Eclipse Zero

The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the forest. Hugo was already awake, sitting on a nearby rock, playing his harmonica—the same haunting melody from before. Stella stretched as she got up, noticing Lena doing the same while Ethan was still curled up in his blanket.

"Morning," Lena greeted, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

Stella nodded. "Morning… you'd think after all that excitement yesterday, I'd sleep like a rock."

Lena chuckled. "Tell me about it."

Hugo stopped playing and stood up. "We should get moving. Ironfang Village isn't far now."

Stella walked over to Ethan and nudged him awake. "Come on, time to go."

Ethan groaned but sat up, blinking. "Huh? Oh! Right! Ironfang!" He quickly gathered his things, his excitement returning.

The group packed up their camp and continued their journey. As they walked, the dense forest slowly gave way to open paths, and in the distance, they could see smoke trails—signs of civilization.

"Ironfang Village is famous for its blacksmiths, right?" Stella asked.

"Yeah," Hugo replied. "They specialize in Arc-Weapons. If you need repairs or modifications, this is the place to be."

Lena glanced at her Arc-Gun. "Maybe I could get some upgrades…"

As they got closer, the village came into view—stone buildings with forge chimneys releasing steady streams of smoke into the sky. The streets were busy with blacksmiths hammering away at weapons, traders shouting out their goods, and villagers going about their daily lives. It was a lively and thriving place, untouched by the chaos of the Dominion.

Ethan's eyes sparkled. "Whoa… this place is awesome!"

Hugo smirked. "Welcome to Ironfang Village."

With that, the group stepped into the bustling town, ready for whatever awaited them next.

As they walked through the village, Ethan and Lena came to a stop at a crossroads.

"This is where we split," Lena said, adjusting her Arc-Gun on her back. "We still have leads to follow about our dad."

Ethan looked a little reluctant to part ways. "Are you sure we can't stick together a little longer?" he asked, glancing at Hugo.

Hugo smirked. "We've got our own business to take care of. But who knows? Our paths might cross again."

Lena nodded. "Yeah. If you ever need anything, just ask around. We'll be in town for a while."

Stella gave them a small smile. "Good luck finding your father."

"You too," Lena replied. "Whatever you two are up to, stay safe."

With that, Lena and Ethan turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Hugo and Stella to continue toward their own objective.

As they wandered through the village, their eyes scanned the area until they finally spotted the Veilgate. The shimmering, circular gateway stood tall at the village's center, glowing faintly with Arcana energy.

Two guards, clad in Requiem Republic armor, stood in front of it with stern expressions. As Hugo and Stella approached, one of the guards raised a hand.

"Halt. If you wish to use the Veilgate, there is a fee."

Stella frowned. "A fee? Since when do Veilgates charge people?"

The second guard crossed his arms. "Since always. Only Republic officials and authorized personnel get free access. For everyone else, there's a cost."

Hugo pulled out a small pouch and dropped a handful of gold coins into his palm. "This should cover it," he said confidently.

The guards exchanged glances before shaking their heads. "We don't accept physical currency," one of them stated. "Veilgates are strictly operated under digital transactions. We only take ArcanaCoin."

Hugo blinked in disbelief. "Wait… what? Since when did people stop using gold?"

Stella sighed and pulled out her phone, quickly opening her wallet app. "How much is the fee?"

"1,000 ArcanaCoin per person," the guard replied.

Stella groaned. "A thousand ArcanaCoin just to use a Veilgate? That's robbery!"

Hugo crossed his arms. "Yeah, back in my day, we didn't have to pay ridiculous fees just to travel. What happened to the good old days?"

One of the guards shrugged. "Inflation."

Before either of them could continue complaining, Cosmos chimed in. "Instead of standing here whining, why don't you two look around the village? Maybe you'll find another way."

Stella sighed, rubbing her temple. "For once, the talking sword has a point."

Hugo put his coins back in his pouch. "Fine. Let's see if we can figure something out."

With that, they turned away from the guards and headed into the village, hoping to find an alternative solution.

As they walked through the bustling streets of Ironfang Village, Stella sighed and glanced at Hugo. "Wait a second… do you even have a single ArcanaCoin?"

Hugo casually stretched his arms behind his head. "Nope."

Stella nearly tripped. "What?! Then why were you trying to pay with gold earlier?!"

Hugo shrugged. "I didn't know they phased out gold. I mean, last time I checked, gold was valuable."

Stella groaned. "Unbelievable… Please tell me you at least have a phone."

Hugo smirked. "Nope."

