[From Lightning's diary]

[WRITTEN ON 14 SEP 2022]

Although my relationship with Hiromi had gradually deepened over time, I still had this unease that she had hidden something really important from me. I understood that my status as a person from a different world also contributed to her interest, but the fact that she worked for an intelligence agency and that she did not disclose much about her family really bothered me.

I did not have much good experience encountering organizations that worked in secrecy. Children of Etro was the last instance, and they tried to kill anybody who looked like me in Luxerion. And I remembered during Alyssa's 17th birthday party, Yeul mentioned Freemasonry, the occult organization that is controlling history from behind the scenes and is motivated by the desire to obtain power and wealth. Was Hiromi one of them? However, if her intention was really malicious, she would not even tell me that much.

It has been two months since our first meeting and we practically knew each other's activities throughout normal days. She went to her campus three times per week, and sometimes she visited my house or Serah's house to see and play with our kids. We also went traveling together to the park, gym, shopping mall, library, and museum. However, the topics of our conversation were not very personal, only about the latest news in France, my participation in the Dissidia tournament, her childhood life in Japan, her study, and my family here.

I knew that Hiromi's study is related to medieval Europe and its important events, such as the Fall of the Roman Empire, Crusades, and Black Death. Particularly, she seems interested in the role of the Catholic Church throughout civilian life in that era. For her family, she told me that she has a brother who is currently working in a software company, her dad is a professional antiques collector and owner of a large auction house in Tokyo, and her mom is a karate instructor. All of them are staying in Japan. However, she did not mention names so I cannot verify the truth.

Once, we sparred at the open field not far from our residential complex after I finished my MMA class. The location is near a forest so nobody was around. I wore my Equilibrium garb with Ultima Blade, and she wore her previous peacock orange vest, wielding her katana. While we were fighting, I openly interrogated her this time.

"Hiromi, tell me, " I spoke as I dashed forward to target multiple slashes on her, while she was busy parrying them, "What is your real motivation to approach me? I do not think you befriend me to know about my daily life."

"As sharp as always, aren't you?" Hiromi replied, as she thrust her blade multiple times forward and I dodged sideways. Both of us stepped back, panting and recovering our stamina. She wiped the sweat on her eyebrows and gazed upon me for a while. Her expression indicated anxiety but excitement at the same time.

"I guess it is the time to tell you the truth," she continued while sheathing her samurai back, "I told you earlier that I used to be a part of paranormal investigation when I was with the intelligence agency. Specifically, I did research on the whereabouts of mystical artifacts which are claimed to possess the power to open a portal to another world."

"As I suspected." I also put back my Ultima Blade and stared at her. "Are you thinking by approaching me you will be closer to that artifact? Because I used to participate in the Dissidia tournament?"

"Let's just say yes." She bowed and sat down on the grass to rest, "I have identified the approximate location of the artifact and also the portal, but I suspect that you can help me to gain access to those places..."

"Are you still working for that intelligence agency even now?" I prompted her, narrowed my eyes in suspicion, "Are they connected with Freemasonry in some ways?"

Hiromi looked surprised, her mouth was open, her eyes were widened, and she stared at me, "So you knew about Freemasonry..."

"Not much, but I know that they are not good guys, " I answered while massaging my shoulder, "But the fact that you have disclosed this to me, I can think of two possible things: You are either investigating them or you are part of them and tried to lure me into a trap..."

She sighed and tidied her wavy hair, "If you knew about them, you should notice that they are not transparent about what they are doing. If I am part of them, I would not even let you know that I am searching for mystical artifacts..."

I thought about what she said for a while, and it was definitely plausible. From what Hope told me, these people promoted common secular laws and peace among humanity. They actually actively promoted science as a means to understand reality and reject religions of this world as superstitions that need to wither away in order for humanity to progress.

Hiromi leaned forward and looked at me seriously, "I am currently a member of Lux Veritatis, the international organization of followers of Creator God. We are actively monitoring and fighting against Freemasonry activities in this world...", she confessed.

"So, is this the intelligence agency you talked about previously?" I clarified, "It sounds more like a secret society!"

"Yes, I am sorry to just inform you right now, " she acknowledged and apologized with a guilty expression. "My organization required me to provide evidence that you and your circle of friends are trustworthy. So, for these few months, I provided a report to them about your life. Only after that, they allowed me to disclose this to you."

"So, what makes Lux Veritatis interested in me?" I probed, "I do not think it is just because I am from another world...and I am not a believer of Creator God of this world, so I don't know if I am even eligible to join your organization..."

"That's a very good point, " Hiromi nodded, and stroked her chin, "But I think that you have a good potential to believe in the Creator."

