Chapter 70 - The Calm Before the Storm

---

The night was still, save for the distant crackling of fire and the occasional creak of collapsing metal from the ruined facility. The group sat on a nearby rooftop, catching their breath.

Tora's voice broke the silence. "So, we just blew up a heavily fortified base and fought off a cybernetic enforcer. Anyone wanna explain how that wasn't in the plan?"

Ryuuji stretched lazily. "Plans are like relationships—sometimes they just fall apart."

Hotaru shot him a glare. "That analogy makes no sense."

Mira chuckled, still wiping dust from her jacket. "Honestly, I think it fits."

Sai sat against the ledge, deep in thought. His fingers absentmindedly traced a scar on his arm. "Shiro won't let this go. He'll come after us. And next time, he won't just send one enforcer."

Hotaru nodded, eyes narrowing. "We need to stay ahead of him. Tora, did you get anything from their systems before we left?"

Tora cracked his knuckles. "Of course. Downloaded everything before the place went boom." He pulled out his tablet and tapped the screen. "There's a file labeled Project Revenant."

Mira frowned. "That doesn't sound good."

Tora's expression darkened. "Because it isn't. It's an experimental enhancement program—Shiro's been creating more cybernetic soldiers."

Ryuuji whistled. "So that enforcer back there? He wasn't a one-time deal."

Sai's jaw clenched. "That means we're on a timer. If Shiro finishes this project, we're all dead."

A heavy silence fell over the group.

Kuro, who had been cleaning his paw, finally spoke. "Then we burn it all down before he can."

Everyone turned to the cat.

Hotaru smirked. "For once, I agree with Kuro."

Tora pulled up a map. "I traced a signal before the explosion. Shiro's next facility is in Aether City—but security's even tighter than this one."

Mira sighed. "Of course it is."

Ryuuji grinned. "Sounds like fun."

Sai stood up, adjusting his jacket. "Then let's move. We're not waiting for him to come to us."

Hotaru nodded, determination burning in her eyes. "We end this before it begins."

The night stretched before them, filled with uncertainty, danger, and the promise of war.

But one thing was clear—they weren't running anymore.

To be continued…

---