Kibou wakes up in his bed, his room basked in the gentle hues of the early morning sunlight. The warmth seeping through the curtains creates a comforting ambiance. He yawns and stretches, feeling the softness of his sheets against his skin. As he rises, a mysterious glow catches his eye—there, hovering, is Phantom Ruby, perusing a newspaper. The room is filled with a faint, otherworldly luminescence.

Ruby: "Morning, dreamer. Seems like reality has a few surprises for us today." Her voice holds an air of cryptic knowingness, and the newspaper headline reads, "Phantom Phenomena: Unraveling the Unseen."

Meanwhile, in another part of the city:

Ethan dedicates the early hours to training. The sound of each strike from his wooden Kendo sword resonates in the quiet area, creating a rhythmic melody. The air is thick with determination.

In a neighboring home:

Silver is slightly snoring in his bed, a soft symphony of snores filling the room. A small pool of drool forms on his pillow, a testament to the deep sleep he's currently immersed in.

Assassin, Silver's Phantom, observes his user's snore with a gentle shake of his head, a small, fond smile playing on his lips. He decides to rouse Silver, gently waking him up from his slumber.

Silver: "H-huh?" yawns and stretches, a mess of tousled hair framing his face. "Hey, Assassin..." He rubs the sleep from his eyes, slowly rising from his bed.

Assassin, holding a cup of tea, sits at a small table, enjoying the aroma of the morning blend. The newspaper in front of him contains the article about Phantom Phenomena, and the tea emits a soothing fragrance that permeates the room.

Meanwhile, Back With Kibou:

Kibou, looking slightly disheveled from sleep, calls Silver from his hammock. "Silver, did you see that article? Shit is hitting the fan."

The room is alive with the soft morning light, casting a warm, golden glow on every detail—bringing to life the mundane yet intimate moments of their daily existence.

Ruby: "No kidding, phantoms all over the world are fighting each other like a virus outside of arenas, as if they were taken over. It's like a phantom epidemic spreading unpredictably."

Silver: "Yeah, Assassin showed me the article. The situation is getting out of hand."

Assassin: "The work of the Darkness. It seems the balance is disrupted."

Kibou: "We need to call Ethan. Wait, how do we even contact him? That lone wolf left us yesterday, and no one knows where he lives. It's like he vanished into thin air."

Silver: "Hmmmm hmmm," furrows his brow while pondering where Ethan could be and how to contact him. "He's always been elusive, but this is different."

Ruby: "That's Adam for you. Blake always did say he was a lone wolf or bull for that matter. I wonder if he's aware of the chaos."

Assassin: "The Red Bull is a loner, but it's interesting that he and his user have a true phantom fusion. Quite a unique and powerful connection."

Adam: nods, a subtle tickmark indicating his annoyance.

Ethan: "You good?"

Adam: muttering with irritation "Annoyed."

Unbeknownst to Silver and Kikou, a Phantom waits for Silver's response, ready to appear. The Blacksmith Phantom anticipates the summoning in response to his user.

Kibou: "Wait, I think I know." flips open a phone book, searching for Ethan Tempest's number. "Found it, now just to call him."

Ethan: interrupted from his breakfast as he receives a call, groaning "What?"

Adam: remains in a meditative state, undisturbed by the external world.

Kibou: "Ethan, is that you? It's me, Kibou, the guy that tried to be your rival. We need to talk."

Ethan, with a weary expression, groans and glances at the clock.

Ethan: "Meet me at the Dome. We'll talk there."

Kibou expresses gratitude and promises to inform Silver about the meeting. Silver, eagerly anticipating Kikou's call, anxiously checks his phone. Assassin, maintaining his composure, continues to sip his tea, silently observing the unfolding events with keen interest.

Kibou: "Sliver, we have to meet at the dome with Ethan. Can you make it there?"

Silver: "Yeah, I'll head over there now." Gets himself dressed. "Let's head out, Assassin."

Assassin: Finishes his tea, placing the cup on the table, and gets up.

Both the user and his Phantom exit the house after getting ready and head to the dome.

