[INT. ABANDONED UNDERGROUND FACILITY – LOWER RESEARCH CHAMBER]
[The chamber was no temple. Closer inspection revealed surgical lamps, steel workbenches, crates of damp cables, and broken monitors left flickering. The glyph-like symbols on the floor were part of a complex neural relay grid etched into metal. Sparking wires ran from the walls to the central operating platform, where the inert form of a grotesque, bio-mechanical corpse lay chained and dormant.]
[Standing over it was Iris.]
Irisyvell: laughing low, growing louder Heh… heheh… Ahahaha! At last! May lovely masterpiece... is done!
[She stepped forward, her coat fluttering with each motion as the strange wind coiled unnaturally inside the room. Her eyes gleamed, wild and electric with obsession.]
Irisyvell: Whispers in the dark told me where his essence sleeps… They begged me to awaken him. And now... I will answer.
[She knelt down, placing a strange crystal—black and veined with pulsing red—onto the glyph's heart. It immediately reacted, the glyph flaring with energy that made the entire chamber quake.]
Irisyvell: snarling with delight Rise, oh Behemoth... The world has grown soft. Let them feel the weight of your wrath again.
[Dark tendrils of energy burst from the glyph, reaching toward the ceiling. The shadows danced as a low, bestial growl echoed through the underground.]
[Outside, somewhere far above, animals fled the forests. Birds scattered from trees. The wind itself seemed to hesitate.]
Irisyvell: voice trembling with euphoria Come back to us… and let this world burn.
[Footsteps echoed down the stairwell.]
[Then—Vlad arrived—calm, composed, and carrying a datapad in one hand. His coat trailed behind him like a shadow.]
Vlad: flatly I assumed the laughter meant you succeeded. Or have you lost your mind again?
[Iris stood by the platform, fingers tapping rapidly at a control panel jury-rigged from multiple stolen systems. Her eyes never left the pulsing cables feeding into the creature's reinforced skull.]
Irisyvell: grinning, not looking up It's not madness if it works, Vlad. He's responding. Synaptic feedback's stabilizing. You'll have your monster soon~
Vlad: walking closer, surveying the creature This… doesn't look like the Behemoth anymore. You rebuilt him?
Irisyvell: Not rebuilt, improved. His organic mass was unsalvageable after the explosion, so I reconstructed the base frame using cybernetic spinal cores from the old Dominion stocks. Layered in high-density synthetic muscle, grafted bio-circuitry to process command chains. I even reprogrammed his aggression index.
Vlad: flatly And what powers it?
[Iris stepped aside, revealing a cylindrical core pulsing inside Behemoth's chest—its inner layers spinning with a hum, glowing an eerie reddish-blue.]
Irisyvell: Stolen Aether Drive tech from the last raid. It's unstable, but it's enough to keep this beast running long enough to raze a city… maybe two.
[Vlad stood in silence, taking in the weapon before him. His eyes narrowed.]
Vlad: Make sure it lasts more than five minutes this time.
Irisyvell: smirking Don't you worry. He's not just a weapon now. He's a lesson.
[Suddenly, the behemoth's eye lit up faintly—an artificial iris dilating as its chest rose with a mechanical hiss. It wasn't awake yet, but it was close.]
Vlad: Then finish the calibration. Soon, we strike again.
[The chamber buzzed with energy—makeshift generators groaning under the strain, wires dancing like nerves as the centerpiece of their project neared activation. The Behemoth's new cybernetic frame twitched slightly with each surge.]
[Vlad paced around the platform, his eyes calculating. Then, after a quiet moment, he gave a rare smirk.]
Vlad: chuckling faintly
You really are a mech maniac, Iris. That's what I like 'bout ya. Give you a pile of scrap and war tech, and you build a monster out of it.
[Iris turned to look at him. She grinned, her fingers continuing to fly over the console.]
Irisyvell: Oh, Vlad. You say that like it's a bad thing~
Vlad: On the contrary. It's efficient. It's terrifying. And it works.
[He glanced at the Behemoth again as a low, metallic growl echoed from within its chassis. Steam hissed from pressure valves along its spine. The thing wasn't alive yet—but it was close.]
Vlad: Just make sure your new toy doesn't backfire. Last time we tried this, the thing nearly leveled our own forward base.
Irisyvell: mock insulted
That wasn't my fault. It was rushed. This time I took my time… and a few liberties.
Vlad: Then let's hope those liberties win us the war.
[He stepped back, satisfied.]
Vlad: Let me know when it's combat-ready. I've got a message to send… and I want it delivered with thunder.