Stella facepalmed. "I swear, you are so lucky I came along. Otherwise, you'd be so screwed in this era."

Cosmos chuckled. "To be fair, he's been 'screwed' for a thousand years and still somehow survived."

Stella shot the sword an annoyed glance. "Not helping, Cosmos."

Hugo sighed. "Alright, alright. Enough about my lack of modern technology. Let's just figure out how we're going to get those ArcanaCoins."

Stella crossed her arms. "Yeah, because unless we find another way, we're not leaving this village anytime soon."

As they walked through the lively streets of Ironfang Village, Stella continued to grumble about the Veilgate fee.

"A thousand ArcanaCoins? Just to use a teleportation gate? That's robbery! Highway robbery!" she fumed.

Hugo, however, wasn't paying attention to her complaints anymore. He had noticed something—or rather, someone. His instincts told him they were being followed. Subtle glances confirmed it: three small figures lurking behind them, darting between alleyways and market stalls.

After a few more steps, Hugo abruptly stopped.

"Alright, enough sneaking around. Come out," he said, turning his head slightly.

Stella blinked, confused. "Huh? Who are you talking to?"

There was a brief moment of silence, then three kids hesitantly stepped out from behind a fruit stand.

"You're pretty sharp, mister," one of them admitted. "Not bad."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Hugo replied, unimpressed. "Why were you following us?"

Instead of answering, the three kids turned their heads towards an alley. "Boss!" one of them called.

Footsteps echoed from the shadows as another figure stepped forward. Unlike the kids, this one was older—around Stella's age. He studied Hugo for a moment, then his gaze landed on the sword strapped to his back.

His eyes widened slightly. "That sword…"

One of the kids pointed at Hugo's weapon excitedly. "Boss! That's Cosmos! The Cosmos!"

The older teen's expression shifted from curiosity to something more serious. He locked eyes with Hugo.

"Well, well… looks like we've got a legend walking among us."

The teen smirked and reached behind his back, pulling out an Arc-Lance shaped like a drill. The weapon hummed with energy, its spiral tip glowing faintly with unstable Arcana energy.

Hugo's eyes narrowed as he recognized the weapon instantly. "That Arc-Lance…"

"You know it, huh?" the teen said, spinning the lance effortlessly before pointing it at Hugo. "Guess that makes sense. After all, you are the Hero of the Eclipse."

Hugo let out a tired sigh. "Not this again…"

Stella blinked in confusion. "Wait, again?"

The teen smirked confidently. "My name is Darius, and I'm the one who will take the title of Hero of the Eclipse!"

Hugo groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Great… another one."

As soon as Darius declared his ambition, the three kids behind him immediately cheered him on.

"Think about the fame we'll have!" one of them shouted excitedly.

"Think about the money we'll have!" another added, practically seeing gold in his eyes.

Then the last kid grinned and said, "Think about the hot girls we'll meet!"

Silence.

Everyone—including Darius, Hugo, Stella, and even Cosmos—just stared at the last kid.

"...What?" the kid said, looking around in confusion.

Darius sighed, rubbing his temples. "Dude… priorities."

Hugo shook his head. "Right… So, Darius, was it? You seriously think you can just take my sword and claim the title of Hero of the Eclipse?"

Darius smirked, spinning his arc-lance with confidence. "That's the plan. The world needs a real hero again, and let's be honest—you had your time, old man."

Hugo groaned. "Old man? Are we really doing this again?" He glanced at Stella. "Why does everyone call me old when I literally look younger than half these guys?"

Stella smirked. "Because you are old. A thousand years old, remember?"

"Seventeen," Hugo corrected.

"One thousand seventeen," Cosmos chimed in.

Darius pointed his arc-lance at Hugo. "Enough talk! If you really are the Hero of the Eclipse, then prove it! Fight me!"

Hugo sighed, already turning away. "Yeah, no. Not interested."

The three kids behind Darius blinked in confusion. "Wait… what?"

Darius clenched his fists. "What do you mean, not interested? Are you running away?"

Hugo kept walking. "Call it whatever you want, kid. I don't have time for this."

Darius gritted his teeth. "So that's it? The so-called Hero of the Eclipse just walks away?!" His voice rose with anger. "You abandoned the world when it still needed you, and now you're running again! Someone like you has no right to abandon your duty!"

Hugo stopped.

For a moment, there was silence. The air felt heavier. Stella glanced at Hugo, noticing how his posture had stiffened.

Then, slowly, Hugo turned his head back toward Darius. His white eyes, normally calm, now carried something else. Something colder.

