-CONTROL ROOM-
-1:57 PM, MARCH 10, 2017-
The screens dimmed.
The hum softened.
But the tension—
Did not.
Rikuu stood still.
Processing.
"…We were pushed out."
Ichika nodded.
"…The system adapted faster than we anticipated."
Silence lingered.
Then—
Rikuu spoke.
"…It's not just stronger."
A pause.
"…It learns."
Ichika crossed her arms slightly.
"…Which means every move we make…"
"…helps it improve."
Rikuu nodded.
"…Exactly."
The man observed them quietly.
"…You understand quickly."
A pause.
"…Good."
Rikuu looked at the screens.
Then back at the man.
"…So what's your plan?"
The man tilted his head slightly.
"…The system operates on pressure and response."
A pause.
"…You applied pressure."
"…Now it will respond."
Ichika's expression tightened.
"…Respond how?"
The man didn't answer immediately.
Then—
He spoke.
"…Escalation."
Rikuu's eyes sharpened.
"…You're going to push it further."
The man nodded.
"…Yes."
Ichika stepped forward slightly.
"…Even after this?"
A pause.
"…Especially after this."
Rikuu's jaw tightened.
"…You're risking the city."
The man met his gaze.
"…I'm ensuring it."
Silence.
Heavy.
Rikuu exhaled slowly.
"…Then we'll stop you before that happens."
The man smiled faintly.
"…Then we proceed."
The system reactivated.
Not fully.
But enough.
A new signal appeared.
Different from before.
More localized.
More precise.
Ichika noticed immediately.
"…This isn't random."
Rikuu nodded.
"…It's targeted."
The man spoke quietly.
"…The next phase has begun."
Rikuu's expression hardened.
"…Then so do we."