Chapter 3 : Yuko's First Mission: “The Abyss” :

Opening Scene: Flashback of Ruko

The chapter begins with a flashback of Ruko at home. She's sitting at her desk late at night, under the dim glow of a lamp. The sounds of the city outside barely reach her. She holds the mysterious invitation letter she received in her trembling hands, reading the details about the testing at Blue Light Technologies. Her eyes are filled with uncertainty and fear, but also determination.

Ruko glances over at a photograph of her, Yuko, and Grandma taken many years ago during happier times. In the photo, Ruko is holding a strawberry cake with a big smile, and Yuko is playfully teasing her about it. She brushes her fingers over the image, her heart heavy with memories. The weight of Yuko's sacrifices and their struggles overwhelm her. She then takes out a piece of paper and starts writing the letter to Yuko, tears welling up in her eyes as she pours her heart into each word.

Current situation:

The scene begin with Yuko asking Kazuka about his role in their group, the Veil Breakers. Kazuka reveals that he serves as a information collector and has been monitoring Yuko and Ruko for a long time. He recalls their first mission together, which was codenamed "the abyss" This sets the stage for the upcoming team meeting, where Kazuka explains the concept of "Sin" and the different stages within Echo.

Kazuka describes how Sin traps individuals' memories in multiple stages, each increasing in difficulty as one ascends through the levels. He explains the structure as follows:

1. Abyss Stage (Starting Stage):

In the Abyss, the environment reflects the darkest and most suppressed memories of the user. The memories appear twisted, like distorted versions of reality.

One key challenge is the presence of shadowy figures that represent fears or traumatic experiences from the past. These shadows whisper doubts, making it hard for individuals to keep their focus.

The passage of time feels chaotic; what seems like seconds could be hours or vice versa. Those trapped here often lose track of their purpose.

Torva Stage: Here this is the second stage, the user faces simulations of critical moments in their life, but with alternate outcomes. The challenge lies in not succumbing to these temptations of what could have been.

Vorin Stage: this is the Third stage ,The surroundings constantly shift, creating a sense of unease. Users face emotionally intense memories that are looped on repeat. Those who remain here too long can be trapped in endless cycles of their most painful experiences.

Astral Stage: This stage is fourth stage ,connects memories with fabricated scenarios created by Sin, making it difficult to recognize what's real. The user's senses are heightened, intensifying both positive and negative experiences.

Mid Stage:

Coris Stage (Middle Stage) fifth stage: A maze-like environment where memories start to blend together. It becomes difficult to distinguish reality from memories. Visual illusions appear as real people or objects, tricking the mind.

And this is the final stage oblivion stage and i don't know fully about this i know little bit about this stage

3. Final Stage:

Oblivion Stage: The most difficult stage, where the user's memories are completely scrambled, and their consciousness is fragmented. It's like standing at the edge of existence, where the person feels they are fading away. Memories appear as fragments that need to be pieced together to escape, but every attempt to connect them causes unbearable emotional pain.

And , I don't know about the stages of 6,7,8,9 and i only know the about the starting stages and mid stages and last stage ..

[Team meeting and yuko's first Mission : 'The Abyss' ]

During the meeting, Kazuka reveals that based on their initial analysis, he believes Ruko is trapped in the Coris Stage. To retrieve her, they'll need to first enter the Abyss Stage, which serves as the gateway to higher levels.

Kazuka introduces a device called the Memory Controller, by their tech genius, Senji Tokuro. Senji had obtained this device through the black market, and it's a top-secret item designed to provide extra time in Echo and prevent manipulation by Sin for a limited duration. Using the Memory Controller, they plan to enter the Abyss Stage, where Kazuka, Yuko, and Senji will venture together.

The scene transitions to their entry into the Abyss Stage. As they activate the Memory Controller and connect to Echo, everything around them darkens, and a chilling fog envelops the environment. The air feels heavy, and distorted voices fill the surroundings. They find themselves in a warped version of a childhood playground, twisted and decayed, with familiar figures shrouded in shadow.