Kibou: Puts on a shirt and shoes, rushing out and avoiding his dad and sister. "C'mon, Ruby." Hops onto his bike.

Ruby: Floats behind Kibou. "I'm right here!! LET'S GO!!" The two rush to the dome.

They arrive at the Dome, where Ethan is chilling in high-top Jordans, a red shirt with a dragon kimono, and baggy pants. He has his katana and wooden Kendo on his side.

Kibou: Gets off his bike and goes to Ethan. "Yo, have you heard the news?"

Ethan: "Yes, heard on my way here...now why did you call me in the middle of my breakfast? Explain or lose a toe."

Kibou: Looks down, a hint of guilt in his eyes. "I think I am the one who caused this whole situation."

Ruby: Floats beside Kibou, a concerned expression on her face. "Hmmm, you mean by opening that door."

Kibou: Nods solemnly. "You saw it too?" His voice carries a mixture of regret and curiosity.

Silver: "Door opening?"

Ethan: "-_-....Boy, are you high or something?"

Kibou: Clears his throat. "Now, listen to me here. I may be onto something." Raises his hand to signal attention. "I've been having dreams of a door calling out my name. Yesterday, before I got Ruby, I appeared before the door again and opened it." Speaks calmly. "That's when I got Ruby, but that's also when Dark Phantomize was a thing."

Ruby: Nods in agreement. "Yes, he is correct. Me and my teammates were freed from that day, but the details are fuzzy, and I can't remember everything."

Assassin: sips his tea "Indeed, the emergence of Dark Phantomize is a troubling development. It's a manifestation of the corrupted desires and emotions of both the user and the phantom, resulting in a destructive force that we witnessed during the recent fights."

Silver: nods "So, opening that door triggered this Dark Phantomize... and it's causing chaos in the phantom world."

Adam: "...Ethan."

Ethan: "I know... sighs fine, so what do you plan to do about it, huh?" Ethan's eyes show a mix of irritation and concern as he awaits an answer from Kibou.

Kibou: determined look, sunlight casting a heroic silhouette "What do you think? I'm going to fix this with my own hands and solve the mystery of what's going on."

Silver: grinning, showing camaraderie "And I'll help you, Ki."

Assassin: nodding in agreement, a sense of duty in their stance "Agreed."

Ruby: "We could look for Weiss, Blake, and Yang. They may know what happened."

Kibou: "Well, where are they?" Ruby looks away sheepishly, revealing the truth "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DO NOT KNOW WHERE THEY ARE?!?"

Ruby: "Hehehehe, well, they kinda left me to explore the city, so they could be anywhere."

Kibou: frustrated "Great, just great. We need their help, and they're off somewhere in the city. Any ideas on how to find them?"

Ruby: "Hmm, well, I could try calling them? Or maybe..." she thinks for a moment "We could check some of their favorite hangout spots?"

Kibou: "Fine, let's start with calling them. We don't have time to waste."

As a mesmerizing glow starts to emanate from Silver, catching him off guard, the ambient light casts subtle shadows on the surroundings.

Silver: "What the...."

Assassin: with a raised eyebrow and a sip of his tea "Ah, I see... you're appearing, huh, Murasama?"

Ethan: "Hmm, I see..."

Suddenly, the two protagonists, Silver and Kibou, are taken by surprise as swift, deliberate strikes hit their shins. In a whirlwind of motion, Ethan expertly sweeps them off their feet, and they land on their backsides, all within an astonishing 5-second display of skill.

Kibou: gritting his teeth and clutching his shins "OWWWW, WHAT THE HELL?!?"

Silver: "Ow... What the hell was that for?"

Senji Murasama: chuckles audibly "You've got guts, kid. Impressive footwork with the kendo."

Ethan: looks at them sternly "First off, answer me this:"

1. "Where the hell are you gonna start?"

2. "How much actual combat experience do you have?"

3. "....How long have you had your Phantoms?"

he inquires with a dark undertone, well aware of the answer but wanting them to admit it.

Silver: "Uh..." he stammers, realizing they barely had their Phantoms for a day and have minimal combat experience against other enemies.

Senji Murasama: "He's right, kid. How long have you two had your Phantoms?"