A grin spread across Darius' face as he spun his arc-lance, slamming the base of it against the ground. "Good! I'll show you that the title of Hero belongs to me now!"

Hugo sighed, rolling his shoulders. "Let's get this over with."

The three kids cheered for Darius as they backed away, giving space for the fight. Stella crossed her arms, clearly annoyed. "You really don't have to do this, you know."

Cosmos chimed in, amused. "Oh, but he does. His pride won't let him ignore a challenge like this."

Hugo ignored both of them as he faced Darius. "Alright, kid. Show me what you've got."

Hugo let out a small sigh, then turned fully to face Darius. "Fine," he said, his tone carrying a weight that made even the three kids behind Darius quiet down. "I'll take your challenge."

Darius tightened his grip on his arc-lance, a determined grin forming on his face. "Good. I'll show you that the world doesn't need a coward like you anymore!"

Stella crossed her arms, watching Hugo closely. "You sure about this?" she asked.

Hugo shrugged. "Might as well get this over with."

Darius took a step forward and pointed his arc-lance at Hugo. "Then let's take this to the training grounds outside the village. I want everyone to see me take down the so-called legend!"

Hugo simply sighed and gestured for him to lead the way. "Whatever you say, kid."

The group made their way to the training grounds just outside Ironfang Village. Word had spread quickly, and a small crowd of villagers gathered to watch. Some were curious, others skeptical—after all, the Hero of the Eclipse was supposed to be a figure of legend, not some tired-looking traveler.

Darius spun his arc-lance and planted his feet firmly. "The rules are simple! First one to land a decisive blow wins!" He grinned. "Try not to break too easily, old man."

Hugo raised an eyebrow. "Old man? You do realize I look younger than you, right?"

Darius ignored the remark, adjusting his stance. The three kids cheered him on from the sidelines, shouting things like, Show him what a real hero looks like! and Knock him flat, boss!

Stella stood beside Cosmos, arms crossed. "You sure about this?" she asked Hugo again.

Hugo sighed. "Look, if I don't do this, he's just gonna keep yapping." He cracked his neck. "Might as well shut him up now."

Cosmos let out an amused hum. Try not to humiliate the poor kid too much.

Darius took a deep breath, his arc-lance humming with arcana energy. "Get ready!"

Hugo lazily lifted his hand, motioning for Darius to come at him. "Whenever you're ready, kid."

Darius grinned as his arc-lance began to glow with a crimson aura. "Gear Shift: Blast Gear!" he yelled.

In an instant, his eyes and clothing shifted into a fiery red, almost identical to Hugo's Corona Mode. The sheer heat radiating from him caused the dust around his feet to swirl.

Stella took a step back, eyes wide. "Wait… that looks just like—"

Hugo, instead of being surprised, smirked. "Now this is interesting. Only one other person was able to use a drill arc-lance's Gear Shift power."

Stella glanced at him. "How is that even possible?"

One of the kids, eager to explain, proudly chimed in, "That's because Drill Fang isn't just any arc-lance! It was made to replicate Cosmos' power!"

Stella blinked. "You're telling me someone just… built a weapon that copies a legendary sword?"

"Yup!" another kid grinned. "It took years, but our boss finally figured out how to unlock its true potential!"

Darius spun Drill Fang in his hands, its energy intensifying. "Enough talking! If you're so impressed, then fight me already!"

Hugo chuckled. "Alright, kid. Let's see what you can do."

With that, Darius lunged forward, his Drill Fang roaring with power.

Hugo swiftly raised Cosmos, blocking the impact of Drill Fang as sparks of Arcana energy erupted from the clash. With a firm push, he sent Darius stumbling backward.

Darius recovered quickly, his expression fierce. "Not bad, old man, but let's see how you handle this!"

He spun Drill Fang in his hands as the crimson energy around him flared even brighter. "Drill Rush!"

With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, Drill Fang spinning like a vortex of destruction, tearing up the ground beneath him as he charged straight at Hugo.

But at that moment, Hugo sidestepped effortlessly, dodging the attack with precise timing. Darius shot past him, his Drill Rush carving deep grooves into the ground before he managed to regain control and skid to a stop.

"Tsk," Darius clicked his tongue. "You're fast."

Hugo smirked. "You're predictable."

Darius tightened his grip on Drill Fang, his eyes burning with determination. "Then let's see you dodge this!" He planted his foot firmly on the ground, preparing for his next move.

Then Darius yelled again, "Gear Shift: Sonic Gear!"

