4.1: Family.

502 Sunset Street, Bloomshore District.

MC: "Grandma, I'm home!"

Grandma: "Ah, sweetie. You haven't been visiting often since you become a hunter. Did you miss me?"

MC: "Of course! ...Something smells good. Is it roast pork? I've learned how to cook a new dish. Would you like to try it?"

Caleb: "What happened to the pip-squeak who would't even pour me a glass of water? What has changed you? I should've talked you to become a hunter sooner."

MC: "Caleb? I thought I wouldn't see you until tomorrow at least."

Caleb: "What's wrong with comin' home early to spend some time with you and Gran?"

Caleb: "Wash your hands. Let's eat."

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MC: "How's your health, Grandma? Still getting headaches?"

Grandma: "Oh, it's normal for people at my age to get them. I'm already used to it. I'll be fine as long as I can take my medication."

MC: "But didn't the doctor say you should be hospitalized for observation? Are you sure the meds will be enough?"

Grandma: "Oh... I just got out of the hospital. It's too crowded and noisy. And that won't help with my migraines."

Caleb: "Already a worrywart? You can rely on me to handle the family stuff."

Caleb: "I already submitted an application form for a long-term care ward. It's safe, quiet.

Everything's been taken care of."

MC: "Wait, when did this happen? And why didn't you tell me?"

Grandma: "Oh, Caleb. A decisive man as always. I didn't know about his, either."

Grandma: "If I need to stay in a hospital, you should visit me, all right? You can talk with Zayne... Have lunch with him too, perhaps."

MC: "Well he's really busy. So..."

Caleb: "Even the world's busiest guy has to eat. I haven't seen him in a looong time. We should invite him over for dinner. Right?"

MC: "And we can kidnap him if he refuses!"

Newscaster: "...There have been many explosions recently throughout Linkon City. The Hunters Association has concluded these incidents are connected to Wanderers."

Newscaster: "So farr, 22 have been wounded with no casualties. We advise all citizens to be careful when outside..."

Caleb: "Explosions, huh? ... Hey MC, have there been a lot of active Wanderers lately?"

MC: "Kind of... But it's fine. Linkon has us! The Deepspace Hunters of today know what they're doing."

Grandma: "Well, even so, you shouldn't push yourself too hard, MC. And be sure to be carefull during your missions."

MC: "...I know. But I'll be fine, Grandma. My Evol works well against Wanderers, besides, missions are often done in pairs. If..."

MC: "If we get hurt, we have backup."

Caleb: "Even if that's true, your safety is always the number one priority in whatever mission you take."

Caleb: "Your Evol is great, I'm not arguing that. But who's to say it'll protect you all the time?"

MC: (...There are Wanderers in the neighborhood? Weird. I need to check it out.)

MC: "Grandma, Caleb, something's going on outside. I'm gonna take a look. Be back soon, promise."

Caleb: "Hey, wait up. I'm coming with you."

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Bloomshore District: An administrative division in Linkon City. While it's right next to the city center, it's as if time has stopped. The architecture and streets have kept their look from two or three decades ago. It's a place with a very down-to-earth charm. Where one can find tranquility.

4.2: Interlure.

MC: "Caleb... What kind of hunter lets their childhood friend tag along to work with them?"

Caleb: "I'm not tagging along with you, pip-squeak. Just headin' to the store for some vinegar and whatnot."

MC: "Alright then. Well, we're just abot to turn the corner. Go to the store and pick up your vinegar."

MC: "Oh, and another thing. Better not walk out and start following me when my back is turned."

Caleb: "Yeah, yeah, secret mission. Blah blah blah, can't let unauthorized personnel in on the details."

MC: "Hurry up and go already. Also, I want some snacks... and fruit. Take all the time you need!"

MC: "I don't sense any fluctuations... I'll just walk around for a bit."

**********

I continue my search along the block. My Hunter's Watch doesn't react to anything, but i sense fluctuations in the air. They're bouncing around.

MC: (Is the fluctuation's source moving?)

Across the street, a man wearing a cap pops out of an alley.

He turns slightly to the hovering patrol drone with compound eyes and fiddles with his hat.

MC: (He's hiding something...)

Like sparks igniting a fire, the man's suspicious actions put me on his alert.

As he moves, the watch on my wrist vibrates, showing the Metaflux in the area is increasing.

MC: (He's the sourse?)

I cross the street and begin following the suspicious man from a safe distance. He seems to have noticed me. He's walking faster.

MC: (It's definitely him. I have to stop him!)

I walk faster, ready to send my coordinates to HQ with my Hunter's Watch. My right arm feels an intense pain all of a sudden, like I've been stabbed with a blade

MC: (A weapon...? No, it's Evol!)

??: "I see you're actually smart. Too bad. I don't have time to play around."

The man's cold gaze scrutinizes me. He sounds way older than he looks.

I hesitate. The figure rushes into an alley. I run after him, but he's already gone.

MC: (I can't sense even a single fluctuation...)

MC: (Was he carrying a Protocore? Or... could he have been the source himself?)

Caleb: "Why are you staring off into space? Missions's over?"

The sound of footsteps stops next to me. I come to my senses.

MC: (Caleb!?)

Still concerned about what happened earlier, i don't know if i should tell him...

MC: (I should keep it a secret for now. Otherwise, Grandma and Caleb will worry...)

MC: (Let's go back home and eat dinner first...)

I've made my choice. But when our gazes meet, my reluctance turns into guilt.

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Caleb: "Did you find any big, bad Wanderers?"

MC: "Uh..."

MC: "...The fluctuations disappeared. Probably a false alarm."

Caleb: "A false alarm..."

MC: "Caleb! What're you—"

Caleb: "If it really was, then what's this?"

MC: "Uh... I was petting a cat and..."

Caleb: "Get scratched by another stray cat, huh? I think maybe I should go find that cat so I can avenge you."

MC: "Caleb, don't! Come on, grandma's waiting for us back at home."