Starting with a clue from an encrypted message on Yuichiro's lab computer, Lan and MegaMan.EXE discover digital snapshots of the real world in the past called VisionBursts which are hidden in the net. By piecing together clues left by Dr. Hikari in these areas, they discover he hid the Hikari Report in one of the VisionBursts, but Regal finds it first and claims it. The Hikari Report is explained to be a research project undertaken by Hikari and Dr. Wily to create SoulNet, an internet network connecting the minds and souls of humans and NetNavis across the world. The two believed SoulNet could bring peace and unity, but were unable to finish their research. Regal intends to unleash Nebula Grey, a program of pure hatred and darkness, upon the completed SoulNet, corrupting all humans and NetNavis in the world. Lan also discovers that Regal is Dr. Wily's son, and the two scientists intended for their children to complete their project.