This time, his eyes and clothing shifted to a deep blue, radiating energy similar to Hugo's Luna Mode. A faint hum filled the air as his speed visibly increased, his movements becoming sharper and more fluid.

Stella's eyes widened. "It's just like Luna Mode… How does he have something so similar?"

One of the kids grinned. "Told ya! Drill Fang was made to replicate Cosmos's powers! It's got modes just like your fancy sword."

Hugo let out a low chuckle, gripping Cosmos tightly. "Now this is getting interesting."

Darius lunged at Hugo with extreme speed, his Drill Fang humming with energy as he unleashed a flurry of rapid strikes. Hugo barely dodged the first few, but then—

Shhhhk!

Darius's attack landed, cutting into Hugo's side. Stella gasped.

But Hugo just smirked. "Not bad…"

Then, Cosmos roared,

"LUNA MODE!"

A surge of blue energy erupted from Hugo, his eyes and clothing transforming into a deep blue glow. His movements became fluid, almost weightless, as if he was dancing with the air itself.

Darius skidded to a stop, eyes wide. "So that's Luna Mode…"

Hugo cracked his neck, twirling Cosmos. "Alright, kid. Let's see if you can keep up now."

Hugo and Darius clashed, blow for blow, their movements blurring with speed. Each strike sent shockwaves through the air, forcing Stella and the kids to step back.

"They're so fast!" one of the kids shouted, eyes darting between them, struggling to keep up.

Stella gritted her teeth. "This isn't just some sparring match… they're fighting like it's life or death."

Darius spun, Drill Fang revving as he unleashed a rapid thrust—Hugo barely deflected it with Cosmos, countering with a precise slash. The impact sent sparks flying, illuminating their intense battle.

Neither of them was holding back.

Darius stopped in his tracks, breathing heavily but grinning with confidence. He let out a short laugh, gripping Drill Fang tightly.

"You're strong, old man, I'll give you that... but unlike Cosmos, which only has two modes, Drill Fang has a third gear."

Hugo narrowed his eyes. "Oh?"

Stella's eyes widened. "A third gear?!" she exclaimed. "You're telling me that thing has another transformation?"

One of the kids smirked. "Heh, that's right. And this one's the real deal."

Darius raised Drill Fang high, his aura flaring. "Now, let me show you what makes me different from you!"

Then, he roared—"Gear Shift: Vortex Gear!"

This time, his eyes and clothing turned green, a swirling wind forming around him as his power surged.

Darius charged straight at Hugo, but to both Hugo and Stella's surprise, he was moving slower than before.

Hugo blinked. "Wait… are you—slower?"

Stella tilted her head, confused. "What kind of power-up makes you weaker?"

Darius scoffed. "Vortex Gear isn't for speed. It's for defense."

There was a moment of silence.

Then, both Hugo and Stella yelled at him in frustration.

"WHAT'S THE POINT THEN?!"

Darius flinched at their synchronized outburst. "W-Well, it makes me tougher!"

Hugo groaned, rubbing his temples. "Oh great, so now you're just a slower punching bag."

Stella crossed her arms. "You were doing fine before! Why make yourself an easier target?!"

One of the kids chimed in, nervously chuckling, "Uh… yeah, boss. This might not have been your smartest move."

Darius clenched his fists. "You don't get it! Vortex Gear lets me take ANY attack!" He smirked. "I just have to outlast you!"

Hugo sighed. "Alright then…" He raised Cosmos. "Let's test that theory."

Darius braced himself as Hugo's eyes and clothing turned red once more.

"Corona Mode!" Cosmos roared.

Without hesitation, Hugo shot forward, his movements becoming a blur of blazing energy.

"Strong Corona!" Hugo yelled, his sword slashing at Darius with rapid, burning strikes. Each impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air.

Darius gritted his teeth, standing firm as Drill Fang absorbed the relentless onslaught. His Vortex Gear kept him from being knocked back, but each slash chipped away at his defenses.

The kids watched in awe, while Stella crossed her arms. "I don't care how tough he thinks he is. Nobody takes that many hits without consequences."

Darius staggered slightly, his stance faltering. "Tch… Is that all you got?!"

Hugo smirked. "Oh, we're just getting started."

CRACK.

A deep fracture spread across Drill Fang's surface.

Darius' eyes widened. "Wait—"

BOOM!

The Arcana energy within his weapon surged uncontrollably, sending Darius skidding backward as sparks of green light burst from his lance. He barely kept his grip, panting heavily.

