I am a student of Alucard ,"My name is Ryuji Stagner "This was said by the mysterious figure as he stood Infront of clide before explaining the reason for attacking clide.
I was sent as an instigator meant to test your capabilities but as you can see ... well ... this isn't the best place for that . However , your performance in close quarters combat is no short of incredible".
It's almost a shame this was only a test."
Clide rolled his shoulders, shaking off the tension from the fight. Ryuji stood across from him, dusting himself off like he hadn't just tried to take his head off moments ago. The masked figure's voice was smooth but carried a hint of amusement.
Ryuji:"Not bad, Hollow. I'll admit, I wasn't expecting you to catch on so fast."
Clide scoffed, cracking his neck.
Clide:"Yeah, well, you threw a knife at my face. Kind of hard to miss that."
Ryuji chuckled, stepping away from the broken furniture scattered across the room.
Ryuji:"Fair point. But let's get to the reason you're here."
Clide folded his arms, red eyes narrowing.
Clide:"Yeah, let's. Alucard sent me here, said it was a 'safe house.' Didn't mention I'd have to brawl for my life as soon as I walked in."
Ryuji leaned against the wall, his stance relaxed but his presence anything but.
Ryuji:"That's because this isn't a safe house, Clide. It's a checkpoint. A threshold. You were sent here to be tested—to see if you were ready to take the next step."
Clide frowned.
Clide:"The next step to what?"
Ryuji tilted his head toward the back of the apartment. The shadows in the corner seemed darker than they should be.
Ryuji:"You've spent your whole life hiding, balancing between two worlds, pretending to be something you're not. That's not going to cut it anymore."
Clide's fingers twitched slightly. He hated how calm Ryuji was, how much he spoke like he knew him.
Clide:"And let me guess—you and Alucard have the perfect solution to that?"
Ryuji smirked.
Ryuji:"Something like that. You're strong, but you lack purpose. Right now, you're just surviving. But Alucard sees more in you—so do I."
Clide rolled his eyes.
Clide:"Great. Another cryptic 'you have potential' speech. You guys seriously need a new script."
Ryuji ignored the jab and gestured toward the back of the apartment.
Ryuji:"You came here thinking this was just another stop, another place to hide. It's not. That portal over there?"—he nodded toward the darkened corner—"That's where your real path begins."
Clide turned his head slightly, his senses sharpening. The shadows at the back of the apartment shifted, warping unnaturally. He could hear the faint hum of energy in the air.
Clide:"Where does it lead?"
Ryuji:"To the truth. To your new home. And to the people who can finally teach you what it means to be a Hollow."
Silence hung between them. Clide stared at the portal, then back at Ryuji. He didn't trust him—not fully. But something in Ryuji's voice told him there was no turning back.
He exhaled, stepping forward.
Clide:"Fine. But if this is another test, I'm breaking your nose next time."
Ryuji grinned.
Ryuji:"I'd like to see you try.
Clide hesitatingly walked toward the shadow before looking back at Ryuji , Clide was hesitant but he continued towards the shadow before diapering—as if being consumed by the darkness."