Assassin: "A wise person would take their time and think before rushing out."

Kibou: admits sheepishly "I only had my Phantom for one day, and I have no idea where to start, but I just can't sit around."

Silver: "Yeah, what Ki said...."

Senji: "Welp... you two are definitely in need of training."

Ethan's gaze remains intense, awaiting their response, and Senji Murasama chuckles, realizing the potential for growth in these inexperienced Phantoms.

Ethan: "Agreed, Murasama."

Ruby: "Yeah, no wonder the other three left," she sighed, casting a glance towards the absent trio.

Senji: "Hmm," he thought, "Besides, she won't be here until you actually get training."

Ethan: "Yes, so come, we're going to train, and I'll give you some information that will help."

Kibou: "Oh, yes, great and wise master," he said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

Ruby: "KIBOU, BE NICE!!"

Ethan: "I will shove my Kendo up your ass for that" he said with a serious yet teasing tone.

Kibou: "...why does that sound like something you will do," he said slightly worried now, shifting uncomfortably.

Ethan: "Just don't piss me off," he said as he led them to his normal training room in the Dome.

Ikbou: It was VIP as heck. The training room is a futuristic marvel, adorned with sleek, metallic surfaces and LED-lit panels. Holographic simulations project lifelike combat scenarios, adapting to trainees' movements. A state-of-the-art AI analyzes performance in real-time, while adjustable gravity settings challenge users with varying intensities. Smart sensors embedded in the floor respond to every step, providing instant feedback on technique. The room's ambiance is enhanced by dynamic lighting, creating an immersive and high-tech environment tailored for combat training. "Holy crap, this is just your training room?!?"

Ruby: "Oooooo," she exclaimed, looking around in chibi mode with wide eyes.

Silver: "....HOLY SHIT!"

Senji: "Welp, prepare for training, you two."

Ethan: "Okay, first up," he started, taking off his kimono, "have you two ever heard of Phantom Memorization?"

Silver: a hint of curiosity in his eyes, shakes his head. "No, not yet."

Kibou: He was rubbing his chin in contemplation as he chimes in, "So, that's an ability where we can access the memories of our phantoms, correct?" His brows furrow as he seeks clarification, showing a genuine interest in understanding the concept.

Ethan: "In a sense, it's the ability to not only access their memories but also their skills and combat prowess."

Adam, ever the vigilant Phantom, adds, "Such as being able to stay in your normal form and fight like your Phantom. It's a unique connection that allows seamless integration of your abilities with theirs."

Ethan, demonstrating with fluidity, swiftly grabs his wooden kendo to provide a tangible example, the connection between him and his Phantom evident in the seamless transition between forms.

(Pretend yang is a training dummy

Kibou: "Woah, let's try it, Ruby." He picks up a wooden scythe, and as his body glows, Ruby's eyes emit a vibrant glow as well.

Ruby: "Ooo, a tingly feeling." She observes the process with a mix of excitement and curiosity, sensing the unique connection between Kibou and his Phantom.

Ethan: "You won't be perfect; you're still getting used to Ruby. So, if you break it, you're paying for it." He imparts a stern warning, emphasizing the learning process while instilling a sense of responsibility in Kibou.

Kibou: "Oh, goody." He attacks the training dummy but trips mid-attack, falling on his butt.

Ruby: Her being unable to contain her laughter, giggles but gets pulled down to join Kibou. "Hey!!"

Kibou: He chuckles, "Oh, so glad you can join me, Ruby." The duo embraces the learning process with a mix of laughter and camaraderie.

Silver: "Let's test it, Assassin." He picks up a wooden longsword, and as his body glows, Assassin's eyes emit a subtle glow in response.

Assassin remarks, "Interesting... this is someone using my skills." He observes with a keen interest, acknowledging the integration of their abilities in the training session.

Adam: "So, Murasama, how are you handling being a Phantom?"

Ethan, leaning forward, adds with respect, "Also, it's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Murasama. Your tales and work of art are legendary. My family used to study your art, sir." He expresses admiration for the renowned Phantom's legacy.