"I did not have a very good impression of the creator god in my universe!" I burst out in anger and stared at Hiromi, "He took my sister and my husband captive while trying to eliminate countless souls without my knowledge! How do I know this God of yours will not be the same as my god?"

"Lightning...I cannot comment on Bhunivelze or Etro since I am not from your world, " she admitted, but her face still looked calm, "But here is what I knew about God - He saved my brother from Freemasonry when they were about to kill him."

I became interested in her story, "Tell me more, " I requested.

[Hiromi's story]

I have always admired my brother for his character. Although he has so much burden due to his psychic abilities, he is able to care about his family and live a normal life. He has the ability to see supernatural beings from spiritual dimensions. Since he was a child, he often pointed to or stared at empty spaces where there was no one. Initially, my dad and mom disbelieved him and said it was just a kid's imagination. However, when I was 10, our family moved from Fukuoka to Tokyo. When we surveyed the property, my brother was able to pinpoint when the house was haunted by evil spirits. When my dad asked the previous owner, he admitted that the owner before him killed his entire family before committing suicide and that many paranormal activities happened there. From thereon, our parents believed him.

He did not disclose his ability to many people. The only people who knew about this were our family members and two of his childhood friends. Actually, at one time, he despised his condition and rhetorically asked why God gave him such ability. I could only sympathize but was unsure how to help him. He decided to pursue a career in information technology as he thought he could deal with less mystical stuff and be surrounded by people with more scientific minds. I was very close with him, as we also trained in kendo since we were in secondary school. We sparred regularly, and I was thankful for him inspiring me to keep improving my skills.

That day came, sixteen years ago. We had just walked back from our school to our home. Both my dad and mom were busy working at that time, so we always went to school and returned home together. We left late that day since we had just finished our kendo class around 6pm. We were the last ones, so nobody was inside that dojo on the 2nd floor. When my brother and I waited for the elevator, I noticed at another end of the hallway two big men, dressed all in black suits, cloak, and glasses, were standing near the stairs. They smiled wickedly when they saw us.

"Hiromi, " I saw my brother clench his fists but he still trembled, "I saw evil spirits behind those men...with horns and wings."

"Don't tell me...these guys are sorcerers, " I muttered in fear, "Oni-san...we have to leave."

Those two men walked towards us slowly, I pressed the elevator button repeatedly in a hurry. Why did these things need to happen to us? What were they looking for? Was it because of my brother's psychic ability? One of them withdrew a big knife from his pocket and licked it while staring at me.

"HELP!", I screamed as loud as possible, "Somebody help us!"

Immediately, I heard a security guard from the floor below us reply to me, "What happened? Are you OK?"

But after that, that security guard also screamed, and I heard the sound of somebody stabbing a knife multiple times, followed by the sound of a collapsing body on the floor. That was the first time in my life I seriously prayed to God to save me. My brother moved forward and prepared a fighting stance to face those two guys. When the elevator door finally opened, I was surprised because another guy with black cloak appeared from inside. He quickly covered my mouth with a handkerchief, and instantly I felt my body weakening and I fell asleep...

When I woke up, I realized that I was inside a small room like a warehouse, likely underground. Around the room, there were many metal shelves with containers and cardboard boxes. I was sitting tied with a rope on the wooden chair, with my hands behind my back. In front of me, there was a wooden table with a dagger soaked with blood, still dripping to the surface. I realized that two big guys I saw at school were sitting on opposite sides of the table. I turned my head to the other side of the room, and I was horrified with what I saw and was about to scream, but instantly a hand covered my mouth from behind and tied me with another rope.

I saw my brother was tied on the large cross, he was naked with only his underwear, there were countless cut wounds everywhere on his body. Apparently, he was tortured when I was unconscious. His eyes slowly opened, he coughed and spilled blood, panting hard. My heart was broken watching his condition, and tears were flowing from my eyes. How could this happen? And who were these people? We had done nothing wrong in our life and yet they targeted us.

"Hi...ro...mi..." my brother called me with a very hoarse voice, "Are you OK?"

"Right now, she is still fine, " the guy that covered my mouth from behind answered, "But, that can change...if you still refuse to release your power."

"Don't touch her...I'm warning you..." my brother started and threatened the guy behind me. But the guy laughed loudly and grabbed my hair.

"What can you do to stop me? Will you release the energy within you?" he taunted, "Sweet girl, your brother looks more powerful and important than what you are thinking...if he decides to join us, he will become a higher mason than our boss. Unfortunately, he refused and chose this fate..."

