One night, Mika and Kobi arrive at the arcade and notice an advertisement for a contest—the best Pod Fighter players may be eligible to win extravagant prizes. Mika senses this is the opportunity he’s been waiting for, the chance to find Ellie. He decides to team up with Audrey, a new girl with “borg eyes,” as his gunner, and on their first flight, they experience an immediate chemistry. After they reach Level 3 (surpassing the competition), they “fly” over South America, but the devastated Amazon rain forest saddens them. As they leave for the evening, Mika feels a strong connection to her, one he can’t explain or deny.

Awen once again alerts Mika to another commotion in Ellie’s cupboard, but this time, he finds a thriving, green plant. He enters the cupboard and is transformed into a dog. He is about to frolic through the lush greenery when he wakes up. It’s Saturday, Round 1 of the Pod Fighter competition. He meets Audrey, Kobi, and Tom (Kobi’s partner) at the train station. They battle mobs of eager gamers all headed to the competition, but finally fight their way on to the train. At the arcade, they wait in the rain for two hours until they pass security and are allowed inside.