Ruby: "ADAM, GIVE ME YOUR SWORD SO I CAN TEACH KIBOU A LESSON!"

Kibou, unfazed and playful, retorts, "OH, BRING IT ON, COOKIE MONSTER!" He gets back up, facing Ruby with a mischievous grin, ready for the friendly challenge.

Senji: "Well, it's interesting to say the least, and it's a pleasure to meet someone who used to study my work and art along with my tales." He acknowledges the connection and exchanges a respectful nod with Ethan.

Adam: "Touch my sword, and I'll cut you into tiny pieces that I can mail all over the world!"

Ethan: "Well, my family...used to be smiths of the katana and warriors...but that was a long time ago." He reflects on the ancestral ties to the art of crafting and combat within his family.

Ruby and Kibou, both deflating, mutter in unison, "Wow, scary."

Kibou, undeterred, suggests, "Let's try it again, Ruby." He attempts once more, flipping over the dummy and mimicking Ruby's movements with improved precision. The duo engages in the training with a mix of determination and playful banter.

(Replace the grimm with holographic dummies

Kibou, showcasing a talent for quick attacks, spins the scythe around before panting and falling on his face.

Ruby, also panting, comments, "Why do I feel so tired?" The exertion from the training session takes its toll on both Kibou and Ruby, highlighting the energy-consuming nature of their newfound abilities.

Senji: "I see."

Silver, taking a deep breath, gets into Assassin's stance and charges towards the dummy. He performs excellent sword strikes with ease, showcasing a growing proficiency in adapting his Phantom's skills to his own. Senji observes with a nod of approval.

Adam: "They're getting good, but still green."

Ethan: "Agreed...though I'm surprised that they have multiple Phantoms...there hasn't been any in years." He reflects on the rarity of individuals possessing multiple Phantoms, indicating the unique nature of Kibou and Silver's situation.

Senji: "Well... sometimes unexpected things happen."

Kibou, panting, catches Ethan's gaze, unknowingly bringing a sense of nostalgia. Ethan, with a subtle expression, contemplates the memories of battles past.

Ethan internally reflects, "Hmph...(What do you think?)"

In the background, a lonely figure is seen sitting with his back to them, adding an air of mystery to the unfolding scene.

Kibou, curious, looks at the figure and says, "Oh hey, man, how are you?" He walks up to him.

The figure glances at Kibou and grunts, replying, "Seems you're teaching the boys?"

Ethan affirms, "Yep...got nowhere else to be."

Silver, noticing the figure, exclaims, "What the...." He observes that the figure doesn't look tired, still having energy to continue.

Assassin inquires, "Hmm, who are you?"

Senji, looking at Ethan, asks, "I see... you know this person?" The mysterious figure adds an intriguing element to the conversation.

Kaijiro: "...Kaijiro Sunjuma...former Phantom Champion."

Ethan: "The man I beat to be No. 1." The revelation of Kaijiro's identity adds a layer of history to the scene, recalling the past battles that defined their rankings in the Phantom world.

Silver: "Wait.... former champion... no way."

Assassin: "I see." He remains composed, unaware that Kaijiro knows his true name.

Kibou, connecting the dots, exclaims, "Huh? Why is that name familiar? Wait, you were my mom's old friend!!"

Kaijiro chuckles, acknowledging the connection. "Hehehe indeed, it's been a long time." The reunion unfolds, intertwining past alliances with the present.

Ruby, her eyes widening with surprise and curiosity, asks in disbelief, "Eh, you know this guy?!?"

Kibou, filled with joy, hugs his uncle. "UNCLE KAIJIRO, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!?"

Kaijiro, his tone somber, reveals, "Oh here and there...trying to find the one who killed your mother."

Kibou, the initial joy of the reunion fading, experiences a sudden heaviness that weighs on his shoulders. His arms, once wrapped around his uncle in excitement, drop to the ground.

Ruby, empathizing, softly says, "His mom?" She understands the weight of such a loss, sharing a silent connection with Kibou in that moment.

Silver, processing the revelation, murmurs in realization, "Your... my parents' former mentor."