"Who are you guys? And what do you want from me?" my brother growled. The guy behind me walked to the front and faced me. I was surprised and terrified by his appearance, as he was bald, his skin was so pale and white and when he smiled, I saw all his teeth were sharp. He was wearing a black suit with a skull necklace. He was really like a vampire. Another two guys were bearded, with long and curly brownish hair but still looked human. But I saw they had a lot of demonic tattoos on their upper arms and the view of it really made me sick.

"We are elites of this world, " that vampire-like guy proclaimed, "By harnessing the power of the gods, we shall be immortal and rule nations forever..."

"And you have potential within you if you cultivate it." The vampire took the dagger from the table and traced it on my brother's shoulder. I felt very sick to see his expression, "With such power, you can read people's mind, levitate yourself, and even control elements...it is a pity you refuse to release it."

I really did not understand what that guy said at that time and who those guys were. I could only cry and pray in my heart. Suddenly, I heard an explosion and realized that the ceiling above me was crumbling, and falling concrete hit the table in front of me. I saw that two white-haired guys, wearing something like medieval battle armor, jumped down and both of them wielded very long and bright luminous blue blades. I recognized them as claymore. There were shouting and roaring sounds as those two guys were fighting with the vampire and his two minions. My chair was overthrown when they landed. My head hit the floor and I was knocked unconscious.

When I woke up, I saw that I was in a room similar to a hospital ward. I felt my entire body was in pain and noticed that my arms were full of bandages. I was wearing something like a light green hospital patient shirt. I turned to the right side and saw a table with a plate of porridge and a cup of tea, and a barred window, facing the blue sky. The sunlight from that window reached the side of my bed.

And when I turned to the other side, I saw a teenage guy, his entire body was wrapped in bandages. He was unconscious in supine position. I realized that it was my brother and stretched my hand, wanting to touch him...

"Oni-san..."

"It is really a miracle that he still survives, " a voice said from behind the wooden door on the opposite side of the room. Instantly, the door opened and I saw a blonde guy with glasses dressed in a white uniform like a hospital doctor. On his left and right side were standing two guys with medieval battle armor who I recognized earlier in the warehouse. Their claymores were sheathed behind their back, no longer luminous.

I also noticed that the doctor and both of those guys had this strange symbol like a black arrow pointing down on their uniform (on the shoulder) and battle armor (on the chest). It could be the symbol of their organization, I supposed.

"Hi, gaki (kid)...good to see you awake, " one of the soldiers greeted me, "How are you feeling right now?"

"I am fine, " I replied, "But my brother...". I pointed to him on his bed, his condition looked so terrible.

"He will be just fine, " the doctor answered, "But, I should say that it was a miracle he is still alive. I thought we lost him yesterday..."

"Yesterday, he lost so much blood from his bleeding that his pulse and heartbeat stopped, " the doctor explained further, "I tried to do CPR but still no effect...eventually they prayed for him, and suddenly his heart started to beat again...this is the first time I witnessed such thing...most casualties are still dead even after prayer."

I sighed, and really gave thanks to God from my heart at that time. That was the first time I really sincerely prayed for an immediate answer.

"How many days have I been unconscious?" I asked, "What happened after..."

"We fought against those bastards who tortured both of you and prevailed, " the first soldier explained to me. His hair was curly and he had a roundish face, "By the way, my name is Karel. This is Larry, my senior...and this is doctor Hans...". Karel tilted his head toward another soldier with spiky hair and a long face.

"Karel, I told you repeatedly, do not use obscene language in front of minors, " Larry reprimanded and elbowed Karel. "You are not setting a good example."

"Who are you guys? Why did you rescue us?" I probed further and ignored the mentioned trivialities. Hans, Karel, and Larry looked at each other for a while. After that, Larry moved forward and stretched his hand to greet me. I felt awkward and hesitated to shake Larry's hand initially. But I eventually greeted him.

"We are Lux Veritatis...nice to meet you."

And that was the moment I learned about the existence of this organization.

"So, they rescued both of you." I listened to Hiromi intently and really felt sympathy for her, "You had a tough life..."

"Maybe not as tough as you, " she commented humbly, "I never needed to fight to rescue people's souls...but it was definitely a life-changing experience for me..."

"So, why did those guys target your brother?" I asked and slowly stood up, "Shall we have lunch together while continuing this conversation? My husband is working from home today, so I can use my car to bring you to a restaurant..."

"So nice of you..." Hiromi also stood up and we slowly walked toward the road in front of us, "After all I have said, I am thinking of bringing you to meet my colleagues. The reason why I studied here is because Lux Veritatis has a hideout in Bordeaux but not Paris. I mentioned to you earlier that you can help me with tracking this mystical artifact..."

