As Masato examines the ancient artifacts, he suddenly recognizes the strange symbols etched into their surface. "Wait, I recognize these symbols. They're from an ancient language used by the Ancients," he says, his eyes widening.
Masato quickly explains to Aiko and the others what he learned about the Ancients from his mentor as a young sorcerer-in-training. The Ancients were a powerful, otherworldly race that came to Earth centuries ago, possessing incredible magic but also being cruel and destructive. And now, one of them, Akuma, has returned, threatening to tear their world apart.
"The Ancients were real," Masato tells them, his fists clenching. "They came to Earth in the past, and now Akuma has come back to finish what they started."
Aiko nods, her face set with determination. "Then we need to find out everything we can about them, and fast. The scientists will translate those texts and dig up any information they can." She places a hand on Masato's shoulder. "Whatever it takes, we'll stop this threat. I know you'll do whatever it takes to protect our world."
Masato meets her gaze, trying to hide the uncertainty he feels. Could they really defeat a being as powerful as Akuma? The memories of the Ancients' destruction still haunt him. But he can't back down, not when the fate of everything he cares about hangs in the balance.
"I hope so, Aiko," he says, turning back to the artifacts. "I hope so."
The Ancients were real, and their return could spell doom for their world. But Masato won't let that happen, not if he has anything to say about it. He'll pour over these ancient texts, uncover their secrets, and find a way to stop Akuma once and for all. The fate of the world depends on it.