Hugo twirled Cosmos before resting it on his shoulder. "So? How's that 'unbreakable' defense working out for you?"

Darius clenched his jaw. "Tch… Damn it…"

Stella leaned toward one of the kids. "Does he… know when to quit?"

The kid awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. "Uh… usually not."

Darius growled. "I can still—"

"No, you can't." Hugo cut in. "That last hit cracked your weapon. If we keep going, it'll shatter completely."

Darius hesitated, gripping Drill Fang tightly.

Hugo sighed. "Listen, kid. You're not bad, but you're not ready to take my title either."

Darius glared at him but stayed silent.

Hugo lowered Cosmos. "Now, are you gonna be smart about this, or do I have to break that thing for real?"

Darius clicked his tongue but eventually sighed in defeat. "…Fine. You win."

The three kids groaned. "Aww, boss! We were supposed to be famous!"

Stella let out a breath. "Finally. Now, can we talk about getting past that ridiculous Veilgate fee?"

Hugo sheathed Cosmos, stretching. "Yeah, let's figure that out before we waste the whole day."

Darius, still catching his breath, muttered, "You guys are really broke, huh?"

Hugo and Stella turned to him, deadpan.

"…Shut up."

As the tension faded, Hugo and Stella turned to leave.

Darius sighed, resting Drill Fang on his shoulder. "Well, guess I'm not the Hero of the Eclipse today…"

One of the kids patted his back. "You'll get 'em next time, boss."

Stella rolled her eyes. "Yeah, maybe after a few more years of training."

Darius shot her a glare but didn't argue. Instead, he looked at Hugo. "Hey… you're not as washed-up as people say. But next time, I will beat you."

Hugo smirked. "Looking forward to it, kid."

With that, Darius and his crew turned and walked away, disappearing into the bustling streets of Ironfang Village.

Stella let out a deep breath. "Well, that was… something."

Hugo nodded. "Yeah. Now, back to our problem—how the hell are we gonna pay for that Veilgate?"

As they wandered through the village, still figuring out how to get enough ArcanaCoin for the Veilgate, Hugo suddenly stopped in his tracks.

He narrowed his eyes at a colorful poster pinned to a wooden board. "Huh."

Stella glanced over his shoulder. "What is it?"

The poster was advertising a combat tournament, promising a grand prize of 10,000 ArcanaCoin to the winner.

Hugo smirked. "Well… that solves our problem."

Stella groaned. "Oh no. I don't like that look on your face."

Hugo pointed at the poster. "Simple. I win this tournament, and we get more than enough to pay for the Veilgate."

Stella frowned. "And what if you lose?"

Hugo grinned. "Then I'll just win."

Stella crossed her arms. "That's not an answer!"

But Hugo was already walking toward the tournament registration booth.

As Hugo approached the registration booth, a bored-looking clerk sat behind the counter, flipping through a holo-screen.

"Welcome to the Ironfang Combat Tournament. Entry fee is 50 ArcanaCoin," the clerk droned without looking up.

Hugo blinked. "Wait, entry fee?"

Stella sighed. "Oh, now you care about not having money?"

Hugo scratched the back of his head. "Okay, new plan—we find another way to enter."

The clerk finally looked up and squinted at Hugo. Then his eyes widened in recognition.

"Wait… you're Hugo!"

Hugo tensed. "Uh… maybe?"

The clerk practically jumped out of his seat. "The Hero of the Eclipse?! Oh man, I've heard stories! My grandpa told me all about your fight against the Five Nations and the Perfect Life Forms!"

Stella crossed her arms. "Oh, now people recognize him."

The clerk grinned. "Hey, listen, you're a legend! If you enter the tournament, we have to put your name on the posters. That'll bring a huge crowd! I'll tell you what—if you fight, I'll waive your entry fee."

Hugo smirked. "Now that's more like it."

Stella groaned. "I swear, if this turns into another Darius situation…"

The clerk tapped on his holo-screen. "Alright, you're in. The tournament starts in three days—don't be late."

Hugo nodded. "Sounds good."

Stella sighed. "Great. Now what do we do until then?"

After signing up, Hugo stretched and let out a satisfied sigh. "Alright, that's done. Now, I think it's time for some ramen."

Stella stared at him, exasperated. "Seriously? That's your priority right now?"

Hugo grinned. "Hey, I haven't had ramen in years. And besides, we've got three days until the tournament starts. Might as well enjoy ourselves."

Stella sighed but didn't argue. "Fine. But you're paying."

Hugo froze. "…With what money?"

Stella groaned. "Unbelievable."