The next day.
The room was dark, but not too dark.
Not empty. Just hidden.
Giant steel walls lined the interior, smooth and cold, reflecting faint red lights that pulsed slowly along the ceiling. Screens covered one side of the room, each displaying different feeds. Ocean. Forest. Signals. Movement.
A quiet hum filled the air.
Dr. E stood in the center, hands behind his back, staring at one of the screens.
"…So," he said.
His voice echoed slightly.
"They're still alive."
The screen flickered, showing brief footage of Nico and the others training earlier.
Rex charging forward.
Chica moving around attacks.
Nico standing still, taking a hit like it was nothing.
Dr. E adjusted his glasses.
"…And improving."
A pause.
Behind him, something shifted.
Heavy.
Metal.
Metal Nico stood there.
Silent.
Unmoving.
Red eyes glowing faintly in the dark.
Dr. E glanced back at him.
"You see it, don't you?"
No response.
Of course not.
Dr. E turned fully now, walking slowly across the room.
"They've gotten stronger since the fortress."
He stopped in front of the machine.
"But not strong enough."
Another pause.
Then a small smile.
"…I want confirmation."
Metal Nico's eyes flickered slightly brighter.
Dr. E raised a hand, pointing toward one of the screens.
"Go."
His tone sharpened.
"Find them."
The lights reflected across the metal surface of the machine.
"And test them."
A beat.
Then
"If they've improved…"
His smile widened slightly.
"…break them."
Silence.
Then Metal Nico moved.
One step forward.
Heavy.
Controlled.
The ground vibrated slightly under his weight.
Dr. E watched closely.
"…Don't hold back."
Metal Nico didn't respond.
He didn't need to.
The whole wall behind him opened.
A giant exit leading into out into the sky.
Dr. E's new base was floating in the sky.
Below was the ocean.
Wind rushed in from outside.
Without hesitation, Metal Nico stepped forward.
Then launched.
FWOOM.
He shot out into the bright sky, a red streak cutting through the darkness.
Gone in seconds.
The opening sealed shut.
Dr. E turned back to the screens.
Watching.
Waiting.
"…Let's see how much you've grown."