Assassin, connecting the dots, questions, "So... the former champion is your parents' former mentor?"

Kaijiro, with a heavy tone, discloses, "Kibou lost his mother when he was a child...murdered, and I am..."

Ethan, grappling with resurfacing memories, stays quiet, gripping his katana tightly.

Silver, feeling the weight of the revelation, starts to say, "Ki..."

Senji, offering understanding, comments, "It's rough sometimes losing someone you care about."

Assassin, acknowledging the depth of the situation, simply says, "I see." The air is thick with shared emotions and unspoken connections.

Kibou, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotions, declares, "I need to go," and rushes out, leaving Ruby behind.

Adam, concerned, checks on Ethan. "Ethan..."

Ethan reassures, "(I'm...fine.)"

Senji, sensing otherwise, comments, "Kid... you don't look fine to me besides I've seen this," as he walks towards Ethan, patting him on the head. He then turns to Silver. "I'll make sure your friend is okay, right, Red, Assassin?"

Assassin and Silver both nod in agreement, acknowledging the need to support each other in these challenging moments.

Kibou, standing at the crosswalk, grips his fist with a mix of frustration and sorrow. "Darn, just my luck." He carefully holds up a special necklace – an intricately crafted arrowhead pendant adorned with delicate blue lines that shimmer in the sunlight. The pendant is a symbol of his connection to his mother, each detail a testament to their shared memories. "Hey, Mom, I wish you were here," he murmurs, the pendant serving as a cherished keepsake of their bond.

Ethan, standing up, declares, "...I need to go somewhere. Be back soon."

Kibou, engrossed in his own thoughts, suddenly notices someone almost getting hit by a speeding truck. "HEY, WATCH OUT!" In an instinctive move, he jumps in and saves her, utilizing phantom memorization for that extra ounce of speed, successfully getting both him and the girl to safety. "Are you okay?"

The unknown girl, still catching her breath, stammers, "Y-yes." The unexpected turn of events brings a moment of relief and shared gratitude between them.

Kibou, extending a helping hand with a kind smile, advises, "Watch where you are going next time, okay?" He helps her up and realizes, "Wait, aren't you in my class?"

Iris, introducing herself, responds, "Oh yeah, I'm Iris. It's nice to finally talk with you, Kibou!"

Meanwhile, Silver notices that Ethan left his kendo sword behind, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding events.

Kibou, pondering, says, "Hmm, now where have I heard that name before? You're the user with the fire phantom."

Iris confirms, "Yeah, Cinder Fall. She's my Phantom."

Cinder: "Hello there, darling~" she adds, her voice carrying a touch of warmth and playfulness, revealing the dynamic nature of her relationship with Iris.

Kibou, extending a friendly greeting, says, "Nice to meet you, Cinder." In a fleeting moment, Cinder sees a resemblance to Ruby Rose in Kibou.

Cinder, acknowledging the introduction, remarks, "Hmm, I see. Well, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Iris, eager to know more, questions, "Wait, are you the one who asked Ethan, the Sword Phantom Master, to be your rival?"

Kibou, displaying a hint of surprise, pouts and exclaims, "Wait, does everyone know about that?!"

Both Iris and Cinder share a knowing look and respond in unison, "Pretty much all of the school."

Senji, suggesting a course of action to Silver, remarks, "Silver, we should take that to him. It's the right thing to do."

Kaijiro, with a thoughtful expression, adds, "Hmm, but where did he go?" The uncertainty surrounding Ethan's whereabouts deepens the intrigue of the unfolding situation.

Kibou, sighing, remarks, "Wow, words go by fast." He introduces himself, saying proudly, "Well, the name's Kibou, the hero of hope."

Iris sweatdrops and adds, "Yeah, you also yelled that too."

Silver, pondering Ethan's whereabouts, muses, "Hmm, where could Ethan be?"

Kibou, still pouting, defends, "Well, it's true."

Ruby suddenly appears, exclaiming, "There you are, Kibou!" She then looks at Cinder and says, "Oh... it's you." The dynamic interactions continue as the group searches for Ethan.

The group is suddenly joined by a new person, clad in a green kimono with matching green hair.

