Scene: Forest Outskirts – Same Time
(A scout wearing a black mask steps into the outskirts of Airoma. He whispers into a crystal.)
Shadow Scout: "Target located. Energy signature confirmed. Requesting permission to engage."
Hokori (through the crystal): "Permission granted. Bring me the girl. Alive."
Scene: Back to Training Ground
(Suddenly, the wind shifts. Isaka's sensors go wild.)
Isaka: "Everyone — get back!"
(A flash of dark energy explodes from the trees. A masked enemy jumps out, throwing shadow blades toward Marine. Isaka blocks them mid-air with her arm, sparks flying.)
Megum (shouting): "Marine, behind me!"
Luci (aiming her gun): "Target spotted. Taking the shot!"
(She fires. The scout dodges swiftly, teleporting behind her.)
Scout (to Marine): "You don't even know what you are, little girl. But your power… belongs to us now."
Marine (trembling): "N-No… Stay away!"
(Her hands glow again — this time brighter, with green fire pulsing outward. The scout is thrown backward with a scream. Everyone stares at her in shock.)
Isaka (in awe): "She's evolving… faster than I expected."
Scene: Unknown Realm – Heihachi's Meditation Chamber
(Heihachi opens his eyes slowly, sensing the disturbance.)
Heihachi: "The girl has awakened. But if she rises too quickly… she will burn everything around her. Kazuya must reach her… before Hokori does."
(Marine stands frozen, hands still glowing faintly with green fire. The others rush to her.)
Megum (shaken but proud): "Marine… that was incredible."
Marine (breathing fast): "I didn't mean to… I just got scared…"
Isaka (calmly): "You protected yourself. That's your instinct as an Aether Core. But from now on, fear must become your strength."
Luci (checking the fallen scout): "He's alive… barely. We should interrogate him."
(The scout coughs and opens his bloodied mouth.)
Scout (weakly): "You're too late… Hokori knows… He's coming for the Core…"
(The green fire left by Marine's attack consumes him, disintegrating his body into ash.)
Gara (horrified): "What… just happened to him?!"
Isaka: "It's the Aether Flame. Pure life energy… When it touches corrupted souls, it purifies them. Permanently."