The 'Ghost' Concept: In the Abyss, they encounter "Ghosts," which are not physical beings but echoes of past memories trapped within Sin. These entities seem to possess fragments of the consciousness of those who have previously failed to escape. Ghosts feed on fear and doubts, growing stronger when the user feels vulnerable.

The first Ghost they encounter appears as a distorted version of someone close to Yuko. Its voice is familiar yet twisted, trying to convince Yuko to give in and stay in the Abyss forever. Kazuka quickly realizes that the Ghosts are capable of manipulating emotions and that they must avoid engaging with them directly.

Suddenly, the environment begins to shift violently, signaling that Sin is trying to manipulate their minds. Kazuka makes a critical decision: they need to escape before they're pulled further into the Abyss. Using the Memory Controller, Kazuka instructs the team to disconnect, pulling out their devices simultaneously.

The scene ends with the team members removing the Memory Controller helmets, gasping for breath and covered in sweat. Their hearts race from the intensity of the experience. Kazuka breathes a sigh of relief, saying, "We made it out… barely." The moment leaves an unsettling feeling, hinting at the dangers that lie ahead as they attempt to ascend through the stages to reach Ruko.

After the mission, Yuko and Kazuka find themselves alone, catching their breath after the intense experience in the Abyss. Kazuka notices Yuko's eyes still glistening with tears, and a silence falls between them. Yuko takes a deep breath and finally speaks, her voice trembling slightly.

"I never told anyone this, but the reason I'm doing all this… it's because of my sister, Ruko," she begins. Kazuka listens intently, and Yuko continues, "Before she disappeared, she left me a letter." Yuko's gaze drifts away, lost in the painful memory.

Flashback – Ruko's Letter

Yuko recalls that night vividly. She had come home from a late-night shift, her body aching and her mind exhausted. As she walked in, the apartment was eerily quiet. She called out for Ruko, but there was no reply. An uneasy feeling crept into her chest as she walked toward Ruko's room. When she pushed the door open, she found the room empty, with only a neatly folded letter lying on the desk.

In the letter, written in Ruko's familiar handwriting, she read:

Dear Yuko,

By the time you read this, I'll already be at Blue Light Technologies, taking part in a testing project. I know you would never allow me to go through with something so risky, which is why I didn't tell you. But please, try to understand—I couldn't just stand by and watch you struggle alone anymore. You've done so much for me, for Grandma… more than anyone could ever ask of a sister. You dropped out of school, gave up your dreams, and worked yourself to exhaustion just to keep our small world together.

I know you haven't had time to even breathe, let alone spend time with me, but I've always known why you did it. I've seen the bags under your eyes, the way you force a smile when you come home late at night after those long shifts, and how you hold Grandma's hand, promising her it'll all be okay. You've become our strength, our hope, our everything. But you shouldn't have had to carry this weight on your own.

I wish I could've done more to help you, and that's why I'm doing this now. The project is offering $50,000 to participants, and if I complete the testing, we'll finally have enough to cover Grandma's medical expenses. You'll be able to go back to school and pursue your dreams like you always wanted. You've given up so much for us, Yuko. It's my turn to help you now.

I know what you're probably thinking—how could I keep this from you? But I didn't want you to talk me out of it. I didn't want you to carry the burden of worrying about me, too. I'm doing this for you… and for us. You deserve to live a life beyond just working to survive. You deserve to be happy.

Do you remember the times we used to go to the little café after school? Back then, we didn't have a care in the world. We would laugh and talk for hours about the most random things. Those were the golden days, when our biggest problem was deciding which flavor of cake to order. I still remember the way you'd tease me for always choosing strawberry, saying I was too predictable. I miss those days, Yuko. I miss how simple life used to be, and I know you do too.

I believe that one day, we'll go back to that café together. We'll sit at our favorite table by the window, just like we did when we were kids, and we'll talk for hours about everything—your dreams, my silly thoughts, and the world outside. I promise, we'll have those days again.

Please don't be angry with me. I did this because I love you, because I couldn't bear to see you lose yourself in all the sacrifices you've made. You've already given me so much. Now, it's my turn to give something back to you. I know you'll find a way to bring me back if anything goes wrong. I have faith in you.