???: "Follow me...I know where."

Cinder, seizing the opportunity to tease, greets, "Aawww, hello little red~"

Ruby, clearly annoyed, retorts, "Don't call me that, Tall Lady!" She directs her frustration at Cinder.

Assassin, intrigued, inquires, "So you know her, huh, my scythe-wielding comrade?"

Cinder cryptically replies, "We have a history."

Meanwhile, with Silver, they reach a significant location.

Zoro: stops "Welcome to the Tempest family graveyard." The revelation of the Tempest family graveyard adds a somber tone to the unfolding events.

Silver, realizing the significance of the location, exclaims, "...oh, shoot."

Ruby, agitated, summons Crescent Rose, growling, "No kidding."

Kibou, urging for calm, says, "Ruby, calm down. Don't attack her."

Iris chimes in, "Yeah, we're in a public place."

Cinder adds her plea, "Yes, please calm down, Red."

As the group walks into the graveyard, they spot Ethan lighting candles while sitting on his knees in a prayer position. The scene unfolds with a solemn atmosphere, revealing Ethan's contemplative moment.

Ruby, expressing concern, states, "If she is around, trouble will be brewing."

Kibou intervenes, stopping her, and agrees, "Yeah, let's not."

Assassin, understanding the importance of honor, walks forward and kneels to pay respect to Ethan's family, embodying the values of a swordsman.

Iris, feeling the tension, sighs, "This is a headache already."

Ethan, opening up about his past, reveals, "...I was 6...my entire family was slain by assassins...from what I know, it was because we were the best Phantom Users and fighters."

Kibou, feeling apologetic, addresses Iris, "Yeah, sorry for her. If this is what one phantom is like, I don't know how I will handle 4." The weight of the situation and the potential challenges ahead become apparent.

Iris, grateful for Kibou's earlier act of saving her life, asks, "So... what can I do to repay for saving my life?" The sincerity in her question reflects her willingness to express gratitude and contribute in any way possible.

Kibou, considering Iris's offer, suggests, "Hmm, how well do you know everyone in this city? Because I want you to be my eyes and ears and tell me if you notice any dark phantoms."

Iris, agreeing enthusiastically, responds, "Oh, I can do that, sure thing, sweet thing~"

Kibou blushes at the nickname, stammering, "I, umm, I have to go." He leaves, with Ruby right behind him.

Cinder, noticing the interaction, remarks, "Really?"

Iris defends her comment, saying, "What? He's cute."

Ethan, still grappling with the pain of his past, solemnly adds, "...I hate that I didn't save my family." The weight of regret and loss lingers in his words.

Kibou, seeking solace, finds Ethan and kneels beside him, asking, "May I say my prayers as well?"

Ethan, acknowledging the shared pain, responds, "Go ahead...it's a graveyard."

Kibou says his prayers, expressing condolences for all those lost, and comforts Ethan, saying, "Ethan, you aren't alone. I also lost family. I am right here with you."

Ethan, fueled by determination, declares, "I know...but know that when I find the one who did this...I'm gonna rip them apart."

Zoro, in his characteristic manner, takes a drink, and Adam sighs, understanding the weight of the situation. The shared grief and resolve bond the group in their quest for justice.

Kibou, offering his support, says, "Allow me to help you with your mission." He smiles at Ethan, expressing determination.

Silver walks up and kneels beside them, adding, "Ki is right, and I'll help with your mission as well."

Unbeknownst to them, Salem is making her move on a specific Phantom user, whose Phantom is Mordred.

Ethan, grabbing his katana, nods and declares, "Let's get to work." The alliance solidifies as they prepare to face the challenges ahead.

Silver, determined, declares, "Yeah, let's get to work," and gets up.

Suddenly, an explosion occurs in the distance, signaling an attack on the town by someone in dark knight armor. The dark knight, clad in menacing black armor, exudes an air of ominous presence. Intricate designs adorn the armor, resembling twisted patterns that evoke a sense of malevolence. The helmet conceals the knight's face, casting a shadow over their identity. Sinister crimson accents on the armor hint at a connection to dark forces. As the knight moves with purpose, the eerie glow emanating from their armor adds to the foreboding atmosphere, leaving an unsettling impression on those who witness their destructive path.

