His eyelids felt heavy, consciousness slowly returning. Berwick stared up at an unfamiliar ceiling, trying to figure out where he was. The last thing he remembered was the final punch he'd landed on the Dungeon Guardian and the blinding white light that followed. The sterile smell of the room and the steady beeping sound clued him in – he was in an infirmary. Turning his head slightly, he met several worried faces.
"He's awake!"
That was Akemi's voice. Beside her weren't just her, but Alchio and Hyogaki too. His new comrades from the exam... Relief washed over all their faces. A little further away stood familiar, yet equally concerned figures: his masters Kane, Takeshi, Tomo, and Stella Hasegawa.
"You alright there, kid?" Kane's booming voice cut through the others. Beneath his usual gruff exterior lay deep concern.
Berwick cleared his throat, trying to sit up, but a dull ache protested. "I-I think so... What happened?"
Stella stepped forward, pride and worry mingling on her face. "You passed the exam, Berwick. And how! You practically... obliterated the Dungeon Guardian."
"Just as we expected," Takeshi chimed in, arms crossed, though the admiration in his eyes was undeniable. "But you went a bit overboard."
Tomo added, his voice graver than usual. "That power surge... You could have lost control. You could have seriously injured yourself."
Berwick frowned, trying to recall the final moments. The rage, the pain, that uncontrolled power bordering on exhaustion... His masters were right.
Alchio jumped in, eyes still shining with awe. "It was incredible, Berwick! I've never seen power like that! You literally tore the Guardian to shreds!"
Hyogaki adjusted his glasses and nodded. "According to my analysis, your power output at that moment was equivalent to at least a 4-star Guardian. Perhaps even higher..."
Berwick was slightly taken aback by this. He knew he had potential, but he hadn't expected that much. This power inherited from his family... it was both a blessing and a curse.
Akemi asked curiously, "How can you even control that much power? Is it from your family? Honestly, it was terrifying to watch."
Berwick managed a small, slightly wry smile, trying to brush it off with humor. "Eh, let's just say my family was a bit... energetic. My dad, Kurosaki, was apparently one of those hyperactive jokester types who couldn't sit still. My mom... well, according to Dad, she was quiet but had a fiery temper. My siblings? One was basically an ice queen, the other a bookworm jock… I guess I was born somewhere in the middle of that mix with some extra weird stuff thrown in. Had to be tough to survive in a family like that, right? Hahaha..." This brief, funny summary eased the tension in the room a little; everyone cracked a slight smile.
However, Kane's expression turned serious again. "We can laugh, but this is no joke, kid. That corrupt inspector who set up the exam? He's been arrested. He changed the exam rules for his own benefit. Normally, there's no 'fight until the last team standing' rule. You were supposed to find the main light essences."
Stella continued, "We suspect the inspector might have a connection to you. Maybe because of your family... He might have sensed that power surge and seen you as a threat. Or perhaps he wanted to recruit you."
A cold feeling briefly washed over Berwick. What happened to his family, the hidden enemies within the Guardians... The danger wasn't over yet. Touga's last words echoed in his mind. He couldn't forget his purpose, no matter what.
Tomo placed a hand on Berwick's shoulder. "That's why you need to be careful, Berwick. Showing off that power carelessly could attract ill-intentioned individuals within the Guardians, and you could inadvertently cause permanent damage to your body. You've learned to control your Ether, but power at that level is different. You need to know your limits."
Berwick nodded solemnly. He would heed his masters' warnings. This power was a dangerous weapon that needed to be controlled.
After a few hours of rest and check-ups, Berwick was discharged. While not quite as miraculous as Lisa's healing magic, the advanced technology in the Guardian infirmary had rapidly healed his wounds. He changed into clean clothes; his torn, exam-worn outfit was gone, replaced by a simple but fresh set. After saying goodbye to his friends and masters, he left the infirmary. Stella mentioned he'd receive his new Guardian ID and badge at the ceremony.
