Callum's footsteps echoed softly as he was led back to the historical archive, a room that had now become all too familiar to him. The towering shelves, brimming with ancient artifacts and manuscripts, seemed to close in on him. Sophia was there, just as before, her presence commanding the room. The ambient light cast shadows that danced around her, giving her an almost ethereal glow against the backdrop of dusty old tomes and scrolls.

She looked up as Callum approached, her gaze piercing and analytical. The room, for all its vastness, felt incredibly intimate at that moment, charged with the memories of their last conversation.

"Back again, Mr. Lynch," she remarked, her voice echoing softly in the hallowed space. "I hope you've had time to reflect on our previous discussion."

Callum hesitated, taking in the room and its contents, each artifact a silent witness to their unfolding story. "I've had time," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of defiance, "but reflection? That's another matter."

Sophia delicately tapped a button on her remote, and immediately, the room was filled with the ethereal light of a holo screen. Ancient documents and images floated in the air, casting their luminous reflections on the sleek surfaces around.

"Following the demise of Ii Naosuke,"Sophia began, her voice echoing slightly in the vast archive room, "our records indicate that Leopold was dispatched to Kyoto. His new mission was orchestrated by the then Mentor, Hidemaro Ougino..."

The holo screen zoomed in on an intricate portrait of a dignified man dressed in traditional Japanese garb, his gaze intense and piercing - Hidemaro Ougino.

Callum's eyes were drawn to the portrait, a connection forming between him and the ancestral ties of his past. "Why was Leopold sent to Kyoto?"he asked, trying to piece together the story.

Sophia's fingers glided gracefully over the remote, and the holo screen transitioned to display a majestic image of the old Kyoto Imperial Palace, its grandeur evident even in the black and white renderings.

"With the country's economy in shambles," she began, her voice filled with gravity, "the Templars saw a golden opportunity to embed themselves deeper into Japan's core. Kyoto, being the ancient capital and the seat of the Imperial Court, was of paramount significance."

Images of court ceremonies, nobles, and ancient scrolls adorned with intricate calligraphy flashed across the screen.

"They believed that by infiltrating and influencing the Imperial Court, they could control the nation's very soul. Directing the decisions of the emperor and his courtiers would enable them to reshape Japan in their image."

"What does any of this has to do with what your looking for?"

"Mr. Lynch, we belive this was also the moment when he first made contact with the suspernatural."

Callum raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his voice. "Fantasy? You're saying my ancestor was involved with... myths and legends?"

Sophia, with an air of seriousness, adjusted the holo screen to project ancient scrolls and paintings depicting ethereal entities. "It's not just legends, Mr. Lynch. We theorize that during Leopold's tenure in Kyoto, he encountered things beyond our common understanding. Japan is rife with tales of spirits and otherworldly occurrences."

The screen flickered, showing serene landscapes interrupted by floating figures, mysterious shadows, and glowing orbs.

"His personal journals suggest encounters with entities that most would dismiss as folklore,"Sophia elaborated. "These aren't just tales to entertain children. They might hold the key to powers or knowledge that could reshape our world."

Callum leaned in, curiosity replacing his initial skepticism. "So you're telling me... he wasn't just navigating political intrigues, but also... ghostly encounters?"

Sophia hesitated, choosing her words with care. "There's an obstacle we haven't discussed, Mr. Lynch."

Callum's attention sharpened, sensing the gravity of what was about to be shared.

"In your attempts to synchronize with Leopold, you'll find that Kyoto was a veritable maze of covert operations,"Sophia explained. "Between the spate of assassinations targeting both Shogunate supporters and opponents, Leopold was constantly on the move, exhibiting a level of skill and agility that might be challenging for you to replicate."

She paused, allowing the implication to settle. "Additionally, Leopold found himself hunted not only by political adversaries but also by the Ishin Shishi and a cadre of skilled ninjas."

Callum's eyes widened, but before he could interject, Sophia pressed a button, bringing up a new display.

"And there's another layer to this." The emblem of a cross, dark and foreboding, appeared on the screen. "The Black Cross. These are the Templar Order's elite, tasked with not only enforcing the Order's directives but also with hunting down Assassins. They're adept, trained in the same techniques as the Assassins, and a significant number of them had Leopold in their crosshairs."

The atmosphere in the room grew tense, the weight of the challenges ahead becoming palpable. Callum took a deep breath, processing the information. "So, stepping into Leopold's shoes means navigating a world filled with enemies on all sides."

Sophia leaned forward, emphasizing the gravity of her words. "When I mentioned that Leopold was the last to possess the Apple, the underlying implication is profound. Leopold, it seems, was the sole survivor. The Bakumatsu Era was a period of immense upheaval, and no other Assassin or even Onmyoji managed to endure its entirety."

The ambient light from the holo screen cast shifting shadows across the room. Callum felt a tightness in his chest, realizing the sheer magnitude of his ancestor's journey.

"Are you implying that he was entirely isolated?"Callum inquired, trying to piece together the fragmented history.

Sophia nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Exactly. The Templars were relentless. Most of the Assassins and Onmyoji had either been eliminated or forced into hiding. Leopold was likely one of the very few still operating in the open, resisting their advances."

The weight of the past bore down on Callum, imagining the solitude and relentless pressure Leopold must have faced.

Sophia's voice softened a bit. "This is why your connection to him, your synchronization, is so pivotal. His memories, the choices he made, the paths he treaded – all could hold the key to locating the Apple. And beyond that, there might be revelations within Leopold's experiences that could reshape our entire perspective of that era."

Sophia paused for a moment, letting the gravity of the information settle. "There's another layer to this complex tapestry. Some Onmyoji, driven by their own motives, had allied themselves with the Templars. It became increasingly challenging to distinguish friend from foe during that era."

Callum furrowed his brow, trying to understand the intricate web of alliances and betrayals. "So, you're saying even among the Onmyoji, there were those who worked against Leopold?"

Sophia nodded, "Exactly. The lines were blurred, and trust was a rare commodity. Everyone had their own agenda."

Callum took a deep breath, processing the information. "This just keeps getting more complex."

Sophia leaned in slightly, her tone firm, "That's why, after you've relived the session following Ii Naosuke's demise, we need to ensure you're equipped, not just mentally but physically. We'll arrange intensive training for you. The challenges Leopold faced were not just strategic and political, but also physical. And if you're to walk in his footsteps, you need to be prepared on all fronts."

Callum nodded, appreciating the gravity of the mission ahead. "I understand. Let's get to it then."