Chapter 69 - The Final Blow

The team barely had time to catch their breath as they sprinted through the dimly lit corridors. Alarms blared overhead, red lights flashing wildly.

Tora's voice came through their earpieces, his tone urgent. "That wasn't just a lockdown—Shiro activated a full-on self-destruct sequence. You guys need to get out NOW!"

Hotaru cursed under her breath. "Of course he did."

Sai glanced at Mira. "How much time do we have?"

Tora's fingers flew over the keyboard. "Three minutes before the entire place turns into dust."

Ryuuji grinned. "Plenty of time."

Hotaru shot him a glare. "Not the time for jokes, idiot!"

They skidded around a corner, but just as they reached the main exit—BOOM!

A wall exploded in front of them, cutting off their escape route. Smoke and debris filled the air, and through the thick haze, a figure emerged.

Shiro.

Except he wasn't alone.

Beside him stood a massive, heavily armored enforcer, towering at nearly seven feet, with cybernetic arms crackling with energy. His eyes glowed a deadly red.

Shiro dusted off his sleeve, unfazed. "I told you, you weren't walking out of here."

The enforcer lunged forward, swinging a punch that shattered the ground where they stood.

The final fight had begun.

The Showdown

Sai blocked a punch, but the sheer force sent him crashing into a wall.

Mira flipped over the enforcer's back, landing a precise kick to his head—but he barely flinched.

Ryuuji dodged a massive swing, rolling across the ground and firing shots—only for the bullets to bounce off the armored body.

Hotaru didn't waste time. She dashed straight for Shiro.

Blades clashed as Shiro blocked her strike with a hidden knife. "Persistent as ever."

Hotaru gritted her teeth. "You have no idea."

They exchanged rapid blows, each movement a blur. But Shiro was faster, stronger, and completely in control.

Meanwhile, Kuro leaped onto the enforcer's back, clawing at his exposed circuits, making sparks fly.

Tora's voice crackled through. "Guys! 90 seconds left! You HAVE to end this now!"

Sai wiped blood from his mouth. "Mira—go for the joints! That armor has weak points!"

Mira nodded, sliding under the enforcer's legs and slicing at the back of his knees with her daggers. The enforcer stumbled.

Ryuuji smirked. "My turn."

He pulled out an EMP grenade and chucked it at the enforcer's chest. BOOM! The lights in his eyes flickered—his cybernetic limbs froze.

Hotaru saw her chance.

She twisted her blade, forcing Shiro into a defensive stance, then slammed her knee into his ribs. He staggered back, his smirk finally fading.

"Not bad," he admitted, wiping blood from his lip.

Hotaru wasn't done. She flipped her knife and slashed straight across his chest.

Shiro gasped, stumbling backward as blood stained his pristine suit.

Tora's voice screamed through the earpiece.

"30 SECONDS! GET OUT, NOW!"

Hotaru spun on her heel. "We're done here."

Sai and Mira finished off the enforcer, and Ryuuji helped Kuro onto his shoulder.

They sprinted for the emergency exit.

Behind them, Shiro chuckled weakly, holding his bleeding chest. "This isn't over…"

Hotaru didn't look back.

They burst through the final exit just as the entire facility exploded behind them, flames roaring into the night sky.

They collapsed onto the ground, panting, as the heat washed over them.

Tora's voice came through, relieved. "You guys made it."

Hotaru wiped sweat from her brow. "Barely."

Sai looked at the destruction. "Shiro won't go down that easily."

Mira nodded. "We'll be ready for him."

Ryuuji stretched. "But first… ramen?"

Hotaru groaned. "You're unbelievable."

They all laughed, exhaustion settling in as the night air cooled their adrenaline.

But deep down, Hotaru knew—this was far from over.

To be continued…

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