His first stop after leaving was clear: his Aunt Yui and his little sister, Illya. He hadn't seen them in eight months, not since that terrible night. His heart felt a mix of warmth and apprehension. He was still driving Touga's car; it felt like his own now. Pulling up to his aunt's familiar house, he took a deep breath before knocking.
His aunt opened the door and initially paused. The young man standing before her looked familiar, yet foreign. Berwick was 18 now, and the past year of grueling training, the subsequent exam, and the traumatic events had changed him, both physically and mentally. His features were sharper, his build was that of a warrior, and the old carefree light in his eyes was gone, replaced by a deeper, more experienced gaze.
"Yes? Can I help you?" Yui asked, carefully studying the well-built young man.
Berwick offered a slight smile. "Auntie, it's me, Berwick."
Yui's eyes widened in disbelief. She covered her mouth. "Berwick? Oh my goodness! I can't believe it! Is that really you?" Her eyes quickly scanned his changed features, his broader shoulders. "You look so... so different! You've become a man!" Tears welled up as she quickly embraced him. "Sweetie, I missed you so much! But what happened? What are you wearing? Are you okay?"
Berwick hugged his aunt tightly back. "I'm okay, Auntie. Let's just say I've been on a long journey."
When they went inside, a girl just entering her early teens was sitting on the floor in the middle of the living room, engrossed in a tablet. Illya... She was 12 now and had noticeably grown during his absence. Her hair was longer, her childish features giving way to more defined expressions. She looked up at the noise and saw her brother. A complex mix of emotions flickered in her eyes – a spark of joy, surprise at how different her brother looked, and perhaps a shyness born from the past. Instead of running up to hug him, she slowly put her tablet aside and stood up.
"Big brother..." Her voice wasn't as childish as before; it held a touch more maturity.
Berwick felt a surge of joy mixed with surprise as he approached his sister. "Illya... Wow, you've changed so much too. Look how tall you've gotten."
Illya nodded slightly, her eyes still fixed on her brother, trying to make sense of this new version of him. "You... you're really different too, big brother." She took a small step and stood before him. For Berwick, even this small gesture of acceptance meant the world.
His aunt wiped her tears and came over. "Come on, sit down. Let me make you some nice tea."
The three of them sat together. Illya perched on the edge of the sofa next to her brother, occasionally stealing glances at him. As Yui brought the tea, she turned to Berwick. "Tell us, Berwick. What have you been up to all this time? After that day... we never heard from you again." Her voice trembled slightly.
Berwick took a deep breath. He didn't know where to begin. Touga's death, the decision to become a Guardian, the hellish year of training with his masters, the life-or-death exam, the battle with the Dungeon Guardian... He recounted it all, piece by piece. His aunt's expression shifted constantly as she listened – shock, fear, joy, pride, and then fear again... It was an unbelievable story. Illya listened silently, her eyes widening at her brother's adventures, sometimes looking at him with concern.
"...and so, I became a Guardian. They said I'll get my first mission after the ceremony next week. Might take a while. Plus, since I hadn't seen you guys in a year and..." he gently ruffled Illya's hair, "...missed you, I wanted to come see you," Berwick finished.
Yui was quiet for a moment. Her eyes shone with both pride and worry. "We missed you too... A Guardian, huh... Like your father, your sister, and your brother... They would be so proud of you if they were here... But they'd be just as worried." She placed a hand on Berwick's shoulder. "Be careful, okay, sweetie? This path is dangerous."
Berwick nodded. "I know, Auntie. But I have to do this. I want to stop others from going through the same pain. And I want to get stronger so I can protect you both." Hearing her brother's determined words, Illya looked at him with a mixture of worry and admiration.
After saying his goodbyes to his aunt and Illya, only one person remained on Berwick's mind: Lisa. He needed to see her too. He set off towards the hospital, Oritron. However, the answer he received at the reception desk surprised him: Lisa Von Lieberti had been discharged.
