Chereads / Shattering memories / Chapter 3 - Chapter 4: Yuko Becomes Just Another Echo of Darkness :

Chapter 3 - Chapter 4: Yuko Becomes Just Another Echo of Darkness :

Scene 4.1: The Unexpected Reunion

Just as Kazuka and Senji turned to run, Kazuka spotted a shadowy figure emerging from the chaos, eyes locked onto Yuko. The figure stepped into the dim light, revealing a familiar face—the last person Kazuka ever expected to see.

"Yuko…" the figure said, voice trembling with emotion.

Yuko froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Ruko?!"

Scene 4.2: Memories of the Past

As the visuals faded and glitched, a haunting voice echoed through the darkness, reminiscent of Yuko's sister.

"Yuko, you know we're in school after we went to that café together. Back then, we didn't care about the world. We just talked about random things. Those were the golden days, and our biggest problem was which flavor of cake to choose. I still remember how you teased me about picking strawberry."

Sin's voice twisted Ruko's memories, manipulating Yuko with nostalgia.

"I want those days back."

Scene 4.3: The Abyss and Its Traps

Unbeknownst to Yuko, she was trapped in the Abyss, her time running out. Sin's manipulations grew stronger, and just as Yuko seemed lost, Kazuka and Senji emerged from the previous level.

"Yuko!" Kazuka shouted, urgency in his voice. "We have to save you!"

Senji rapidly typed an antivirus program, aiming to break Sin's control.

"Stay strong, Yuko! You can do this!" he urged.

Scene 4.4: The Turning Point

Yuko teetered on the edge of despair when suddenly, she heard Ruko's real voice break through the darkness.

"I already know, sister. You came to save me from this. I believe we will go to the café one day."

Her memories shifted rapidly, revealing fragments of their childhood—her mother and father's tragedy, the bond with Ruko, and Satoshi's promise to protect her.

Scene 4.5: The Power of Determination

With newfound determination, Yuko fought against Sin's grip. She felt the encouragement of her teammates, Kazuka and Senji's voices merging into a chorus of support.

"Come on, Yuko! You can do it!"

Senji worked furiously to implement the antivirus program, each keystroke a lifeline for Yuko.

Scene 4.6: Breaking Free

Just as Sin prepared to trap Yuko completely, she summoned her strength.

"I won't be lost to you!" she declared, breaking through Sin's manipulation.

Senji, his voice a mix of shock and excitement, exclaimed, "Yes, Yuko! You can do it! Keep pushing!"

With a final surge of willpower, Yuko emerged from the Abyss, the grip of darkness loosening as she stepped back into the light of reality.

Scene4.7: The Revelation

Once safe, Kazuka revealed unsettling information that had come to light during their harrowing journey.

"Yuko, the Ghost we encountered isn't just a memory fragment. Ruko might be connected to Sin in ways we can't fully understand."

Yuko's breath caught in her throat. "What do you mean?"

Kazuka's eyes were serious. "Ruko may have been integrated into the system. Sin doesn't just trap memories—it consumes them, twisting them. If Ruko's consciousness is part of Sin, her essence could be lost forever."

Scene 4.8: The Mission Ahead

The weight of Kazuka's words hung heavily in the air, but Yuko's resolve hardened.

"Then we'll find her. We'll break her free from this… from Sin. No matter what it takes."

Kazuka nodded, determination mirrored in his eyes. "We need to go deeper. The higher stages await us, and we must be prepared. Sin will do everything to stop us."

Scene 4.9: The voice of Sin

As the screen faded to black, an unsettling silence filled the air, broken only by the faint, crackling sound of static. A voice—deep and distorted—echoed through the darkened space, crawling into Yuko's ears.

"You think you've seen the worst of it?" the voice sneered. "This is just the beginning. There are horrors lurking far beyond the shadows… monsters waiting for you."

The room grew colder, as if the very air was suffused with an unnatural chill. The voice laughed—a hollow sound that echoed from everywhere and nowhere.

"Welcome… to the true nightmare."

Before Yuko could respond, the voice faded into eerie silence, and she woke up in the old factory room. A message suddenly flashed across Senji'

s computer screen: "Be Prepare for Stage 2: Torva."

"I can wait for you, Yuko…"

Chapter 4 ended…