rather than what's already happened, I'm more afraid of what might come in the future.But right now, you terrify me the most. "You used the power of the Aether Core this time. I'm worried about what you'll do next."

"...What I've done can't be compared to your actions.Why don't you tell me what you did in the past?"

"We're here"

Following his gaze, I see a massive spaceship hidden behind the towering trees.Unlike the wreckage I saw in No-Hunt Zone No.
42, this one is more intact with far more sophisticated engineering.
Inside are various, unfamiliar devices that are set up to form a makeshift command center. It's surrounded by papers lying scattered all over the place.

"...You really are here." He said.

"You're not planning to... use this spaceship to take us out of this Protofield, right?" I asked.

"It can break through even the most chaotic gravitational energy flux. A Protofield might not stand a chance against it. Let's just try and see."

He flips several switches. One by one, faint blue lights illuminate.

"Traceback II, Philos 1101-PLS is now online..."

"Philos... That name sounds familiar." I said

Xavier spoke "...It's my homeland, a place far away from here."

I silently repeat the name to myself and feel a strange sensation as it resounds in the depths of my heart.I pick up the papers next to him. The messy handwriting and symbols seem like they're from another universe.

"Backtrackers Logbook,Spatiotemporal Coordinate Parameters You and Soren were both members of the Backtrackers...?"

"Yes"The image of the spaceship slowly loads onto a floating, holographic screen. He scans the complex data line by line. Even though we called it a "small group," there were quite a lot of us at one point.But after all this time, only a few of us remain."

While the red warning lights flash, a sharp pang shoots through my chest.

"Xavier, the Protofield is acting up again!" I told him.

"I know"There's no doubt that Soren is manipulating the Wanderers hidden within this Protofield. He's trying to trap us again. After pressing a few buttons on the control panel, he takes something from the cabin wall and fastens it to his wrist.He sits down in the cockpit and takes my hand.He presses it against his chest, and a sense of foreboding washes over me. "I need you, Alexiss."

"You're... going to use your Evol as fuel?! No!"I try to pull my hand away, but he tightly holds onto it. "Don't even think about it. The Protofield already drained your energy. You're not allowed to use your Evol right now!" It's very obvious that fueling this spaceship will be too much for him.

"It's not a big deal.Using Evol as emergency fuel is actually one of this spaceship's unique features.In the past, Evol came to our rescue during several crises. It enabled us to make safe emergency landings. Besides, I've got you here with me.You're aware of the changes an Aether Core can bring.With your current strength, you can resonate and enhance my Evol, right?"Only you have the power to help us safely leave the Protofield. Trust me."He cups my cheek with his other hand. With a soft voice, he makes a promise to me. "Your power will keep me safe."

My heartbeat races. Whether it's because of our current circumstances or the intensifying energy fluctuations, the pain in my chest grows sharper.Amid the blaring alarms, the spaceship begins its final countdown. The flickering lights spiral into chaos.
Xavier looks at me, his expression as calm as it always is. He's waiting for me to respond.

"...All right. Let all your power flow through me. I'll keep you safe, I promise!"

"I know"

Violent tremors and a sense of weightlessness engulf us. After countless voyages through the boundaries of space, the spaceship plunges into the unknown once more.Chaotic energy crashes into the spaceship. The air currents instantly tear apart the scenery outside the porthole. I hear a high-pitched whistle.As chaos envelops my vision, only one warm force stays tightly connected with me.It flows steadily from my hand and gradually covers the world in a dazzling light. It overwhelms my senses.
But then.

Weird... It feels like something is suppressing Xavier's Evol, preventing a complete Resonance...

"Keep going."Xavier tightly presses my hand against his chest.
Even in the blinding light, his gaze stays calm and gentle. I grit my teeth and forge that power into a sharp blade. Slowly but surely, it cuts through the invisible barrier along with the spaceship.
Space itself is ripped open, which creates tremendous energy fluctuations and tremors. In the distance, a massive shadow looms. "At last, we've forced it to show its true Get ready. It's time to deal the finishing blow!"

A deafening roar fills my mind and strips away my senses.
Suddenly, it's as if a rift splits the space. It ushers us into a burst of gentle light and fresh air.After several, long seconds, the discomfort fades.I slowly open my eyes.Everything comes into focus, and there it is—the RMFMA, standing serenely just a couple of meters away.

"We're back in the research center!"

My senses return to my body. I scramble to my feet and frantically search for Xavier."You're struggling to find me, huh..."

A familiar voice calls out from behind. I turn and see Xavier leaning against a nearby wall.A bright red light at his neck flickers a few times before settling down under my worried gaze.

"That light is flashing and you still want to crack a joke?"

