The silence was heavy.


    Mayu stared at the stranger, her heart beating in disarray.


    She knew this face.


    Those dark eyes, that piercing gaze.


    But it was impossible.


    — You’re dead.


    Her voice trembled, caught between anger and disbelief.


    The man crossed his arms.


    — No. I was left for dead.


    ---


    **Flashback.**


    A dark corridor.


    Bodies littering the floor.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Screams echoing in the distance.


    And him, bathing in his own blood.


    He remembered the Professor''s gaze.


    The cold, unfeeling tone of his voice.


    — Leave him there.


    Then darkness.


    ---


    — I survived.


    The stranger spoke in a sharp tone, as if wanting to cut through the emotions.


    — I’ve spent the past years tracking the Professor, understanding his game. But he’s always one step ahead.


    Mayu clenched her fists.


    — Why come back now?


    He fixed his gaze on her, and for the first time, his mask cracked.


    — Because you’re the only one who can stop him.


    A shiver ran through Mayu.


    This wasn’t just a mission.


    It was a trap.


    And she had just fallen into it.


    ---


    Akira groaned, breaking the tension.


    He pressed a hand against his shoulder, blood oozing between his fingers.


    — I don’t want to interrupt this lovely reunion… he said. But we should take care of this before I pass out.


    Mayu only now realized how much her own body burned.


    Her side was on fire.


    Her breath was short.


    They needed medical attention.


    She glanced at the stranger.


    — Are we safe here?


    A slight ironic smile stretched across his lips.


    — Nowhere is safe.


    ---


    They settled as best they could.


    Akira ripped a piece from his own coat to improvise a bandage for his shoulder.


    Mayu gritted her teeth as the stranger disinfected her wound.


    — Too slow.


    — Shut up.


    Despite the pain, her gaze remained fixed on him.


    A million questions burned on her lips.


    But she didn’t have time to ask them.


    A sound echoed.


    A metallic scraping.


    Then…


    A laugh.


    ---


    — I found you.


    The voice was sweet. Melodic.


    A shadow slipped out of the darkness.


    A slim, elegant figure.


    A woman with short hair, a cruel smile on her lips.


    In her hand…


    A long black katana.


    Mayu’s blood ran cold.


    She recognized that smile.


    That voice.


    — Saya.


    The woman tilted her head slightly, like a mechanical doll.


    — It’s been a while, Mayu.


    Then, in a flash—


    She attacked.