[POLICE STATION PARKING LOT – 11:30 PM]
[Ryou stepped out of the office building, stretching as the cold night air brushed against his face. He adjusted his coat and walked toward his car, parked just a few meters away. The streetlights buzzed quietly, casting long shadows across the pavement.]
[Just as he pulled out his keys—]
???: distorted in the distance
Aaaah! Someone help!!
[Ryou froze.]
[The scream—high-pitched, young, terrified—echoed from somewhere just down the alley beside the station.]
Ryou: startled, under his breath What the hell…?
[He quickly shoved his keys back into his pocket and darted toward the old bridge. His shoes thudded against the concrete as he ran, hand already reaching for the small flashlight clipped to his belt.]
[The bridge was dim, narrow, barely lit by a flickering light above a rusted back door. Trash bins lined the sides, casting jagged shadows. Silence followed the scream… too much silence.]
Ryou: raising his voice cautiously Hey! Is someone there?! Police!
[His light scanned the bridgeway, catching the glint of something—sound of talking.]
Ryou: slower, focused
Come out slowly. I'm armed if I have to be.
[Ryou followed the fading echo of the scream, his breath misting in the cold air. The path led him toward the outskirts—down an old bridge near the river. Shadows twisted under the crumbling structure, where city lights didn't reach.]
[That's when he saw it.]
[A young girl—barely an adult—was backed against the graffiti-covered wall beneath the bridge. Her hands trembled as she tried to shield herself.]
[Three figures stood in front of her, silhouettes of shady punks lit only by the orange glow of a dying cigarette. One of them flicked the butt to the ground, cracking his knuckles.]
Thug #1: grinning
Come on now, sweetheart. Don't make this harder than it needs to be.
Girl: voice cracking
P-please… leave me alone…
[Ryou's jaw tightened. He slowly moved closer, remaining hidden in the shadows—eyes locked on the scene as he reached for his holster.]
Ryou: low, muttering to himself Damn scum...
[The wind rustled the tall grass. The girl let out a choked sob.]
[Just as the thug stepped forward, a sudden gust of wind swept through the underpass—unnatural, cold, and sharp. The thugs paused, exchanging nervous glances.]
Thug #2: tense
What the hell was that…?
[From the shadows behind them, a tall, cloaked figure emerged. His face was hidden beneath a deep hood, boots silent against the concrete. The girl's eyes widened, her fear momentarily replaced by confusion.]
Thug #1: whipping around Who the hell—!?
[Before he could finish, the cloaked figure vanished from view—only to reappear in a blur of motion behind the thugs. In a single fluid movement, he struck one in the gut, another with an elbow to the jaw, and the last with a swift roundhouse kick.]
[The three collapsed like dominos—unconscious before they hit the ground.]
[The cloaked man stood motionless for a second, the silence returning almost unnaturally fast.]
[The girl looked up at him, trembling.]
[Ryou rushed down the steps toward the girl, heart pounding with urgency. But as he rounded the corner, he saw the scene had already changed.]
[A tall, composed man stood beside the trembling girl, his presence calm yet commanding. The girl clutched his arm, looking relieved but shaken.]
???: soft but firm
Go home now. It's not safe here anymore.
[The girl nodded quickly, casting a grateful glance at her savior before turning and hurrying away.]
[Ryou stopped a few steps behind, eyes narrowing as he studied the man.]
Ryou: breathing heavy Who… are you?
[The man looked back briefly, the shadows under his hood hiding most of his face.]
???: calmly Someone who can't stand by and watch.
[Without another word, he turned and disappeared back into the dark alleyways, leaving Ryou alone with the still unconscious thugs and a mind racing with questions.]
[Ryou remained rooted in place, the adrenaline still rushing through his veins. The mysterious man turned slightly, reaching into his coat.]
[He tossed something toward Ryou—it glinted under the dim streetlight, landing near his feet with a soft clink.]
???: calmly, voice echoing
If you want answers… keep that close.
[Ryou looked down and slowly crouched, picking up a small, metal brooch shaped like a red lotus—detailed, intricate, almost ceremonial.]
Ryou: quietly, frowning
A red lotus?
[When he looked up again—the man was gone. Not a sound. Not a trace. Just silence and the faint echo of footsteps already too far to follow.]
[Ryou stood alone under the bridge, staring at the brooch in his palm, mind spinning.]
Ryou: murmuring to himself
Who the hell are you…?
