Danger！！！

Ling Yi stared at the cloaked figure, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and curiosity. Despite the intimidating presence, she sensed no immediate danger from the silent man who stood watching her.

"Who are you?" she repeated, this time with a firmer voice, trying to mask her anxiety.

The cloaked man remained motionless, his face hidden beneath the shadows of his hood. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice low and calm, carrying an air of mystery.

"Someone who has been watching your progress, Ling Yi. You've achieved something remarkable with the Tiger Shark Cannon."

Her eyes widened slightly. How did he know about her invention? Only a select few in Photon City were aware of the full capabilities of her creation. She instinctively took a step back, her mind racing through possibilities. Was he here to steal her work? Sabotage her advancements? Or something else?

Before she could voice her thoughts, the man continued. "I'm not here to harm you. Quite the opposite. I see great potential in you, potential that could change Photon City—perhaps even more than you realize."

Ling Yi narrowed her eyes. "What do you want?"

"I want to help you," he said, stepping forward slightly but keeping his distance. "Your passion for technology, your ingenuity... they deserve to be nurtured, but there are forces out there, much larger than Photon City, that would seek to control or destroy you."

She crossed her arms, skeptical. "And you're not one of them?"

The man gave a faint chuckle. "No. But I do have knowledge that could be of use to you. Consider me... an ally, for now."

Ling Yi remained silent, assessing the situation. She wasn't sure whether to trust him, but something about the man's demeanor told her he was not lying, at least not completely.

"Why should I believe you?"

"You don't have to," the cloaked man replied, turning as if to leave. "But when the time comes, you'll know where to find me. And when that time comes, you'll understand the forces at play—forces that will make the Tiger Shark Cannon seem like a child's toy."

With that, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Ling Yi alone with her thoughts. The room felt colder, the weight of his words lingering in the air. Ling Yi clenched her fists. She didn't fully trust the man, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was looming over her, something she would need to prepare for.

Ling Yi returned to her workstation, her fingers hovering over the keyboard of her computer. She had more questions now than before, but one thing was certain—her work was far from over. And whatever lay ahead, she would be ready.