Arrival in the Storm

The room echoed with the harsh staccato of gunfire and the metallic screech of cybernetic limbs. Aeris crouched behind a shattered console, sweat mingling with rainwater dripping through the cracked ceiling. Kael was locked in combat, every movement sharp, every strike lethal.

Suddenly, a piercing hum cut through the chaos. The mercenaries froze, their heads snapping toward the heavy steel door.

Before anyone could react, the door was blasted open with a violent shudder — and through the smoke stepped a figure clad in sleek black armor, a visor glowing icy white.

"Looks like you could use a hand," the stranger said, voice calm but commanding.

Aeris's heart skipped. Lira's eyes widened in recognition. "It's Vex."

Vex moved like a phantom, twin energy blades humming to life in their hands. With a swift, graceful arc, they sliced through the closest attacker, sparks flying as metal met plasma.

Kael nodded sharply, recalibrating his stance. "About time."

Together, the trio pushed back the mercenaries, a deadly triad of precision and firepower.

Outside, the storm raged harder, lightning casting jagged shadows across the battered safehouse.

Aeris glanced at Vex, curiosity and relief mixing in her gaze. "Why help us?"

Vex's visor flickered, a brief flicker of something unreadable. "Let's just say I have unfinished business with the syndicate."

As the last mercenary fell, silence reclaimed the room — broken only by heavy breaths and the distant rumble of thunder.

Kael sheathed his weapons, eyes scanning the damaged interior. "We've bought ourselves time. But the real fight is just beginning."

Aeris tightened her grip on her pistol, resolve hardening like steel. "Then we make every second count."