LUMIAN

Grace and the Hinode officers engage in a skilled battle against the road gang. Juno adeptly eliminates numerous gang members with his katana, while Grace supports him by defending his back, though she hesitates to take lives. Exploiting this moment of hesitation, a gang member seizes the opportunity and cuts Grace on the side, causing her to fall. Just as Grace falters, Cody and Lola arrive, swiftly dispatching many other gang members surrounding her. Overwhelmed by the sight of her blood on her hands, Grace breathes heavily and observes her surroundings. The battle unfolds in slow motion before her eyes, and she spots a gang member nearby using a slingshot to shoot a piece of scrap towards her. With time seemingly suspended, Grace manages to slightly move her head and gets a cut to her cheek from the flying projectile. As everything returns to normal speed, she quickly defends herself from an impending attack but becomes separated from Cody and Milo. A gang member delivers a forceful kick to her stomach, causing her to fall on her back, with her head hitting the ground. Once again, time slows down for Grace. She witnesses the gang member poised above her, preparing to strike her with a blade. Struggling to find help, Grace's eyes slowly shift to Juno, who is engaged in combat but is too far away. She then turns her gaze to Cody and Lola, who are rushing towards her but won't arrive in time. With the blade dangerously close to her chest, Grace experiences a sudden flashback, delving into a realm of memories that encompass her moments with the ghost team and her cherished time spent with her parents. Within this vivid recollection, Grace encounters Lucas, who reassures her of her strength and warns that if she gives up now, she will never find him. Abruptly, Grace's body is yanked back to reality, prompting her to react quickly. She employs her strength to strike the blade with her hand, causing it to scatter in pieces. The gang member retreats in fear, and Grace retaliates by stabbing him in the chest and forcing him to the ground with her spear. As the gang member coughs up blood, Grace surveys the aftermath of the battle, witnessing Juno bringing down the gang leader with a powerful kick. She glances at the gang member she stabbed, who weakly attempts to speak, uttering the words "I'm sorry, Sis-" before succumbing to his injuries. Grace feels a pang of sadness at having caused his demise. Cody approaches her and remarks that it was either her or him who would have died. Understanding his point, Grace nods in agreement. Juno calmly requests passage from the gang leader, who, in pain, grants them permission. Most of the Hinode officers return to their vehicle, and Juno walks back to the group. However, the gang leader implores Juno to end his life, revealing that the Lumian Boss intends to replace him. Juno turns around and states that living is the better choice. The gang leader insists he is better off dead and pleads for a merciful death. Juno instructs him to flee, promising to inform the Lumian Boss that the gang leader fought until the very end. Puzzled by Juno's decision to spare him, the gang leader questions his motives. Juno explains that it's not that he desires to kill, but rather that he had no other option. Afterward, Juno joins Grace on the ground, where Lola is stitching up Grace's side wound. Observing the trauma etched on Grace's face, Juno assures her that the first kill always leaves a profound impact on a person's psyche. Eventually, they all return to the limo and continue their journey and reaches the Slums of Lumian.

Juno steps out of the limo, surveying the slums, and radios his team that Grace, Cody, and Lola will accompany him to Lumian's Main HQ. He instructs the other Hinode officers to guard the vehicles while they proceed through the impoverished neighborhood. As they trek through the slums, they notice many underprivileged children watching them. Continuing their journey, Lola asks Grace about her incredible strength, wondering if it is only temporary. Grace explains that she lacks complete control over her strength and that her encounters with the Ghost team have allowed her to tap into her immense power through her emotions, particularly when her friends are in danger. She also reveals that in the previous battle, she felt her life was at stake, resulting in a momentary surge of strength. Cody questions why her strength didn't manifest immediately, considering that they are all friends. Juno clarifies that Grace has only recently joined the group and hasn't had much time to develop her connection with them. Finally, they arrive at a colossal theater, heavily guarded by local gang members. A gang member approaches Juno, who declares that he has been granted permission to enter. Curious about the destination that the group passed, the gang member inquires further, and Juno discloses the location, earning their passage into the theater.