[Next Morning]
[INT. POLICE SPECIAL UNIT OFFICE – MORNING]
[The soft hum of overhead lights and the distant whir of printers filled the otherwise quiet office. Ryou sat at his desk, slouched slightly, his elbow resting on the armrest while his other hand twirled the red lotus-shaped brooch between his fingers. His eyes were locked on it—unblinking, deep in thought.]
[The door creaked open.]
Sera: playfully, holding two cups Morning, detective brooder. You're early for once.
[She walked in, setting a cup of coffee on his desk. Ryou didn't respond immediately, still staring at the brooch. Sera raised a brow and tilted her head.]
Sera: sincerely, voice softening Okay, what's with the long face? You look like someone ran over your cat.
Ryou slowly blinked and looked up at her. He gave a weak scoff, but his expression remained thoughtful.
Ryou: sighs Had a weird run-in last night… under the bridge near the district highway. Some punks were cornering a girl. Before I could even step in… someone else handled it.
Sera raised a brow as she took a sip from her cup.
Sera: Handled it? Like, vigilante-style?
Ryou: Exactly. Tall guy, cloaked… fast. Knocked them all out in one go. Didn't even stick around.
[He opened his palm, showing her the brooch.]
Ryou: He gave me this before vanishing. Told me if I wanted answers, I should keep it.
[Sera leaned closer, inspecting the brooch with a narrowed gaze. The red lotus gleamed faintly in the morning light.]
Sera: confused That's… ornate. Doesn't look like something a street hero would carry. What do you think this is connected with?
Ryou: shrugging slightly
No clue. But something about that guy felt… different. Like he wasn't just some vigilante.
[They both fell into thoughtful silence for a moment. Sera sipped her coffee again, her eyes still on the brooch.]
Sera: Well, looks like you picked up another thread in this tangled mess. Lucky you.
Ryou: chuckling lightly
Yeah. Lucky me.
[The air between them thickened with unspoken curiosity. Sera took another slow sip, but her eyes remained fixed on the brooch in Ryou's hand. Something about it had struck a nerve.]
Sera: pensively Hey… mind showing that brooch again? Just—hold it up to the light.
[Ryou blinked, then raised the brooch in his fingers once more. The red lotus shimmered faintly beneath the fluorescent light. Sera leaned in, her usual composure fading into something far more serious—nostalgic, almost stunned.]
Sera: softly, barely above a whisper No way…
Ryou: concerned You recognize this?
[Sera slowly reached into the inside pocket of her coat. She hesitated for a moment before pulling out a small, worn pouch. From it, she carefully produced an identical red lotus-shaped brooch—slightly aged, but unmistakably the same.]
[Ryou's eyes widened in disbelief as she placed it next to his on the desk. The two brooches gleamed side by side like a perfect match.]
Ryou: stunned You've had one all this time?
Sera: nods slowly I was given this when I was a kid. After that… incident.
[Her voice wavered for a second, betraying the buried emotion behind the memory.]
Sera: There was so much in my hometown. I was crying so hard, running away for my life—even I lost my older sister who was with me on that day. I couldn't breathe, couldn't move. Then… someone carried me out. I never saw his face, but he gave me this. Said his name was Seraph. I thought… maybe it was just some weird dream. But I never forgot the brooch.
Ryou: frowning slightly
And now some cloaked guy gives me the exact same one after saving a girl?
Sera: quietly, still staring at them This can't be a coincidence.
[They both stared at the two brooches, now resting together like puzzle pieces from a forgotten story. The silence grew heavier as realization settled in.]
Ryou: speaking softly
Looks like we've got another mystery on our hands… and maybe a guardian we never understood.
[The two red lotus brooches sat on the desk like silent witnesses to a deeper mystery. Ryou leaned back in his chair, brows furrowed, mind racing.]
Ryou: quietly Wait a second...
Sera: looking up What is it?
Ryou:
Last time... back when we tailed that black-market arms deal... remember the name that popped up near the end?
Sovereign Circle.
[Sera's eyes widened slightly.]
Sera: It was kinda expected though. The mafia was tied to many syndicates as we could help. More like, we're a sponsor to any illegal groups...
Ryou: nods Yeah. When we intercepted that coded message at the lab site, there was a name in the logs—Seraph. I didn't think much of it then, thought it was just a code alias. But now…
[He gestured to the brooch in front of him.]
Ryou: That guy last night—he called himself Seraph. Saved the girl, handed me this, and disappeared like smoke.
Sera: mutters So... Seraph's not just a myth. He's real. And he's connected to SoveCle... Just said as our meeting last week.