"I'm fine. Just a little tired."He opens his palm and hands me the Aether Core fragment. It glows a soft green. "For its sake, sit with me for a bit."Unable to resist Xavier's expectant eyes, I approach him and sit down. "I already sent the collected data and our coordinates back to HQ. The police will also be involved. They'll be here within fifteen minutes."

"We don't have much time. We need to—" I'm about to get up, but he grabs my arm.

"Let's make the most out of these uninterrupted fifteen minutes.
I feel a cool touch at my ear after Xavier pulls out a pair of wireless earbuds.There's just enough time for one song.
Then we'll be in a hurry again."

"Who invites a girl to listen to music with a wireless earbud?"

"Hmm?"

"You should've offered me wired earbudsThat way, we'd be close enough that we couldn't drift apart."

"I'm too tired to drift into a place that's far away from you. And I wouldn't, even if I could."Outside the skylight, another morning dawns.As Xavier expected, updating the intel and what happened on campus is as tough as tracking down the Wanderer.After leaving Prestara University, Xavier unsurprisingly retreats to his bedroom.Meanwhile, I return to the Association with the Aether Core fragment.After a brief mission report, Captain Jenna warns me about our recklessness but also commends us for successfully completing the mission.With the order to "return home and rest," I time my visit to line up with Xavier's "recharging period." I bring supplies to the sixth floor.After several rings, Xavier finally opens the door, his hair all tousled. "You're finally back."

"You look like you just woke up. Why are you speaking as if you've been waiting for a while?"

"Well, you just saw me. How can you tell I haven't been waiting long?"He effortlessly reaches behind me and takes the plastic bag. "It felt like forever."I slip on my slippers and head to the living room.
Xavier is already intently unpacking the bag full of food next to the coffee table.He pulls out two food boxes from the plastic bag and removes their packaging. "Is this from that store downstairs at the Association? You went back there?"

"You needed to recharge, so someone had to return that Aether Core fragment, right?"

"Right. Thanks, partner."

"Oh, Captain Jenna wanted me to relay a message to you."

"What is it?"

With mashed potatoes still in his mouth, Xavier looks up while the spoon is held between his lips.

"It's a warning. She said if you deliberately put her team member in danger again, she won't let you off the hook."

"Got it. I'll remind her about settling the other five verbal warnings she gave me." In that brief silence, Xavier lowers his gaze and eats his mashed potatoes one spoonful at a time. "Did Prestara University say anything?"

"Surveillance and witness protection are ongoing. But... we still haven't found Soren."

"If we haven't found him by now, chances are we never will." He casually talks about it, but his words carry a mixture of indiscernible emotions. I decided not to dwell on it. "You don't know where he's gone either?"

"Nope."

As I reflect upon everything, the vague, tangled clues pile up and cast a large shadow behind the clear image of Soren.

"Getting out of this precarious situation unscathed isn't something he could accomplish on his own.Only a few groups could pull that off.Who's supporting him?"After finishing a box of mashed potatoes, Xavier retrieves a stack of documents and a sealed bag from under the coffee table.Inside the sealed bag is a tiny, button-sized device. I can't help but pick it up.What is this?"

"Ulysses found it at the research center. He urgently sent it over. Initial tests show it has a radio frequency chip that can resonate with Metaflux fluctuations."

"So this little thing is the culprit behind the RMFMA's malfunction and even the tool Soren used to lure in the Wanderer."

"Yes."

The room falls silent again. I follow the train of my thoughts and speak up. "Can you also use that device to... recreate a plane of existence and overlap it with the reality?You mentioned earlier that this is something only "your people" know about."

"That's right.But you know I don't like illusion stuff."Xavier calmly says. I nod and put the sealed bag back on the table.

"Who can help him make that?"

Xavier doesn't respond immediately. Instead, he pushes the stack of documents toward me. "Here's the latest analysis and theories based on what we know.It includes a list of groups with similar tech. Go through it, and you'll come to your own conclusions."As always, Xavier doesn't explain.

It's as if he's already at the finish line with the answers. He's quietly waiting to see if I'll join him or choose a different path.However, I'm not content with following his lead this time.I place my hand over his and stop the documents he's pushing toward me in their tracks.

"I'll read these. Later. Xavier, I'd rather trust what you have to say right now."

After a brief pause, Xavier purses his lips and finally meets my intense gaze. "It's Ever."

"Ever..Some of the Backtrackers are also involved. They know everything you know, and they've had their eyes on you for some time, right?"

"Yes."

"That makes them our common enemy then."

Outside, the leaves rustle as the wind slips in through the gap in the window. The curtains flutter.My shadow merges with Xavier's, and it feels like the impenetrable door in his heart has opened slightly.
This time, we're finally standing on the same side.