As Kazuki and Hotaru wandered through the glowing streets of Eidolon, a kind, elderly vendor with silver hair and eyes like starlight called out to them from his stall. His wares were ancient-looking scrolls and crystalline trinkets that pulsed softly with energy.

"Ah, travelers!" the old man greeted with a wide smile. "Lost or curious? Either way, I've got stories worth your time." He glanced at Kazuki, his eyes narrowing with a curious gleam. "Especially for someone new to our world."

Kazuki hesitated, but Hotaru gave him a small nod. "It wouldn't hurt to learn more," she whispered.

The old man gestured toward a nearby bench, his voice dropping to a storyteller's tone as they sat. "Since you're fresh to Eidolon, let me tell you the most important story of all—the tale of the Savior."

Kazuki leaned in, listening closely.

"The Savior… he is the guardian of this realm, the one who gave us life when we had none. Long ago, Eidolon was on the verge of collapse, consumed by chaos and corruption. But the Savior—he was different from the rest. Strong, wise, and compassionate, he saw the suffering and refused to stand by. With his own hands, he reshaped Eidolon, creating a world where light could once again shine. Everything you see around you, from the floating cities to the glowing rivers, exists because of him."

The old man paused, his eyes reflecting the golden light of the streets. "The Savior didn't just rebuild this world—he offered a chance for hope, for greatness. He created the Echelon Trials," he said, his voice swelling with pride. "A grand tournament, held once every five hundred years, to find the most extraordinary souls—the heroes who could protect this world and lead it into a brighter future."

"Echelon Trials?" Kazuki repeated, intrigued.

"Only the most worthy can pass the Trials," the old man continued. "Many try, but few succeed. The winners… they become legends, their names carved into the heart of Eidolon itself. They are chosen to fight for something far greater than themselves, to guard the realm from the dangers that lurk in the shadows."

Kazuki's mind spun with questions, but before he could ask, the old man gave him a knowing look.

"You'll learn more in time," he said gently. "But remember this—the Savior is not just a ruler. He is a symbol of hope, of second chances. Some say he even watches over those who are lost, guiding them toward their destiny."

With that, the old man stood, brushing off his robes. "I'll leave you with that for now. You'll need the rest of the story for another day."

Kazuki watched as the old man walked off, his figure disappearing into the shimmering light. His words lingered, filling Kazuki's heart with a strange mix of wonder and unease.

The streets of Eidolon sparkled under the golden glow of the unseen light, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Kazuki and Hotaru wandered aimlessly, laughing softly at nothing in particular. The city seemed endless—upside-down towers floated above, gravity-defying trains zipped past, and small orbs of light flitted around like curious fireflies.

"You've gotta admit," Hotaru said with a grin, "for a place that doesn't make any sense, it's kinda beautiful."

Kazuki chuckled. "Yeah, it's weird… but it's starting to grow on me."

They passed a bridge that seemed to twist on itself like a spiral staircase. Below, a river of light flowed, shimmering with shifting colors. Hotaru leaned on the railing, her eyes reflecting the glow.

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"Thank you, Kazuki," she said softly.

"For what?"

"For spending time with me. I don't get that a lot here," she replied, her tone gentle and warm.

Kazuki rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean… it's not like I had much of a choice," he teased, trying to hide how comfortable he was starting to feel. "But yeah, it's been fun."

They continued walking, passing vibrant markets and quiet alleys, their footsteps echoing through the tranquil streets. Hotaru pulled him into a shop filled with strange gadgets, letting him fumble with a floating puzzle that refused to be solved. They shared a strange dessert that sparkled like stardust, and at one point, she even convinced him to try riding one of the floating carriages that zoomed through the air.

It almost felt normal.

But then… something changed.

They stopped at a quiet square, the air strangely heavy. Hotaru turned to Kazuki, her playful expression fading. Her eyes seemed darker, unreadable.

"You know, Kazuki…" she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "there's something you should know about me."

Kazuki blinked, caught off guard. "What is it?"

Hotaru's lips curled into a smile, but it wasn't the sweet, innocent one from before. It was sharp, almost eerie, like a mask slipping just enough to reveal something far more dangerous beneath.

"I'm a Trailblazer, too," she said, her tone calm yet chilling. "But unlike you… I wasn't invited here."

Kazuki's breath caught in his throat.

"I was pulled into this place—dragged, really. And the rules?" She chuckled darkly. "They don't quite apply to me the same way they do to you."

Before Kazuki could process what she was saying, Hotaru stepped back, her body glowing faintly. Her figure began to blur and distort, her voice echoing as she faded.

"See you around, Kazuki," she whispered, her tone shifting back to its soft, sweet cadence. "I'll be watching."

The square was eerily silent after Hotaru disappeared, her last words lingering in the air like a ghostly echo. Kazuki stood frozen, his mind racing.

"A Trailblazer? Like me?" he muttered, staring at the spot where she had been. His chest tightened as he tried to piece it together, but none of it made sense.

The realization hit him like a brick.

"Wait… where am I supposed to stay?" he said aloud. "I don't even have a place to sleep!"

Kazuki wandered aimlessly, his footsteps feeling heavier with each step. His thoughts spiraled—Hotaru's cryptic words, his strange fall into this world, and now this. How was he supposed to survive here?

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through his thoughts.

"There you are! Took you long enough!"

Kazuki turned around and saw Lumi standing a few feet away, her cheeks puffed like a squirrel's, stuffed with snacks. She held a large bag filled with colorful packages, and her eyes sparkled with joy as she munched on another bite.

"W-Where did you go?" Kazuki stammered, half relieved and half exasperated. "And… what's with all the snacks?"

Lumi grinned, trying to speak through her full mouth. "Gimme a sec—too much cake." She swallowed and raised her hands triumphantly. "Ta-da! I found the best snack shop in all of Eidolon! Limited-edition moonfruit tarts and stardust crisps! Pretty cool, right?"

Kazuki blinked. "…I was freaking out here, and you were off shopping?"

"Obviously!" Lumi said, tossing him a small, glowing pastry. "You looked stressed, so I thought snacks would help!"

Kazuki caught it, staring at the strange glowing treat in his hand. For a moment, his tension eased. Lumi's carefree energy was oddly comforting, even if she was completely unpredictable.

"Well," Lumi continued, tapping her chin thoughtfully, "you don't have a place to stay yet, do you?"

Kazuki sighed. "Nope. Not even a clue."

"No worries! I've got that covered!" Lumi winked and spun around. "Follow me! I'll take you to a place where you can crash for now."

Kazuki hesitated but decided to trust her. With Hotaru's sudden disappearance still on his mind, sticking with Lumi felt like the safest option.

"Where are we going?" he asked.

Lumi looked back over her shoulder with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You'll see! It's a secret!"