Chapter 67 - Into the Lion’s Den

The dust from the explosion settled, but the tension in the air was heavier than ever. The war machine was reduced to nothing but scorched metal, its glowing red eyes now dim and lifeless.

Ryuuji dusted off his jacket, letting out a low whistle. "Well, that was fun. Anyone else feel like we almost died?"

Sai cracked his neck. "Because we did almost die."

Hotaru sheathed her knives. "No time to celebrate. Tora, where's Shiro?"

Tora's voice came through the earpiece. "Top floor. Security system is fried, but there's a problem—he's expecting you."

Mira frowned. "Figures. That bastard always has a backup plan."

As they sprinted through the now-vulnerable facility, alarms wailed around them. The scent of burnt wires and gunpowder filled the air, but the hallways were eerily empty.

Ryuuji muttered, "Too quiet. I don't like it."

Hotaru kicked open a door—only to come face-to-face with a dozen armed guards.

"Oh. There they are." Ryuuji grinned.

Before anyone could react, bullets rained down on them.

Sai grabbed Hotaru and dove behind cover, Mira rolling into position beside them. Ryuuji, unfazed, smirked and pulled out a flash grenade.

"Close your eyes, kids."

He tossed it. A blinding light erupted, followed by chaos.

Hotaru didn't waste a second. She lunged forward, her knives flashing as she cut through the disoriented guards. Sai followed, his movements swift and precise. Ryuuji took advantage of the confusion, knocking out opponents left and right.

Kuro leapt from the shadows, landing on a guard's face. The man screamed, swatting wildly, but the black cat dodged effortlessly and clawed his way down the guy's back.

Mira landed a powerful roundhouse kick on the last standing enemy, sending him crashing into a control panel. Sparks flew, and the emergency doors unlocked with a metallic hiss.

Sai wiped blood from his dagger. "That was messy."

Hotaru cracked her knuckles. "Won't be the last time."

Tora's voice buzzed in. "You're almost there. Shiro's just ahead."

Hotaru exhaled, gripping her blades tightly. "Then let's finish this."

The team stepped through the final door—straight into the lion's den.

To be continued…

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