"When was she discharged?" Berwick asked, feeling a knot of worry tighten in his stomach.
"A few days ago, sir," the receptionist replied. "Her family came and picked her up."
A nagging feeling crept into Berwick. Why hadn't she told him? He pulled out his phone and called Lisa, but it went straight to voicemail. He tried again and again, same result. Something felt wrong. Lisa's parents didn't like him much; they'd blamed him after what happened. Had they confined her somewhere?
Wasting no time, he drove to Lisa's home, a modest apartment building near the city center. He rang the bell. Lisa's mother opened the door. She frowned at the unfamiliar, well-built young man with intense eyes standing there.
"Yes? Who are you looking for?"
"It's Berwick," the young man stated, his voice calm but firm. "I came to see Lisa."
The woman's expression changed instantly, shock replaced by anger. Only now did she seem to recognize how much Berwick had changed. "Berwick?! What... what are you doing here?!" Her voice trembled. "After everything that happened, how dare you show your face at our door?!"
"I need to see Lisa," Berwick repeated, trying to remain calm. "Her phone is off, I was worried."
"Lisa isn't here," the woman said sharply. "And she doesn't want to see you! What happened to my daughter is your fault!"
Just then, a voice came from inside. "Mom? Who is it?" It was Lisa's voice!
"Lisa!" Berwick called out.
Lisa appeared in the doorway. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Berwick. She, too, immediately noticed his transformation. A flicker of joy crossed her face, but it faded under the harsh glares of her mother and her angry-looking father who had appeared right behind her. She was 23 now, her expression more mature, bearing the marks of what she'd endured.
"You! Get out of here!" A small elf girl, likely Lisa's younger sister, ran from inside and tried to push Berwick away. Lisa's father stepped forward.
"We told you to leave! Stay away from our daughter!" the man shouted.
Berwick didn't know what to do. The family clearly didn't want him there. Just as he was about to turn and leave, Lisa suddenly slipped past her parents, ran outside, and threw her arms around Berwick, holding him tight.
"Berwick!" she whispered, her voice trembling. "I thought you were leaving!"
Lisa's parents stood frozen in shock.
Berwick and Lisa sat in a small park near the apartment building. Lisa still clung tightly to Berwick's arm as if afraid he'd vanish if she let go.
"Why was your phone off? Why didn't you let me know?" Berwick asked gently.
Lisa sighed. "My parents... They changed so much after that day. They blame you. Since I got out of the hospital, they haven't let me leave the house, they took my phone too. They don't want me seeing you." Her eyes filled with tears. "It's like I'm a prisoner."
Berwick felt anger rise but pushed it down for Lisa's sake. He took her hand. "I'm here now. I won't leave you alone." Lisa looked at him intently as she squeezed his hand.
"You've changed so much, Berwick," she whispered. "Your face... That look in your eyes... it's harder, more... weary. But stronger too. What did you go through this past year?"
Just as he had with his aunt, Berwick told Lisa everything. About becoming a Guardian, the brutal training, the exam, his power... Lisa listened with a mix of awe, concern, and affection.
"So..." Lisa said, a bittersweet smile on her lips. "You became a Guardian..."
"Yeah… Feels like I stole your dream," Berwick replied quietly.
Lisa lowered her head. "I don't think it's my dream anymore... My parents would never allow it. Besides... I can't control my powers properly…"
They sat in silence for a while. Then Lisa looked up, meeting Berwick's eyes directly. Her cheeks flushed.
"Berwick... There's something I need to tell you." She took a deep breath. "I... I love you. I love you so much. I can't stop thinking about you. Not because you're smart, or funny, or sometimes infuriating. I love you for you. And I don't want to keep this feeling inside anymore."
