The A37 Hollow had always been one of the key observation targets officially monitored by New Eridu. A small observation station was even built just outside of it to keep watch.
The situation inside the Hollow was monitored constantly to prevent any sudden expansion.
At this moment, inside the observation station, several staff members were compiling the latest data as usual, preparing to send it to the H.A.N.D.
Just like always, today's data showed no changes. While the Ether concentration and activity remained high inside the Hollow, there were no signs of expansion.
However...
Just as they were about to send out the report...
Suddenly...
The alarm inside the station blared without warning, startling the nearby staff.
"What happened?"
"It's an anomaly alert from the A37 Hollow's observation data. Has the Ether concentration and activity increased again?"
They knew that the Ether levels in A37 were already extremely high. Any further increase could push it to S-level.
Moreover, any fluctuations in data from a Hollow of this magnitude likely indicated trouble with a high-level Ethereal inside.
With this in mind, several staff members quickly rushed over to the computers, staring at the data on the screen. Their expressions shifted instantly.
"The Ether concentration and activity dropped?!"
"How is that possible? The A37 Hollow's readings have been steadily rising for nearly ten years. Why would they suddenly plummet?"
"Could it be… someone took down the high-level Ethereal inside? Was it Unit 6?"
"No way. If they were going to make a move, they would've informed us beforehand. Stop jumping to conclusions. Let's send the data to HQ first…"
There was no time to hesitate.
They immediately printed the newly observed data and sent it to the H.A.N.D.
...
Meanwhile, at the H.A.N.D, the team was equally stunned upon receiving the data.
The A37 Hollow had long been one of the most severe threats to the New Eridu metropolitan area. Multiple suppression attempts had been made in the past, but they all failed for various reasons—until eventually, even the authorities gave up.
No one expected this.
The Ether data in A37 suddenly plummeted, as if the Hollow had entered a decline phase.
Soon after, HQ issued an order for Hoshimi Miyabi to lead Unit 6 to investigate the situation at A37.
At the time the order came in, Soukaku was eating. Upon hearing they had to move out immediately, he looked visibly disheartened.
"We just finished suppressing B47 yesterday, and now it's A37? How many Hollows are out there? We'll never finish suppressing them all..."
Asaba Harumasa smiled, "Come on, let's go. Once we're done, I'll treat you to all the ramen you want."
Tsukishiro Yanagi said earnestly, "Section Chief, everything's ready. Let's head out."
Hoshimi Miyabi nodded. "Alright, move out—"
...
While Keqing, Xiao, and the others were busy fighting monsters in the A37 Hollow, Unit 6 had also begun heading toward the site.
At that very moment, in another corner of New Eridu, at the entrance of a remote and rundown welfare home...
Sam Li, Billy, Anby, and Nekomata hesitated briefly before pushing open the door and stepping inside.
The gate wasn't locked, and there were no guards.
They easily made their way in, and as soon as they entered, they saw several children playing.
Billy's expression immediately changed. "Crap, we've been spotted."
Nekomata sighed. "How could we not be? We just walked right in."
Anby said matter-of-factly, "No need to worry. They didn't scream..."
Sam Li stayed silent. "..."
But then...
The children glanced at Sam Li, Billy, and the others—and their eyes lit up with joy. Smiling brightly, they ran over.
"It's Billy!"
"Billy, did you come to visit us?"
"And Nekomata! Nekomata, thank you for the dried fish. They were so yummy..."
The excited kids rushed over and surrounded Sam Li, Billy, Nekomata, and Anby.
Staring at these unfamiliar children, Billy and Nekomata exchanged confused glances.
What's going on?
This was their first time here—so how did these kids know who they were?
And the dried fish? Nekomata didn't remember giving out any dried fish.
Scratching his head, Billy asked awkwardly, "Uh… how do you know my name is Billy?"
A little boy replied seriously, "Sister Nicole told us. She showed us a photo of Billy, Anby, Nekomata, and Sam Li… Oh, and this Starlight Knight toy was from you, Billy. Thank you!"
"Sister Nicole also told us stories about Hare's House adventures…"
"And the dried fish—she said they were gifts from Nekomata!"
...
The children chimed in one after another, their faces lit up with excitement.
One boy held up a Starlight Knight figure.
Billy recognized it instantly.
Wasn't that the toy he'd collected from the Starlight Knight restaurant?
He'd noticed it missing a while ago and assumed he lost it or accidentally tossed it out.
Who would've thought Nicole had taken it—to give to the kids at the welfare home.
Seeing the bright smiles on their faces, Billy felt a bit awkward.
He scratched his head again and smiled. "Hey there, you like Starlight Knight too?"
The boy nodded earnestly. "Yeah! Nicole showed us the movie. When we grow up, we wanna be like the Starlight Knights—cool and brave like Billy!"
Nekomata grinned. "So, tell me—who's stronger: the Starlight Knights or Billy?"
The boy thought for a long time before replying, "They're both super strong… equally awesome!"
Hearing that, Billy beamed. "Next time I visit, I'll bring you more Starlight Knight toys."
As he looked at the children, everything suddenly made sense to Billy.
No wonder money kept mysteriously disappearing from Hare's House—it had been spent on this welfare home all along.
Soon, he noticed something else.
Most of the children had strange scars on their arms and heads. Some were very noticeable—marks that looked like they'd been caused by Ether corrosion.