You've always been my hero, Yuko. And now, I hope I can be yours.

With all my love,

Ruko

As Yuko finishes recounting the letter, tears roll down her cheeks. She wipes them away roughly, trying to regain her composure. "I didn't know what else to do… she was gone, just like that. I couldn't even argue with her. I couldn't even protect her."

Kazuka's chest tightens as he listens, and a sense of determination washes over him. In his mind, he silently vows, I won't let Yuko lose Ruko. We will find her. I will keep our promise.

Flashback – Childhood Memories

Kazuka's thoughts drift back to their childhood. The first time he met Yuko and Ruko was in elementary school. It was a small, cheerful place filled with the sounds of children laughing and dreaming. Back then, Kazuka had been shy and withdrawn, standing on the outskirts of the playground while Yuko and Ruko played together. Yuko's laughter was vibrant and infectious, and even from a distance, Kazuka found himself drawn to her spirited nature.

One sunny afternoon, mustering up all the courage he could, he approached the two sisters. "Can I play too?" he asked quietly, barely audible over the chatter of the other children.

Yuko turned to him with bright eyes and an enthusiastic smile. "Of course! We were just about to play tag. You can be it!" she exclaimed.

From that day forward, the three became inseparable. They shared countless adventures—climbing trees, exploring hidden paths, and making promises to always be there for each other. However, as time passed and they entered middle school, life began to pull them in different directions. Kazuka had to move away, and though they vowed to keep in touch, the distance between them grew.

What Yuko didn't know was that Kazuka, now known as Kazuka Yamino, was actually Satashi Okuru—her childhood friend who had changed his identity entirely after joining for Blue Light Technologies. It was part of the secretive process he underwent to join the organization, and over time, Yuko had forgotten his face and name.

Kazuka had watched Yuko from the shadows, aware of her sacrifices and struggles. He had admired her strength from afar, unable to reach out as his own obligations tied him to a life of secrecy. His feelings for her had never faded; they had only grown stronger. And now, seeing her in pain, he wished he could go back to those carefree days, the days when they were just children without the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Another Flashback – Unspoken Feelings

Throughout the years, Kazuka's feelings for Yuko lingered in the quiet spaces of his heart. He had loved her since elementary school, watching her navigate life's challenges with a quiet admiration. After their parents died, Yuko had become Ruko's guardian, and Kazuka had witnessed her transformation into a pillar of strength. But despite his longing to reach out, self-doubt and fear of rejection kept him from doing so.

Whenever he thought of reconnecting, he'd hesitate. What if she didn't remember him? What if she no longer saw him as the same boy she once played tag with? He stayed silent, letting the years pass by while he clung to the memories of their childhood.

But now, seeing Yuko up close, witnessing her pain firsthand, he silently resolved that he would protect her at any cost. One day, he would tell her the truth—that Kazuka Yamino was once Satashi Okuru, her childhood friend. But for now, his priority was to help her bring Ruko back. They would make it through this, together.

Suddenly, the ground shook beneath them, a deep rumble echoing from the direction of Blue Light Technologies. The lights flickered, and a distant alarm blared, cutting through the tension in the air.

"What was that?" Yuko gasped, instinctively moving closer to Kazuka.

Before he could respond, a series of frantic footsteps echoed down the hallway. A group of scientists rushed past them, panic etched on their faces. "It's a breach! We have to evacuate!" one shouted, glancing at Yuko and Kazuka with wide eyes.

Kazuka's mind raced as he grabbed Yuko's arm, urgency coursing through him. "We need to go! Whatever's happening, it's not safe here!"

But just as they turned to run, Kazuka spotted a shadowy figure emerging from the chaos, eyes locked onto Yuko. The figure stepped into the dim light, revealing a familiar face—the last person Kazuka ever expected to see.

"Yuko…" the figure said, voice trembling with emotion.

Yuko froze, eyes widening in disbelief. "Ruko?!"

Chapter 3 Ended….