Berwick froze. He hadn't expected this. He knew Lisa had feelings for him, but after everything they'd been through, he hadn't anticipated such a direct confession... His heart started pounding. A feeling he'd never experienced before washed over him. This confession, coming from a mature 23-year-old woman, carried a different kind of weight.
"Lisa... I..." He didn't know what to say.
Lisa smiled gently. "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know."
Berwick held her hand tighter. He took another deep breath. "Lisa... I want you to come with me."
Lisa looked at him, startled. "What?"
"I got a new place near the Guardian HQ," Berwick said. "I don't want to be alone. I want you there with me. We could... make a fresh start, together."
Lisa's eyes lit up. But then she hesitated. "But my parents..."
"We'll talk to them. We'll stand up to them if we have to," Berwick said with determination. "They can't keep you locked up! Besides, you're an adult, you should be able to make your own decisions."
Lisa thought for a moment. "Come on, Lisa…" Then, a determined look settled on her face. "Okay," she said. "I'll come with you, Berwick."
That day, despite all her parents' objections, Lisa packed a few belongings and moved with Berwick to their new home. It was a small but modern apartment within walking distance of the Guardian Headquarters.
The week that followed was both a sanctuary and an adjustment period for Berwick and Lisa. They set up the apartment together, took quiet walks in the park at night, and tried to help each other heal. While Berwick secretly continued his training with his masters to prepare for his Guardian duties, Lisa worked on overcoming the trauma she'd experienced and adapting to her new life. The week they spent together gave them both a sense of peace and hope for the first time in a long while.
And finally, the big day arrived: the Guardian Induction Ceremony.
The ceremony took place in the Guardian Headquarters' enormous main hall. It was packed; new Guardian candidates, their families, high-ranking Guardians, and members of the Multi-Universe Council... The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and solemnity.
The ceremony began with a recap of the exam. Images flashed across giant screens: candidates' struggles, the challenges they faced, the losses endured... A somber silence fell over the hall as the names of the candidates who died were read. Berwick clenched his fist tightly, anger towards the inspector burning within him. Then, the names and achievements of the top 10 candidates were announced. Berwick, Alchio, Akemi, and Hyogaki were among them. Defeating the Dungeon Guardian was recognized as a major accomplishment.
The top 10 candidates were called to the stage. The wise, elderly members of the Multi-Universe Council congratulated each candidate individually, presenting them with their new Guardian badges and certificates of honor. When it was Berwick's turn, the Council's most senior member, President Soran, stepped towards him. His expression was sagacious yet piercing.
"Nichiyobi Berwick..." President Soran's voice echoed through the hall. "The legacy of your father and siblings is a heavy burden on your shoulders… But also a great potential… Your performance in the exam did not escape the Council's notice... This badge is not just a symbol, but a great responsibility. We trust you will honor it and use it on the right path."
Berwick looked directly into the President's eyes. The Ether aura radiating from the man was immense, almost unfathomable, commanding respect... Berwick felt both awe and deference. "Thank you, President Soran… I will do my utmost best!" His reply was brief but firm. He accepted his badge and returned to his place. He caught the proud looks of his masters in the crowd. Stella winked at him.
After the badge ceremony came the uniforms. Instead of his father's old one, Berwick was given a brand-new, bright red Guardian uniform. Red uniforms were typically issued to special combat units or rookies with high potential. Alchio received blue, Hyogaki green, and Akemi pink standard uniforms. While the colors didn't have inherent special meanings beyond designation, they were standard starting gear. Looking at his reflection, Berwick felt stronger and more determined than ever in the perfectly fitting red uniform.
Next, the new teams were introduced. Berwick was pleased to find himself teamed with Alchio, Akemi, and Hyogaki, who had also placed in the top 10 – at least there were familiar faces. Three others joined their team: Kiko and Hana, two energetic and curious-looking young women, and Ren, a quiet, enigmatic young man in a black uniform. Like red, black was a special designation, usually associated with intelligence or special operations units.