I thought about it for a while, and questioned whether it would be dangerous. So far, I perceive Hiromi to be likeable and trustable. But then, so did Bhunivelze, before he betrayed me. However, I knew that apparently she is still a normal human and does not have supernatural abilities. If she betrays me, I can quickly eliminate her and she should know that.

"Would you expect me to go alone to your hideout?", I verified as we reached the road. I am watching for the traffic to cross the road to the parking lot where I put my car.

"Unfortunately, yes...", she responded and followed me from behind, "But you can bring your weapons if you think I am lying. And I am sure you are capable of defeating most of my colleagues with your power..."

After we crossed the road, we went to a public toilet near the parking lot to change our clothes. After that, we reached my car. I put my Equilibrium garbs and Ultima Blade in the back seat. Hiromi also did the same with her peacock vest and samurai. Hiromi told me the address of a building at the outskirts of the city, and I set it as a destination in Google Maps before we left that place. I estimated the journey will take around thirty minutes.

When we were on the road, I messaged Hope that I will have lunch with Hiromi.

"Your question on why they targeted my brother. Basically, Lux Veritatis and Freemasonry always fought on three things - the activation portal to other worlds, potential humans with exceptional talents or gifts - preferably supernatural one, and mystical artifacts...There are many of those things around the world but it is quite difficult to identify them. Obviously, both parties are interested in those things because it grants them more powers. When you activate the portal, spirits from other worlds can go to this realm and grant those that open the portal with their power..."

"And then some people are naturally endowed with such gifts like my brother. Although he tried not to be involved, it became impossible. Both parties have their scouts to identify these potential people and quickly approach them to join their side. After that incident, my brother had no choice but to join Lux Veritatis. He is not the type of person interested in obtaining personal glory or being involved in grand schemes but just to live a normal life. However, Freemasonry already identified him and if he did not join Lux Veritatis, his life would be in danger from time to time..."

I chuckled and commented, "Sounds like me and my friends when we become L'Cie..."

Hiromi nodded, "Yes, but at least here you are part of the bigger groups. You had it worse than me because only six of you...you need to fight against the entire Cocoon..", she unwrapped and sucked a candy from my car dashboard, "After that incident, my brother needed to change his identity and our family needed to report him as deceased officially. Lux Veritatis provided him with a new name, residential address, passport, birth certificate, phone number, and so on. And we cannot contact him directly but only through Lux Veritatis, once a year. Our family was very sad, but at least we knew that he was alive. And he will be trained to develop his psychic skills for noble purposes..."

"But then...", I interrupted, "You have no supernatural ability, yet you are still part of them..."

"Yes, I am one of the rare cases...", she grinned, putting the candy wrapper to the trash can near the gear, "I worked insanely hard to be very good at kendo and archery, so they can think that I am a capable fighter. I also acquired espionage skills and educated myself in ancient history and languages. Plus my dad owned an antique auction house and hence I have unique access to materials which are potentially able to locate the artifacts. After considering all these things, they eventually let me in when I was twenty-two years old...twelve years after that incident...That year after I won the kendo championship, I immediately joined Lux Veritatis..."

"But you do not need to change your identity like your brother?", I asked in surprise, "Are you still able to contact your parents?"

"Yes, but only through an offline channel...", Hiromi replied, "I am not really essential enough for Freemasonry like my brother. However, after I joined Lux Veritatis, I cannot have a job with public institutions. I also cannot have close friends or spouse outside the organization. Otherwise, it is easy for Freemasonry to track and hunt me down.."

"You live a very tough life, Hiromi...", I sighed, "I used to live a harder life than you, but now I am practically living a normal life...I suppose you also cannot leave Lux Veritatis freely..."

"I can, but they will change my identity again, and practically I would not have any parents, siblings, spouse or children...", she lamented, "And I cannot contact Lux Veritatis again forever. I will lose touch with my brother..."

"You seem very close to him...", I commented, "It is almost like a lover..."

Hiromi giggled, and I saw her cheeks become reddish, "Some people said that...I wished that he is, but we are siblings..."

"I am sure that Lux Veritatis have a lot of single guys...", I patted Hiromi's hair to console her, "Anyway, do you approach me because of my Etro's power?"

"Yes, but like what you said...", Hiromi acknowledged, "You are not a believer. For now. But I think you at least will need to be convinced that we are working on the good side. But I am glad you are open to try meeting my colleagues..."

"Do I need to join Lux Veritatis in order to work with you?", I queried, "It is like leaving a normal life behind..."

"Of course not...", Hiromi waved her hand away, and answered, "You will join as a temporary staff member. After the mission is completed, you are free to go. But we need you not to disclose this. Even to Hope or Serah. At least, for now..."

