Aiko swiftly appeared, her figure materializing within the hologram as Ethan and the others observed.
"E…Ethan!" Aiko's voice rang out, her face lighting up with a smile as her eyes locked onto him. Simultaneously, Ethan's form emerged in the hologram, a faint grin playing on his lips. Aiko's fingers grazed through her hair, tucking a stray strand behind her ear.
"Aiko," Ethan's voice resonated, his expression a portrait of tranquility as his hand made a serene waving motion.
"Sorry, got caught up in something and wasn't sure how long this connection would take, so I figured I'd just..." Aiko's words tapered, a somber expression settling onto her features as her gaze zeroed in on the women positioned behind Ethan.
"Oh, your... witches are tagging along," she remarked, a tinge of disappointment coloring her voice.
"Hey there!"
"Hi, Aiko!"
"What's happening?"