Himari stepped through the heavy security threshold, the pneumatic lock of the hidden elevator chamber sealing shut behind her with a sterile hiss. Her mind was still spinning as she navigated the sleek, dimly lit metallic corridors of the Third Branch.
Who was that guy in the lobby? she thought, her brow furrowing. Why do I feel like I've crossed paths with him somewhere before?
"You took your sweet time out there," a voice called out.
Himari stopped. Mike was leaning casually against the reinforced steel wall of the corridor, his arms crossed over his chest, a patronizing smirk plastered across his face.
Himari gave him a cold, empty nod, attempting to brush past him.
"You're quite the busy one, aren't you?" Mike continued, his tone dripping with fake warmth.
Himari's expression instantly turned ugly. Who does this guy think he is, interrogating me? My father? she thought bitterly, completely ignoring him as she kept walking.
"Hey, don't get your feathers ruffled," Mike chuckled, falling into step beside her. "I'm just saying. Besides, we've got a new addition to the roster. A fresh asset just touched down."
Himari didn't care. She kept her eyes locked straight ahead, heading toward her designated monitoring post. But Mike's next words made her boots freeze instantly against the polished floor.
"What did you just say?" Himari whispered, her voice dropping into a dangerous, icy register.
Mike smirked, thoroughly enjoying the reaction. "Oh? Did I pique your interest?"
"Say that name again," Himari commanded, turning her head slowly, her eyes flashing with a sudden, volatile anger.
"Akira Shinomiya," Mike stated slowly, emphasizing every syllable.
"What is she doing here?" Himari demanded.
"How should I know?" Mike laughed, waving his hand dismissively. "She's way above my paycheck."
Before Mike could even finish his chuckle, Himari stepped forward with terrifying speed. Her gloved hand shot out, wrapping tightly around the collar of Mike's expensive suit, pinning him hard against the steel wall.
"Listen to me—" Himari began, her knuckles turning white.
But before another syllable could leave her lips, a sudden, crushing grip clamped down on her wrist. The sheer, effortless physical pressure made Himari's breath hitch. She slowly turned her head, her pupils widening in sheer disbelief as she met the gaze of the newcomer.
Standing right beside them, her crimson eyes gleaming with absolute authority under the harsh corridor lights, was the girl in the tailored suit.
"Himari..." the girl spoke, her voice smooth, quiet, and absolutely lethal.
Himari instantly let go of Mike's collar, stepping back and bowing her head in a rare display of total submission. "I... I was not aware that you had personally arrived, Ms. Shinomiya."
Akira Shinomiya didn't answer immediately. Her cold, piercing gaze shifted slowly from Himari to Mike, who was busy smoothing out the wrinkles on his collar.
"Right," Mike muttered, clearing his throat as he felt the heavy, suffocating aura radiating from Akira. "I'll, uh... leave you two ladies."
Without another word, Mike turned and walked briskly down the hallway. The Third Branch is absolutely unbeatable now, he thought, a dark grin returning to his face.
Once Mike's footsteps faded, Akira turned her full attention back to Himari. "You were taking far too long to establish a secure line of communication. I had to step in."
"Forgive me," Himari said quietly, her usual pride completely absent.
"Did you find what we were looking for?" Akira asked, her crimson eyes narrowing.
Himari nodded slowly. "Yes, but the data is highly fragmented. Even the Loop's central servers lacks whet we want."
Akira gave a single, disciplined nod. "Stay sharp. Remember, our primary objective is to extract the intelligence and locate the target. We are not here to act as a shield for this facility, nor are we here to play the role of their loyal soldiers. When the time is right..." Akira's hand drifted down to the long, wrapped case at her side. "...I will personally cut this place down."
"Ms. Shinomiya," Himari said, looking up.
Akira paused, glancing back. "Speak."
"I have heard whispers... the members of the Loop's Top Ten are exceptionally strong," Himari warned.
Akira let out a soft, humorless chuckle. "Strength is relative, Himari. I have fought several truly powerful people in my life—and when I say strong, I mean monsters. These thugs are nothing."