Chapter 23: Shadows and Truths

Their escape was a chaos of light and smoke.

Mayu ran breathlessly, her arm pressed against her wounded side.

Akira followed, one hand on his sword, the other clutching his bloodied shoulder.

And in front of them…

The stranger.

The man who had saved them.

The one she should never have seen again.

They navigated a corridor strewn with debris, dodging a partially collapsed wall, and finally reached a metal door.

The stranger shouldered it open and ushered them into a dark room.

The door slammed shut behind them.

---

Silence.

The only sound was their erratic breathing.

The smell of metal and dust filled the air.

Mayu slowly straightened up.

Her fingers tightened around her knife.

Then, she took a step forward.

— Explain yourself.

Her voice was a mix of anger and distrust.

The stranger didn't respond immediately.

He simply removed his hood, revealing a face marked by years and fatigue.

A face she knew all too well.

Her heart tightened.

— How… her voice broke. How can you be alive?

The man looked at her without blinking.

Then he replied in a cold tone.

— Because the Professor lies.

---

Elsewhere…

The Professor watched the control screens.

The images from the cameras flickered, displaying empty hallways, flames, and fleeing silhouettes.

He smiled in satisfaction.

Then he slowly turned toward a figure in the shadows.

— You know what you have to do.

A voice, soft yet sharp, replied.

— I will retrieve her.

The Professor nodded.

— Perfect.

The game continues.