Kaito's heart pounded as they hurried through the tunnel. Rei led the way, moving faster than he expected. The weight of the shattered screen's warning lingered in the air.
"Who was that?" Kaito asked, trying to keep up.
Rei didn't answer immediately. "An echo," she said finally. "A leftover consciousness from someone trapped in the Hidden. But that one—he's different. More aware. More dangerous."
Kaito swallowed hard. "Why me? Why now?"
Rei glanced at him, her eyes serious. "Because the coin you hold links you to the Hidden. It makes you visible. And they don't like being seen."
Suddenly, Kaito felt a sharp pain in his wrist. He looked down and saw a dark, pulsing mark glowing faintly on his skin.
"What's this?" he asked, alarmed.
"That's the first mark," Rei said grimly. "A warning. A reminder that they're close—and that you belong to the Hidden now."
Kaito clenched his fist. "Can it be removed?"
Rei shook her head. "Not easily. It grows with time if you ignore it."
The mark pulsed again, and Kaito felt a cold shiver run up his arm.
"We need to find a way to protect you," Rei said. "Before the Hidden takes more than just your attention."
Kaito looked at her, determination hardening in his eyes. "Then let's find it."