[They exchanged a look—cautious, but burning with curiosity. The lines between guardian and threat, between legend and reality, were starting to blur.]
Sera: If he's with SoveCle, then we're not just dealing with rogue tech or a vigilante. There's something bigger behind this.
Ryou: grimly And we need to find out what role Seraph really plays in it… before someone else ends up dead.
[Just as the air grew heavier from the unfolding revelations between Sera and Ryou, the office door creaked open. Reina stepped in, holding a couple of shopping bags, with Shin quietly following behind.]
Reina: grinning Good morning, sleepyheads.
Sera: turns to her
Sis! Where've you two been?!
Reina:
placing the bags down with flair Shopping, obviously! Don't look at me like that—we deserve a break once in a while. Shin agreed.
Shin: sipping from a cold drink She dragged me into at least six stores in under an hour. I'm amazed I survived.
Reina: Oh, perfect! I saw a perfect fit for you to wear, Sera! I bet this will look great to you~
Sera: Sis...
Ryou: chuckles dryly
We're knee-deep in cryptic vigilantes and underground syndicates, and you're out there buying… and what's this, a new jacket?
Reina: smugly It's not just a jacket. It's tactical fashion.
[Sera raised an eyebrow but allowed a small smirk.]
Sera: Of course it is.
[Reina noticed the brooches on the desk and stepped closer, her curiosity piqued.]
Reina: What's going on here? What's with the matching pins?
Ryou: long sigh Let's just say we might've stumbled onto something—or someone—very old, and possibly very dangerous.
Shin: pauses mid-drink ...Did I miss something again?
[Later—time passed with files, photos, and old incident reports spread across the desk. The coffee Sera brought earlier was now half-drained. Ryou finished retelling everything—Seraph, the brooch, the mysterious man, and the connection to SoveCle.]
[Reina leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Shin stood by the window, deep in thought.]
Reina: quietly So… you're telling me this "Seraph" guy might be back? After all these years?
Sera: nods slowly
Not just back—he might be watching us. Helping… or testing us. We don't know yet.
Shin: turns around And that brooch... it matches Sera's from her childhood? That can't be a coincidence.
Ryou: Exactly. Whoever he is, he knew how to find me last night—and he left me this like it was meant to mean something.
Reina: sighs I don't like this. People like that don't show up without a reason. We need to be careful… really careful.
Sera: Yeah. This might go deeper than we thought.
[Silence settled between them, but the mood had shifted. The pieces of an older, buried mystery were beginning to resurface—and they were all caught in its wake.]
[Weeks passed—sunlight poured softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the cozy room. The television hummed quietly in the background with some game menus still idle on screen. A few snack wrappers lay scattered near the couch.]
[Kei sat cross-legged on the floor, fiddling with a controller. Mio lounged on the beanbag, casually flipping through a game manual with zero intent to read it seriously. Ryokou was half-asleep on the sofa, her hoodie covering most of her face.]
[In the kitchen, Shirou wiped his hands dry on a dish towel while Shizuka sat at the table, sipping tea and watching him quietly.]
Shizuka: softly You're always moving around. You should take a break once in a while.
Shirou: chuckles
If I sit down, I'll probably fall asleep. Someone's gotta make sure you all don't starve.
Mio: from the living room
We literally just ate an hour ago! Chill, chef boy.
Kei: grinning He's in love, Mio. Let him have his "domestic husband" arc.
Shirou coughed mid-sip of water. Shizuka just smiled faintly and lowered her gaze to her cup.
Ryokou: from the couch, muffled Call me when dessert's involved…
Mio: teasing See? You're not the only one in a domestic arc, Shirou. Your sister is already halfway into a food coma.
Kei: to Shizuka So… what's the next plan? After this whole "game day," I mean. Feels weird not chasing leads or dodging danger.
Shizuka: looks thoughtful
Rest isn't a bad thing, Kei. It just feels unfamiliar.
Shirou: walking over to sit beside her Unfamiliar isn't always bad.
[A small moment passed. Their eyes met briefly—warm, but filled with unspoken thoughts. Ryokou, from across the room, dramatically squinted at them.]
Mio: Okay, wait, wait—did I miss a scene here?
Ryokou: devious smile
You're a little late, girl. Trust me.
Kei: sits up suddenly
Wait, what scene? Who confessed? Who kissed who?
Shizuka: stammering
No one kissed anyone! Calm down!
Ryokou: hiding a laugh behind her hand Mio, you've been asleep for most of the day.
Mio: That's when all the good stuff happens!
