Angie: "I understand. I'll complete this mission successfully."
Although she had received her orders, Angie decided to depart the following day, a decision to which The Captain raised no objection.
After speaking with The Captain, Angie approached Ororon. "Will you come with me?"
Ororon was affiliated with the Masters of the Night-Wind. Although Angie had Lumine and Paimon's support, having Ororon along would undoubtedly be advantageous.
"I'll go with you," Ororon replied.
He guessed that his recent actions would soon reach the Masters of the Night-Wind and Grandma.
Now that Angie was also going to explain the situation to the Traveler, Ororon saw this as the perfect opportunity to clarify his own actions. He couldn't afford to miss it.
-
Meanwhile, Lumine and her companions arrived at the Masters of the Night-Wind, where they learned that the Spiritspeaker Stone was in the possession of Wayna, leader of the Scions of the Canopy. They promptly set off for the Scions' territory.
Wayna, though initially surprised by their plan, ultimately agreed to hand over the Spiritspeaker Stone.
"Since you're so determined, I won't stand in your way. May you achieve swift success and bring the five heroes back from the Night Kingdom."
As for how to use the Spiritspeaker Stone, Wayna recommended Vichama, a renowned warrior of the Scions of the Canopy—a legendary scout who had seen countless battlefields.
Kinich knew Vichama well; he and Mallko were both friends of his sister, Ishkab.
After leaving Wayna, the group, led by Kinich, headed to Vichama's residence. Along the way, Kinich introduced Vichama to the others.
"Vichama and Mallko are close friends who grew up together, forging their reputations side by side. They once triumphed in the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame together, fought in the Night Warden Wars together, and ultimately survived only because of Sister's squad's intervention."
"They're deeply grateful to her. She even healed their injuries. If we ask them directly, they shouldn't refuse."
As they spoke, the four arrived at the pair's dwelling, only to find it empty. After some inquiries, they located Vichama and Mallko atop a mountain peak in the wilderness.
"Vichama, Mallko..."
"Kinich?"
Upon seeing Kinich, the two initially looked puzzled, but their expressions soon turned to disappointment as if a sudden realization had struck them.
Kinich produced the Spiritspeaker Stone, explained their plan to save Ishkab and the other five, and asked for their assistance.
Upon learning they had a chance to save Ishkab and the other five, the two immediately agreed.
With the situation urgent and the location ideal for the ritual, Vichama prepared swiftly and decided to begin at once.
"I'll start searching for the conceptual Ancient Name," Vichama said. "During this process, some Fragments may disperse into the surroundings. Please help collect them. Also, be ready for combat. The Spiritspeaker Stone will connect the mortal realm with the Night Kingdom, and forces from the Abyss might surge through."
Lumine drew her sword. "Leave the monsters to me," she declared. "Focus on collecting the Fragments."
Mualani and Kinich nodded in agreement. The Traveler's presence indeed brought reassurance.
The ritual to find the Ancient Name commenced. The Spiritspeaker Stone slowly ascended, radiating a purple glow. As the ritual progressed, golden Fragments surged forth continuously.
Everyone except Lumine sprang into action, swiftly collecting the Fragments.
Lumine alone stood ready, her longsword at the ready.
Monsters soon appeared, but Lumine charged forward before anyone else could react, dispatching them with practiced efficiency.
Unlike Lumine and Paimon, Vichama's expression grew strained, his breathing becoming rapid.
Suddenly, he produced an Ancient Name from his grasp. "I've found it! Kachina's Ancient Name. Take it, quick!"
Vichama hurled the Ancient Name, and Mualani caught it.
He continued his search, now seeking Ishkab's Ancient Name!
Mualani: "This is bad! The Abyss's presence is intensifying! It's corrupting Vichama's body! If this continues, he'll—"
Mallko: "Vichama, don't push yourself if you can't handle it!"
Vichama ignored their warnings, gritting his teeth and forcing himself onward.
Lumine placed her Unrelenting Will upon Vichama's shoulder. Instantly, his body relaxed, allowing him to focus all his strength on searching the Night Kingdom.
"Damn it! I can't find it! What's happening?"
Lumine: "Don't panic. Keep looking."
Vichama closed his eyes again, resuming his search. As the Abyss's energy intensified, Kinich, Mualani, and the others watched anxiously.
"I've found it! Quick, catch it!"
Kinich firmly grasped Ishkab's Ancient Name.
Mallko had been watching Vichama's condition closely. Seeing him attempt to continue, Mallko shouted, "Stop! Your body can't handle it! Don't make a pointless sacrifice!"
Vichama's face twisted in agony. Lumine sensed a dangerous transformation occurring within his body. She couldn't release him; otherwise, Vichama would likely be instantly consumed by the Abyss and die.
Lumine: "We can't wait any longer, Mualani. Pull Vichama away."
Mualani: "I've tried, but the Abyss's power is holding him too tightly. He and the Spiritspeaker Stone are bound together by an invisible tether."
Paimon: "Then what do we do? Can't we stop him?"
Kinich: "If that's the case, there's no other choice. Sorry, Citlali, get out of the way!"
Mualani: "Kinich, hey!"
Kinich drew his Claymore and hurled it at the Spiritspeaker Stone.
Boom!
A moderate explosion sent everyone flying.
"Is everyone alright?" Lumine called out, mostly unharmed herself but immediately checking on the others, especially Vichama.
Vichama scrambled to his feet, his face deathly pale, but he seemed otherwise uninjured.
Paimon: "Ouch... what just happened? I think I saw the Spiritspeaker Stone get..."
"If we let it run unchecked, it will spiral out of control. Since we can't stop it, we have no choice but to destroy it," Kinich said, gripping the Ancient Name in his hand. "Let's go to the Speaker's Chamber and find the Pyro Archon. The sooner, the better!"
The group thanked Vichama.
Mualani: "Due to the urgency of the situation, we must return to the Pyro Archon as soon as possible. Please take the Spiritspeaker Stone back to Wayna for us, even though... We'll personally explain everything to Citlali."
Mallko: "No problem, leave it to us. But you... make sure you bring everyone back!"
Mualani: "We will!"
The four returned to the Speaker's Chamber and found that in addition to Mavuika, there was another person present: Dr. Chuychu!
Chuychu's eyes were red and swollen, as if she had just been crying.