3.5: Exit.

MC: "The energy fluctuations aren't intense, but they're unpredictable. No wonder we keep getting lost..."

I use my Evol to scan my surroundings while also looking for away out.

MC: "Xavier, why are we always trapped together whenever we meet?"

Xavier: Curious. Is it not? Why do you always happen to be around when I'm in trouble?""

MC: "Answering my question with another? That's not very nice."

I sneak a gance at him just as he turns his head toward me. I act nonchalant and look away.

Xavier: "Shh."

Sensing something's off, his expression turns serious, and I become quiet.

In the dim light, a few steps away from the slope, are several Wanderers on the move. Their bodies shimmer with an eerie, electrical glow.

MC: "They're around B rank and won't be that strong. They work in groups, manipulating the space around them to trap their prey."

MC: "They're like spiders, waiting until their victims tire themselves out. Then they feast."

Xavier: "Correct."

Xavier takes a couple of steps, positioning himself in front of me.

MC: "They're causing the spatial distortions... Explains why we're been walking in circles."

MC: "Xavier, we should split up. I'll go—"

Xavier: "We've been spotted."

In the blink of an eye, he vanishes. A few streaks of light slice through the murky night.

Before I know it, all that remains at the bottom of the slope is Xavier's shadow holding his sword. The Wanderers dissipate into dust, scattering to the wind.

He sheathes his sword, turns around, and raises his head.

Xavier: "Sorry, what were you saying?"

MC: "...oh, it's nothing. Just talking to myself."

Once I catch up to him, I check the area around us.

MC: "The fluctuations have stopped."

Xavier: "This way."

Xavier walks ahead silently. Puzzled, I follow after him until we stand in front of a boulder.

Suddenly, a new path emerges behind it.

3.6: Awakened Forest.

MC: "It seems harmless, but it's scary during combat..."

Xavier: "Scary?"

MC: "It's a compliment."

MC: "Xavier, you told me to keep your presence there a secret. You also said you'd explain everything the next time we meet..."

MC: "Shouldn't you be saying something right now?"

Xavier: "It's a long story."

MC: "...Liar."

MC: "Well, since we're on the same team, we have time to figure it out in the future."

MC: "Oh, wait. You're a normal hunter who just happened to be passing by."

Xavier: "...Do you need to keep your guard up?"

MC: "You haven't exactly been honest."

MC: "But now that I think about it, we're faced a few challenges together..."

MC: "Regardless of the secrets you're hiding, we can work together. For now."

Xavier: "Something's wrong with the fluctuation ahead. Get ready."

MC: "Okay."

**********

MC: "This place used to a signal station."

MC: "Wanderer."

Xavier: "It hasn't finished."

MC: "The Metaflux is converging on the Wanderer... It's absorbing it."

Xavier: "It's an Aeonwyrm, the most dangerous species of Wanderer."

Xavier: "The absorbed Metaflux particles are being used to reconstruct it."

MC: "Is this the Flux Nexus you meantioned before?"

MC: (A stone sculpture.)

Xavier: "...Only a specific Evol will be able to undo the lock on it."

Xavier: "Try it."

MC: "Can this even be opened with my Evol..."

Xavier: "Sense its energy and use your Evol to create the same fluctuations."

MC: (Something's inside.)

MC: "...It's different than other Protocores."

Xavier: "They're gone. We were just in time."

Xavier: "However, the energy fluctuations prove that someone wants to resurrect the Aeonwyrm."

Xavier: "If a Wanderer like that entered Linkon, the consequences would be unimaginable."

MC: "Then there may be more than one Flux Nexus in this forest."

Xavier: "Shh, I heard something."

Xavier: "The Protofield has changed... The forest is waking up."

Xavier: "Now!"

3.7: Where Light Vanishes.

MC: "We can't go on like this! More just keep showing up!"

Xavier: "Hold on."

Xavier: "We're safe now."

MC: "Thank you."

MC: "The Wanderers were headed straigt for us. It must be because of this Protocore..."

MC: "What?"

Xavier: "Let me check it."

*Give.

MC: "Why is it..."

Xavier: "It's been modified. Clearly, the work of Onychinus."

MC: "Onychinus?"

*Accept.

Xavier: "An organization stationed in the N109 Zone. Modifying Protocores is their most infamous achievement."

Xavier: "Let the Hunters Association handle it. They know what to do."

MC: "Aren't you coming back with me?"

Xavier: "The moon is out now. It's much brighter than before."

Xavier: "So this time, you won't get lost."

——————————

N109 Zone: Once a bustling technology hub, it is now one of the most dangerous areas after the Catastrophe occurred. Surrounded by other no-hunt zones, it has evolved into a lawless land where danger and opportunity coexist. It is rife with violence and crime.

With illicit trade and dangerous research, many of its activities are related to Protocores and Wanderers. Its many benefits have driven countless outlaws to risk their lives.