[Laughter echoed lightly through the house. For a moment, there were no conspiracies, no secrets—just them, here, together.]
[The knock on the door interrupted their laughter. Shirou stood up, brushing the crumbs off his shirt before heading to the door.]
Kei: mock whisper
If that's the love police, they're late.
Ryokou: Or maybe reinforcements to interrogate you about that "almost-romantic" scene.
Shizuka: flushed L-Like I said, nothing has happened Mou—! pouts
The front door creaked open. Standing just outside were Reina, Sera, Ryou, and Shin, casually dressed but visibly worn from the day.
Shirou: blinking in surprise
Whoa. All four of you?
Reina: smiling proudly
You bet. Hope we're not too late for the snacks.
Sera: holding up a small paper bag We brought some. Figured we'd drop by.
Shin: smiling faintly
Your place seemed like the least intense place to be right now.
Ryou: Plus, we figured we could relax… for once.
[Shirou opened the door wider, stepping aside.]
Shirou: Come on in. We've got games, leftovers, and apparently drama...
[As the four stepped in, the others turned to greet them.]
Kei: Well, well, look who decided to join the cooldown!
Reina: What's this? You guys having a party without us?
Mio: More like a post-mission recharge. But there's still room for chaos.
Shizuka: sincerely It's nice to see everyone together like this.
[Everyone found a spot to sit or lean. Ryou dropped beside Ryokou, casually poking her side.]
Ryou: So… what'd we miss?
Ryokou:
Oh, you missed something alright—
Shizuka: loudly Just a relaxing afternoon. Nothing dramatic. At all.
Shin: amused That defensive tone though.
[Everyone laughed again. The atmosphere remained warm, light, and sincere—as if the weight of past days had, at least temporarily, melted away. The group, reunited in one place, basked in the quiet comfort of found family.]
[Laughter slowly died down as Ryou leaned forward in his seat, his tone shifting. His gaze turned serious, locking eyes with Shirou and Kei.]
Ryou: Alright, enough fun for now. We didn't just drop by for snacks and sarcasm.
[The room quieted, the air subtly changing. Shirou sat up straighter while Kei's smile faded into curiosity.]
Kei: Wait—is something wrong with us?
Shin: Nope. It's about the Sovereign Circle… and your roles going forward.
[Shizuka looked between them, sensing the weight in the air. Mio leaned back, arms crossed, her expression unreadable but attentive.]
Ryou: You two have been neck-deep in this mess since day one. You've fought, survived, and uncovered truths most wouldn't believe. So… it's time to make it official.
Reina: We're offering you a proposition—direct enlistment as vigilantes, sanctioned off-record, but with full cooperation from our side.
Sera: Essentially… you'd be the first strike unit. Unofficial, unseen—but with the authority to act freely in hunting and subjugating SoveCle's operatives.
[Kei blinked in disbelief. He looked to Shirou, who remained quiet but focused.]
Kei: You're not joking.
Shin: Do we look like we joke about counterinsurgency?
Mio: smirking faintly You do… but not this time.
Shirou: slowly If we say yes… what changes?
Ryou: You'll get intel, support, and access. But you'll also be walking a tighter rope. No public recognition. No backup if it goes wrong. You're shadows now.
Reina: But you've already been acting like it. Now it's time we back you the right way.
[Shirou looked at Kei, who was already grinning.]
Kei: Well… when you put it like that—how can we say no?
Shirou: serious We're in. But only if our terms are clear—Shizuka, Ryokou, Mio… they're out of the line of fire. They're not tools.
Ryou: nods Understood. This mission's yours—but who you bring in is your call.
[The weight of the decision hung heavy in the room. But for the first time, the battle against Sovereign Circle felt closer to turning.]
[The room was still reeling from the decision when a soft voice broke the silence.]
Shizuka: ...Wait.
[Everyone turned toward her. Shirou looked over, concerned at the sudden shift in her tone. Shizuka stood up slowly, hands clenched at her sides.]
Shizuka: I know why you're doing this, Shirou. I know you're saying yes because you don't want me to get hurt… not again.
Shirou: quietly Shizuka—
Shizuka: But I'm not just someone you have to protect anymore.
[Her voice trembled, but she held herself steady. She looked at everyone—Ryou, Reina, Shin, and then back to Shirou—before placing a hand on her chest.]
Shizuka: I've been dragged into this just as much. And I've stayed quiet, thinking that if I stood back, it'd keep me safe. But the truth is, none of us are safe unless we fight back.
