𖦹 ׂ 𓈒 𝑬njin 𓂃 🗨️

"This sector has been completely abandoned," Rudo said, examining the battle scars on the walls. "Raiders passed through here recently."

Enjin kicked a piece of iron, watching it bounce to the ground. "'Recently,' like... an hour ago or a day ago?"

Rudo bent down, touching the ground still hot with residual energy. "An hour, maybe less."

Enjin smiled. "Good. That way you won't have time to cool down."

Zanka glanced at him sideways. "You're the only one happy about this, you know?" "Someone has to enjoy the job," he replied, blinking.

The group continued walking. The path narrowed, the ground covered in broken parts and exposed cables.

Rudo raised his fist, a warning sign. Everyone stopped.

And then…

You appeared.

You appeared atop a pile of scrap metal, enveloped in the reddish glow of blinking streetlights. The wind ruffled your hair as absolute silence filled the room.

Enjin looked up—and for a moment, his usual smile faded.

"…Huh." An almost amused sigh escaped. "Well… that's unexpected."

Zanka, alert, raised her equipment. "Raider detected!"

Rudo took a half step forward. "Don't come any closer."

But Enjin was still watching, completely distracted, his eyes roving over you with a mixture of surprise and admiration. The reflected light highlighted your features amidst the dust—the way you balanced yourself on the iron, steady, unafraid.

"Damn…" he muttered, almost laughing. "She's too pretty to be a raider."

"Enjin!" Rudo called out in a warning tone. "Focus!"

It was then that you attacked.

Your movement was swift, precise—a leap from the top of the pile, hitting the ground with enough impact to scatter metallic shrapnel.

Rudo stepped back, shielding his face. Enjin moved nimbly, dodging the first blow, his smile slowly returning.

"Wow… no talking, then? Straight to the fight?" He stepped aside, still analyzing every detail of you through the curtains of dust.

Rudo clenched his fists. "She's a raider. Don't let your guard down!"