"The Gate is closed." Satomi's voice was tense, laced with a rare hint of actual panic. "But we have a massive problem."
"What is it?" Akira asked, his combat instincts instantly flaring, pushing the post-orgasm haze away.
"It was a decoy, Akira. A manufactured gate. And Valerius didn't just tip off the regular SPIU agents… he leaked the coordinates directly to the Order of the Silver Hand."
Akira froze. "Ayame's people."
"Yes. Dozens of them. They've completely surrounded the perimeter with high-level purification barriers. Ayaka and I are trapped inside the warehouse district. If we try to break through the blockade with force, they'll immediately identify our essence."
"Hold on. I'll use Phantom Step. I'll come get you—"
"No!" Satomi snapped. "You don't have time! Sakura's corruption is accelerating. Valerius designed this flawlessly. Plus it's better you are far away from here."
Static crackled on the line as a distant explosion echoed through the speaker.