Ethan, sitting down, observes the unfolding events.

Kibou, activating Phantomize, rushes to help the people affected by the explosion.

A mysterious figure addresses Silver, saying, "Silver," as a knight in night black armor causes chaos.

Silver, Phantomizing with Assassin, demands, "Who the hell are you, and how do you know my name?" Tensions rise as the confrontation unfolds.

Ethan: notices strangers in cloaks "Hey, I'm gonna go check something." He runs toward them with Adam and Zoro.

The mysterious figure declares, "My master sends his regards—the dark witch herself!" With a swift motion, a dark slash is unleashed towards Silver, accompanied by a menacing dark aura that erupts around the figure.

In the aftermath of the powerful slash, Silver attempts to block the attack but is sent flying through a building, sustaining severe injuries. As he dephantomizes with Assassin, Silver questions in disbelief, "How... did that figure knock me out of Phantomize with Assassin?" The encounter raises perplexing questions about the mysterious opponent's strength and abilities.

Ethan dashes, seizing his katana, and undergoes Phantomization. With a resounding call to Zoro, they combine forces, transforming into a formidable warrior. Wielding their blades, they confront the mysterious figures, prepared for the impending battle.

Silver, spitting out a bit of blood, struggles to get up, muttering, "S-shit..."

The mysterious figure laughs, expressing disappointment and a desire for a more engaging fight.

Ethan, having swiftly dealt with the last thug, stops abruptly. A dissatisfied sound escapes him as he mutters, "Tch. Where is he?" The tension in the air lingers as they search for the elusive adversary.

Rose: swiftly moves through the town, ensuring everyone gets out safely, using his speed to assist everyone "Stay calm, everyone! We're getting you to safety!"

Senji: maintains a defensive stance, his sword clashing with the armored figure's blade "Hmm, that armor of yours... would it be Mordred's armor?"

????: slams her blade against his, forcing Sliver to reassess his strategy

Senji: swiftly kicks her in the stomach, displaying remarkable agility. He gracefully retreats to his user, his sword poised for the next strategic move.

Ethan: pauses, squaring off against the menacing Dark Phantom. "Hmm, so who are you?"

???:.... ROARS aggressively, its dark aura pulsating ominously, creating an unsettling atmosphere. The figure remains shrouded in mystery, leaving everyone on edge.

Senji: tosses multiple swords skillfully, aiming for weak points in the armor. He quickly joins Silver to devise a new strategy.

Ethan: spins his blades with a determined look. "This is gonna hurt."

???: blood seeps from the armor, the figure momentarily restrained by Senji's precise strikes, revealing vulnerability beneath the imposing exterior.

Senji: "Hmmm, we need a plan; those swords won't last for long."

Silver: "We could do Phantomize since... Assassin is out for the count in this fight."

Senji: "That could work... but..."

???: roars, gradually breaking free from the swords as her blood returns, posing a renewed threat.

Ethan: "Hmm, you're stronger than I thought. Show me a good time!" He blitzes and slices the armored figure, smiling.

???: she stands as her wounds heal, grabbing his blade and breaking it in half with her own sword. Sliver needs to do something now.

Senji: "That's the only plan we got at the moment."

Silver: "Alright... but the damage would transfer to the Phantomized form of ours."

Senji: "It's fine... we can handle it."

Silver and Senji: "Phantomize Fusion!" as the two energies merge, creating a shockwave of their energy.

???: steps out of the hole with a sword in hand, surprising the Black Armored figure "I am the Blacksmith who has the power of a Warrior and a Warrior of Hope and light."

????: "HAHAHAHA, BY THE POWER GIVEN BY MY DARK MASTER, YOU SHALL BE DESTROYED!" he rushes at Silver, attacking him rapidly with no sense.

Red: blocks each strike with ease "Hmm... sloppy on strikes. You're like a wild animal backed into a corner."

????: her eyes glow with dark energy as she keeps attacking "DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!"