Inside, they enter a large auditorium, where a man seated on a throne catches Grace's attention. The man's hair has maroon highlights, he sports body tattoos, round glasses, and a massive great sword lies beside him. Juno informs the group that the man on the throne is Kraber, the Lumian Boss. Adjusting his glasses, Kraber acknowledges their ability to surpass the weak road gang and mentions his plans to replace them with a more formidable gang. He inquires about the fate of the road gang leader, to which Juno affirms that he fought valiantly until the end. Kraber then asks why they are in Ziria, and Juno presents a sketch of Brodin and Lucas, asking if Kraber has seen them recently. Kraber signals for a gang member to retrieve the sketch before replying that, at present, he is unaware of Brodin and Lucas's whereabouts but promises to inform them if the region has any sightings. Grace explains that Lucas is crucial to the Ghost team and that Brodin may hold information about Lucas's location. A gang member discreetly whispers to Kraber, prompting him to reveal that this region has not seen Brodin and Lucas. Juno prepares to leave, but Kraber asks if they intend to explore the Enigma region to find them. Juno responds that the Hinode Boss is offering substantial compensation, compelling them to venture into Enigma. Kraber chuckles, warning that entering Enigma won't be easy, as they are currently at war with the region. Juno asserts that they will eliminate anyone who stands in their way. Kraber asserts that the Enigma gangs lack the honor of the Lumian gang, being ruthlessly relentless. Juno points to Grace, proclaiming her as their powerhouse and expressing confidence in their abilities. Surprisingly, Kraber mentions that word has spread about Grace unable to use her full strength, explaining that he has eyes and ears throughout the Lumian region. Rising from his throne and gripping his great sword, Kraber declares that they must prove their strength as a group. Once proven, the Lumian gang will assist them in gaining access to Enigma. Juno draws his katana, prompting Grace to question whether they are truly going to fight Kraber. Cody and Lola also unsheathe their weapons. Kraber signals, causing the seats in the auditorium to shift and create a large open space. He leaps off the stage, brandishing his great sword, and asserts that fighting encompasses various levels since the human body can only improve to a certain extent. Kraber releases spiritual energy, enveloping the theater in a spiritual zone. Cody and Lola promptly collapse to the floor, while Grace and Juno remain standing, albeit Grace struggles to take a few steps forward. Juno summons his own spiritual powers, creating another zone within the theater, and charges at Kraber. The Lumian Boss parries Juno's strike, impressed by his skill. The two engage in a fierce clash of blades, with Kraber gaining a slight advantage. Grace struggles to keep up with the intense battle, as Juno and Kraber are moving at an incredible speed. Juno sustains a deep cut across his chest, crashing near Grace. Kraber grows angry, asserting that they are not strong enough to face the Enigma gangs. Observing Juno's struggle to rise, Grace's determination intensifies. Kraber announces that there's no need for the Enigma region to witness their deaths when he can eliminate the group himself. He lunges towards Lola, ready to strike. In a moment of immense strength, Grace takes a step forward, causing the ground to crack. Time seems to slow down as Grace witnesses the great sword nearing Lola's body. Grace experiences a brief surge of power and hurls her spear with incredible force. Kraber narrowly dodges the spear, which pierces through the theater wall. Impressed by Grace's display of strength, Kraber acknowledges her abilities.

With lightning speed, Grace launches a punch towards Kraber, who blocks it with his great sword, causing him to crash into the stage. Adjusting his glasses, Kraber revels in the thrill of the battle. Grace follows up with another punch, but Kraber quickly swings his great sword upwards parrying the punch up.. The clash between Grace's punch and Kraber's sword creates a powerful impact, leaving a hole in the ceiling. Performing a spinning back kick, Kraber strikes Grace's chin, sending her soaring through the air. Swinging his great sword, Kraber releases a slash wave of spiritual energy towards Grace. She manages to block the wave, although it propels her out of the theater, crashing through the roof. Fueled by her anger, Grace seizes the spiritual energy slash wave, shattering it with her sheer strength. Descending with a mighty downward punch, Grace aims at Kraber. Once again, Kraber thwarts the attack using his great sword and infused spiritual energy. Roaring with determination, Grace channels even more strength into her punch, shattering the floor around Kraber's feet. Unfazed, Kraber adjusts his glasses and unleashes additional spiritual energy. Both Grace and Kraber begin to radiate a glowing aura, their clash generate a magical explosion. However, before the explosion can grow larger, a bubble dome materializes, containing the blast within it. The dome pushes Grace and Kraber safely away, confining the explosion within its boundaries. As the explosion subsides, gang members flood into the theater. Kraber openly admits that he became overly excited. The bubble dome dissipates, revealing Juno as the one who created it. Grace questions Juno about why he didn't utilize his full power against Kraber. Kraber interjects, stating that their initial exchange of blows confirmed Juno's strength, and during their weapon clashing, they secretly had a conversation to test Grace's power. Cody, now standing, admits he should have informed Grace about Juno's spiritual powers, while Lola mentions that Juno rarely gets the chance to utilize them. Approaching Grace, Kraber advises her to remember the sensations she experienced in the battle, as it will aid her in gaining control over her strength. Kraber orders ten of his men to guide the group to Enigma. However, before departing, Kraber leads them to the equipment room, showcasing his weapons and gear. Juno proudly asserts that as Hinode officers, they will not cover their uniforms with gear. Catching sight of a red body gear, Grace is drawn to it. Kraber allows her to keep the gear, describing it as battle gear. Grace hastily dons the red body gear, marveling at its capabilities. As she raises her fist, it emits sparks of red light, providing her a sense of comfort and empowerment.