"And what will I get in return for working with you?", I asked, "At least for you, you can be close to your brother. And you believe you do this work for your God..."

"God will also reward those who help His people, including unbelievers, in the afterlife..", Hiromi responded, "We have some monetary compensation, but of course it will not be as lucrative as Dissidia or the Olympics. I suppose money is a secondary factor when you work to fight evil..."

I thought that if what Hiromi told is true, then it means there is a hidden war in this world. On the surface, this world looked more peaceful than Cocoon. The war actually is happening behind the scenes through these secret societies. Should I help Lux Veritatis? But then, what if Freemasonry targeted me and my family like how they targeted Hiromi's brother?

"You will get one sacred artifact from our repository after mission completion...", Hiromi suggested, "I understand that Hope is also interested in collecting these artifacts for his side research. He searched everywhere, but usually these artifacts were either not sold in public or very expensive. How about that motivation? You can help us fight against evil and also to please your husband..."

"And maybe more personal thing, you will also help me as your friend...I helped you to keep your fighting skill sharp...", Hiromi grinned. I chuckled and rolled my eyes. Is she really a friend or just trying to take advantage of me? Who will know if she said the truth? But so far, her story seemed very convincing.

"How about my family? Will Freemasonry target them if I work for you?", I asked in a suspicious tone.

"If you do not disclose this to anyone, then no...", Hiromi replied, "My dad and mom are also fine until now, because we worked outside the grid of mainstream society..."

"We have already reached...", I announced as my car approached the dead end of an old industrial area. Hiromi's given address pointed to a red-brick building like an abandoned factory at the end of this road. We unfastened our seatbelts and went out of the car. I took my Ultima Blade but Hiromi left her orange peacock vest and samurai inside my car.

"I will leave my stuff there, just to prove that I am not getting you into a trap...", she said while raising both of her hands up and walking away from my car.

I looked at the building, it looked very old and not maintained. It is four-story and most of the windows were broken. The bricks were mossy near ground level and rubbles was scattered everywhere on the road leading to its main entrance. There were old rusty black metal stairs attached to the wall of the building, from ground level to the roof. Both side of the building were surrounded by a barbed wire fence, and I can see a chimney on its rooftop. If we come here during night time, it will definitely feel like a scene in a horror movie.

"It looked more like gangster hideout than headquarter of religious organization...", I commented, putting my hand on my hip while dragging my Ultima Blade on the road.

"Do not judge a book by its cover...", Hiromi argued while glancing at me, "Come on, let's get in..."

We approached the sliding door entrance and Hiromi knocked on the door. There was a silence for a while before eventually a man's voice responded from inside.

"Keyword, please...", the voice demanded. It looked exactly like Children of Etro, I thought.

"Blessed be the Lord my rock, who trained my hands for war, my fingers for battle...", Hiromi replied. The words were somehow similar like some kinds of ancient poetry. I wondered if I used to hear that somewhere. After Hiromi's words, the sliding door started to open from below. It continued until half-way and then it stopped. But it was enough for us to bend down under.

As we reached inside, I saw that it was practically empty space. However, there were two big guys standing on the left and right side of the door, wearing gray military uniform, wielding rifles. I saw that on their shoulders there are black arrows pointing down with letters imprinted in their uniform: Lux Veritatis. Hiromi raised her thumb up to those guys, they nodded and smiled. One of them held a remote in his hand, pointed to the floor in front of us, and pressed the button. Instantly, the dusty floor in front of us shifted open like a trap door, and there was a stairs heading to the basement with a wooden door on another end, with style like a gothic church door in Notre Dame.

Hiromi slowly descended through the stairs and I closely followed behind her. When we were close to the door, I heard the sounds of some people talking from inside. She withdrew something like a badge with a strange symbol from her pocket, and put it on a small crevice on the right wall beside the door. I heard a clicking sound like some mechanisms were activated and the door was opened inward.

I saw that inside the door, there was a place that looked like a meeting room where five men, all dressed in white robes, surrounded a table in the middle. On the table, you have something like a layout of the building, and a couple of markers. I also saw some weapons hanging on the wall, ranging from swords, axes, clubs, spears and rifles. Those five men turned to see me and Hiromi, with curious faces.

She turned her body facing those guys, glanced at me, and started to speak.

"Gentlemen, let me introduce to you Lightning Farron...", Hiromi proclaimed and stretched her hand to me, "The warrior goddess from Nova Chrysalia..."

After she said that, those five guys were very shocked and started to whisper among themselves. I realized that this will be a very long day for me...