Ethan:was fighting his own battle "GRR WHERE IS SALEM!? TELL ME!"

???: "I will not betray my Mistress, I will rather die than tell you Tempest boy! I remember that night... WHEN I SLIT YOUR MOTHER'S THROAT!!"

Ethan:... blasts a huge amount of Dark Phantom energy ... "I'm gonna kill you."

Red: "So sloppy and filled with Rage" keeps blocking each strike from her with ease as he finds an opening and slams a Mana-filled fist hitting her helmet, breaking it and sending her flying

????: she gets sent back laughing madly before sending out dark energy in the form of a thrown sword!! "DARKUS BLADE!!"

Red: calmly "Pyrus Slayer" sends a fiery blade of energy, easily destroying and countering the Dark energy

????: "W-WHAT?!?" soon the sword attacks them as they were open for a finisher

Dragon: battled with a demon, slashing and slicing the crazed Phantom as they tried to kill him

???: "GGGAAHHH MORDRED! WE MUST-GGGAAAHH" Dragon sliced the Phantom's arm off

Red: "I'll set you free from this Darkness." as he begins the Chant of the Phantom's power to purify her
"'I once sought to forge the ultimate blade.
Not a sword that cuts through flesh, bone, or the living.
I sought a blade that terminates enmity...
A blade that severs bonds, severs certainty, severs karma.
That is to say, to free one of one's fate.

Uncountable years of toil to reach this place.
Forging thousands of swords to create a barrow of blades.
Many paths, converge here.
Enduring desires, flow here.
Unjust deaths, gather here.
My whole life has been for this single swing.

The heart of the blade is here!
Accept this blow from my Tsumukari Muramasa!'"

Soon, a beam of light appears as the town slowly fixes itself by magic, and Mordred, along with her user, lies unconscious on the road.

Dragon: walks to the Phantom and puts a blade to its neck "You lost, Lancelot. Tell me, where is she!?"

Lancelot: coughs blood "I...won't...tell."

Red: "Are you sure about that?" walks towards them with Mordred and her user knocked and on his shoulders "Maybe this'll send a message to get you to cooperate." as his eyes glow yellow and Lancelot sees a Red Dragon glaring at him with crimson flames surrounding it, scaring the phantom

Rose: does a final check on everyone, ensuring the wounded are tended to.

Red: "Cooperate, or else you're going to meet my friend... Lancelot." as his eyes glow more yellow

Lancelot: "Hahahahahah!!... Burn in hell." He stabs his heart and dies.

Kibou: de-phantomizes slowly, a mix of awe and disbelief on his face as he walks toward the dissipating ashes of Lancelot. "No way."

Silver: de-phantomizes, his breathing heavy and body bearing the marks of the intense battle. He almost falls to the ground, clearly exhausted and visibly hurt from the previous damage.

Assassin: swiftly catches the falling Silver, supporting him. "You took a beating there, buddy."

Kibou: looking around at the aftermath "We should probably head back to base. Everyone needs some rest and healing after this."

Ethan: nods "Yeah, Kibou's right. We need to regroup and assess the situation."

Silver: wearily "Agreed. Let's head back and figure out our next steps."

The battle-scarred group, accompanied by their Phantoms, headed back to the training room for much-needed rest. Kibou suggested the respite, and Ethan and Silver, worn out from the intense encounter, readily agreed.

As they regrouped in the familiar confines of the training room, Silver, still recovering with Assassin's support, and Kibou, thoughtful after witnessing Lancelot's demise, exchanged glances. The atmosphere held a mix of relief and tension, hinting at the challenges that lay ahead.

However, unbeknownst to them, on a distant rooftop, a mysterious figure initiated an ominous ritual. Shooting arrows into the night sky, these transformed into celestial entities, marking the beginning of a cryptic game. "Let The Games Begin," the figure declared, setting the stage for a new chapter in the Phantom Users' journey, as destiny continued to weave its intricate threads.

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Hey Guys Ryan here it has been a very busy here so sorry for the wait but here is episode two

Again thanks to Tempest68 Crimson-Pendragon-X and thanks to Williamjwb87 for giving me the idea from his soul synchro book.