Chapter 64 - The Cage of Death

The alarms screamed through the facility as the walls shifted, closing in like a mechanical beast coming to life. Red warning lights cast eerie shadows across the metallic floor.

Tora's voice crackled through the earpiece. "Uh… guys? The whole system just went into lockdown. This place is literally changing its structure. We're in deep trouble."

Ryuuji whistled, flipping his knife in his hand. "I gotta admit, Shiro has style."

Sai clenched his fists. "Enough admiration. We need to move."

Hotaru's eyes scanned the shifting walls. "There's always a weak spot. We just have to find it before we get crushed."

Then, Shiro's voice echoed through the speakers.

"You thought you could just walk in and take what's mine?" His tone was light, almost playful. "I should thank you for making this so much fun."

A loud clank echoed, followed by hissing sounds.

Tora's panicked voice rang through the comms. "No, no, no! Guys, that's knockout gas! You have about five minutes before you drop like flies."

Hotaru cursed. "Of course it's gas."

Sai pulled up his scarf to cover his mouth. "We split up. Find a vent, a weak point—anything. We can't stay here."

Ryuuji kicked a metal panel, testing its strength. "Or… we do it my way." He took out a small explosive from his pocket, grinning.

Hotaru narrowed her eyes. "You just carry explosives?"

Ryuuji shrugged. "Always prepared."

Sai sighed. "Just blow the damn thing."

With a press of a button, the charge detonated, blasting a hole through the shifting walls. Dust and smoke filled the corridor, but fresh air rushed in from the other side.

Kuro leaped through first, disappearing into the shadows. The rest followed, weapons drawn.

Tora cheered through the comms. "Haha! You guys are insane! Alright, I'm guiding you from here. There's a power room two floors down. Kill the main system, and we shut Shiro up for good."

Hotaru tightened her grip on her sword. "Then let's end this game."

To be continued…

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