The team members gathered in their assigned waiting area after the ceremony.
"Whoa, we're all on the same team!" Alchio exclaimed cheerfully. "This is great! Leader's pretty obvious, right?" he added, pointing at himself playfully, eyes sparkling.
Akemi rolled her eyes. "I highly doubt it, Prince Frosty. I think leadership should go to Berwick. Let's not forget he took down the Guardian single-handedly."
Hyogaki adjusted his glasses. "Logically, Berwick demonstrates the highest combat potential and leadership qualities. However, Alchio's area combat experience and tactics, along with Akemi's long-range support, are also significant. We don't yet know Ren's capabilities. And Kiko and Hana's..."
Kiko jumped in energetically. "We're here too! We're pretty good with support and healing!" Hana nodded beside her.
Berwick intervened. "Do we need to rush the leadership thing? We should get to know each other first, see how we work together. For now, we're all equals. Let's discuss it after our first mission."
Ren nodded silently, still reserved.
"Alright then," Hana said with a smile. "We need a name, right? Something cool?"
Kiko immediately started brainstorming. "Yeah! Like... Shadow Hunters! Or Team Thunderbolt!"
Akemi grimaced. "A bit cliché, don't you think?"
"Maybe something... brighter?" Hana mused. "Our work might be dark, but we should represent hope."
"Lumine?" Kiko suggested. "It's Latin for 'light.' Sounds nice too."
Hana's eyes lit up. "Yes! Team Lumine! I think it's perfect!"
Alchio looked excited and happy. "Ooh, Lumine? Works for me. Nice ring to it." Hyogaki agreed. Berwick and Ren didn't object either. Thus, the newly formed team was named "Lumine."
Just then, President Soran, accompanied by a few other Council members, approached the area where the new Guardians were gathered. The President stepped onto a low platform and addressed all the newcomers.
"Young Guardians," President Soran began, his voice both powerful and paternal. "Today, you officially join the family of Multi-Universe Guardians. This is a great honor, but an even greater responsibility." A hush fell over the hall as everyone listened intently.
"What is our duty?" the President asked rhetorically. "We are entrusted with maintaining the delicate balance between countless universes. We explore the unknown, investigate the incomprehensible, and cleanse the darkness that threatens our realities. Our purpose is to ensure peace and order in every corner where life exists."
The President paused, his gaze sweeping over the young faces in the hall. "To accomplish this monumental task, we specialize. Among us are brave explorers; our Exploration Teams chart new worlds, mapping the unknown. You'll often recognize them by their blue uniforms." A few young Guardians in blue smiled proudly.
"Then we have our Research Teams," the President continued. "They are our analysts, deciphering the secrets of the universes, advancing technology and knowledge. Their uniforms are typically white or shades of green."
"And of course," the President's voice gained emphasis, "the Cleansing Teams... You are our shield and our sword. The unit that directly confronts inter-universal threats, imposes order on chaos, and does not shy away from making difficult decisions when necessary. Special uniforms, like red and black, are often given to those undertaking the most dangerous missions within this branch, but Guardians of all colors can partake in this sacred duty; the choice is yours." The President glanced briefly at Berwick and Ren.
A voice rose from the crowd. "Mr. President, what about the star levels? How do they work?"
President Soran smiled. "I understand your curiosity. Within the Guardianship, there are star levels from 1 to 10. This measures your experience, skills, and success in missions. Every Guardian starts at 1 star and progresses by completing assignments. However, you should know that for those unable to utilize Ether or lacking special abilities, this journey often caps around the 4th star."
Another young candidate asked, "What about those with special abilities?"
"For them, there is no limit," the President declared firmly. "With proper training, perseverance, and a sense of duty, they can reach 5, 6, even 10 stars. Your potential will be shaped by your will."
Hyogaki raised his hand. "Mr. President, what happens upon reaching 10 stars? Is that the final level?"