[She walked closer to Shirou, face firm but sincere.]
Shizuka: If you're joining this mission, then so am I. I won't just sit and wait to be protected. I'll stand beside you.
[A moment passed in stunned silence. Mio's eyes widened just slightly. Kei gave a small, surprised laugh of admiration. Shirou, speechless, looked at her—really looked at her.]
Shirou: softly, with a breath
You always did surprise me when I least expected it.
[Shizuka smiled faintly but with determination.]
Shizuka: Then let this be one of those times.
Ryou: smiling slightly
Well then. Looks like our team just got a little stronger.
Shin: You sure about this, Shizuka?
Shizuka: I've never been more sure.
[Mio shifts uncomfortably, watching Shizuka's strong resolve. Then she takes a deep breath and stands up.]
Mio: If we're talking about this seriously... I want to join too.
[Everyone looks at her in surprise.]
Shirou: Mio? Are you sure? This isn't something to take lightly.
Mio: I know. And I don't want to lose my best friend again—not like before. We've already seen what happens when we're just civilians caught in the middle.
[She glances at Shizuka, voice softening but firm.]
Mio: Plus, it's also my fault that I invited her into that club in the first place...
Shizuka: Mio...
Mio: I don't want us to wait for fate to throw us into danger. If it's inevitable we become vigilantes someday, then I want to stand with you now—before it's too late.
[Shizuka gives a small grateful smile, touched by Mio's words.]
Shizuka: Thank you, Mio. It means a lot.
Kei: chuckling Well, if this is turning into a full squad, I'm not about to be left behind either.
[The room fills with a mix of nervous energy and determination as they all prepare for the dangerous road ahead.]
[Ryokou frowns slightly, biting her lip as she watches the group's growing resolve.]
Ryokou: I... I want to help too. I really do. But... I'm scared. What if I'm just a burden? What if I slow you all down when things get dangerous?
[She glances down, conflicted.]
Ryokou: I don't want to put anyone in more danger because I wasn't ready.
[Shin places a reassuring hand on Ryokou's shoulder.
Shin: Ryokou, no one's asking you to be perfect or to rush into things you're not ready for. We'll support each other every step of the way.
[Reina nods in agreement.]
Reina: Yeah. We all have strengths, and we'll find our places in this. No one's left behind.
[Ryokou exhales deeply, still uncertain but comforted by their words.]
Ryokou:
I'll try my best... for all of us.
[The room falls into a thoughtful silence until Ryou finally steps forward, his voice firm and clear.]
Ryou: Alright then. It's settled.
[He turns to the group, looking at each one with purpose.]
Ryou: Kei and Shirou have officially agreed to join as vigilantes under our supervision. You two have proven yourselves capable—and you've already been entangled in this mess more than anyone else.
[Shirou gives a short nod, serious. Kei flashes a thumbs-up.]
Ryou: As for Shizuka and Mio... both of you requested to join willingly. I won't stop you, but just know this road won't be easy. You're stepping beyond the life of civilians.
[Shizuka's gaze is unwavering, while Mio stands beside her, confident.]
Ryou: ...Ryokou, however, has chosen to stay out—for now. And that's completely valid. Everyone moves at their own pace.
[Ryokou lowers her head, but there's no shame in her expression—just a quiet determination brewing inside.]
Reina: From this moment, we move forward. Together. As a unit.
[The group exchanges glances. Something in the room shifts—resolve slowly solidifying into purpose.]
[As the air thickens with tension and solemnity from Ryou's declaration, Kei suddenly throws both arms in the air with exaggerated flair.]
Kei: Alright, team! Does this mean we get cool codenames now? Because I call dibs on "Crimson Hurricane"! Or wait—"Midnight Snack" sounds more mysterious!
[Everyone turns to him. Shirou tries to stifle a chuckle. Ryokou raises a brow.]
Ryokou: "Midnight Snack"? That sounds more like your midnight cravings than anything heroic.
Kei: Exactly! I'll strike fear into the hearts of our enemies... and then steal their fries.
[Shizuka lets out a small laugh, the tension easing from her shoulders.]
Shirou:
If you're the "Midnight Snack", then what? I'm... "Daybreak Breakfast"?
Kei: Now you're getting it, bro!
[Even Ryou cracks a small smirk while crossing his arms.]
Ryou: Alright, alright, settle down. No codenames—yet. Let's focus on the mission.
Sera: dryly Shame. I was looking forward to being called "Operation Caffeine".
[Everyone laughs, the earlier tension melting into a comfortable, determined camaraderie.]