The underground base was quiet, too quiet.
The squad moved through the dim halls, boots echoing softly against the cold metal floors. Every breath felt heavier. Then, like a shadow sliding out of the walls, Noct appeared.
He leaned against the hallway wall, arms crossed, a smug grin on his face.
"They're still sending rookies after us?" he said, his voice dry and taunting. "They never learn."
He stretched his arms lazily. "Let's make this quick. I'm starving."
Tian Yu stepped forward, eyes burning.
"You lazy bastard," he growled. "You won't be eating anything when I'm done with you."
Shiro smirked beside him. "Yeah, I'm about to serve you up extra crispy."
Noct raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. He looked at them both like a disappointed older brother.
"Let me guess," he said. "You two even know how to use Doku?"
Tian Yu and Shiro scoffed at the same time.
"We only focus on Metro," Tian Yu said with a proud grin. "That's what matters."
Noct sighed, shaking his head.
"Idiots," he muttered. "Doku is a part of Metro. It's how you read someone's energy—how you see through lies and attacks. It's the eyes behind the eyes."
Before they could respond, Noct vanished—then reappeared mid-air, foot crashing straight into Shiro's face with a brutal kick.
Shiro flew back, hit the wall hard, and slid down. Blood trickled from his nose.
He wiped it away, laughing through the pain.
"I'm gonna roast you alive," he said. "Just wait."
Tian Yu didn't waste a second.
"Concepto: Demonic Sword!" he shouted, as dark red energy wrapped around his blade.
Shiro stood, growling.
"Concepto: Velvet Viper!"
Twin surges of power lit up the hall. Their weapons crackled with energy, the air itself seemed to tremble.
Noct grinned, eyes glowing.
"Now this…" he whispered. "…this is going to be fun."