"Reaching the 10th star," President Soran said, his voice filled with respect, "is one of the greatest achievements for a Guardian. But the journey doesn't end there. Those who reach the 10th star and successfully complete an exceptionally difficult, special mission designated by the Council become candidates to join the Multi-Universe Council itself. The Council is the highest authority, managing all Guardian operations and setting inter-universal policy. However, attaining this rank requires generations of dedication and unparalleled achievement."
President Soran concluded his speech, looking one last time at the young Guardians. "Remember, being a Guardian isn't just about power and skill. It's about justice, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve. Now go, and live up to these uniforms!"
Amid applause, President Soran and the Council members left the platform. The new Guardians were buzzing with excitement and a touch of nervousness.
Finally, each new Guardian was issued a Universe Clock, incorporating various functions (communication, navigation, emergency signals, etc.). These clocks also displayed their Guardian identity and clearance level, and crucially, protected their biological clocks from the effects of time jumps.
Shortly after, Stella approached Team Lumine and handed Berwick a tablet containing their first mission orders.
"Ready, rookies?" she asked with a grin. "First assignment is AC-045, aka TechnoTokyo. We've got abnormal Ether readings and missing persons reports from the area. A research team went in, but we lost contact with them too. Your job is to assess the situation and intervene if necessary."
TechnoTokyo... The name alone conjured images of a technological nightmare.
"How do we get there?" Alchio asked. "Universe Train?"
Stella smiled. "Nope. Time's tight. As a Cleansing Team, you'll use faster methods." She gestured towards a nearby specialized hangar. "You'll be using the wormhole generator."
The team members exchanged glances. Wormholes were known to be dangerous and difficult to control. This was a risky start for their first mission.
After checking their gear and newly acquired Universe Clocks, the team headed to the hangar. In the center stood a massive, humming machine. Technicians were making final adjustments.
As the machine powered up, a swirling, unstable portal of shifting colors opened before it. A wormhole...
Berwick turned to his team. His expression was tense but resolute. "Ready?"
Alchio checked his blade. "Ready." Akemi slung her bow over her shoulder. "Ready." Hyogaki gripped his daggers tightly. "Ready." Kiko and Hana nodded. Ren gave a curt nod.
"Alright then..." Berwick said, taking a step towards the wormhole. "Let's go!"
One by one, the team members stepped into the vortex. Berwick was the last. Taking one final look back at this new beginning, he stepped forward into the unknown. The last thing he felt as he was pulled in was the dizzying sensation of space-time twisting around him.
After a moment, Berwick opened his eyes to find himself and his teammates standing in the middle of a vast, hyper-technological city. Flying cars zipped past, digital billboards flickered, and an air of chaotic, technologically advanced darkness hung heavy. As he scanned the surroundings, Berwick's instincts suddenly screamed.
"Watch out, everyone!" Instantly, a massive piece of metal crashed down exactly where they had been standing. Thanks to Berwick's warning, everyone dove clear just in time. Then, several robots descended from above, flanked by three figures dressed in cyberpunk attire.
Alchio swallowed hard, looking from the robots to the figures behind them. "Guess they're not rolling out the welcome mat, huh? What do you think, guys?"
Ren drew his sword – a long, black blade with strange, shimmering lights within it, looking as unusual as he did. "Wouldn't it be better to defend ourselves than chatter?"
Alchio looked at Ren, surprised. "Oh my god! You can talk! I thought you were mu-"
Berwick cut him off sharply, already drawing his steel sword and taking a combat stance facing the robots. "Alchio! Not the time for jokes! Seriously, you really are an airhead. Get in formation, now! Everyone!"
The team instantly adopted defensive positions. As Berwick glared hard at the three figures, another man materialized between them – tall, dressed in a black trench coat over a suit.
"Guardians… You arrived right on schedule…" The mysterious man in the suit smirked, his eyes fixed on Berwick.
"Well then… Let's begin."