The guard stepped aside, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Go inside."
The trio moved forward, swallowed by the cold, sterile glow of the facility. The scorching heat of the outside sun was gone, replaced by the metallic scent of machinery and the hum of hidden energy coursing through the walls.
Yura swallowed hard, sweat still trickling down his forehead. "I… thought I was done for."
Orimo patted his shoulder with a smirk, calm as ever. "It didn't happen."
Together, the four of them advanced deeper into the facility. Their boots echoed on the steel floor, a metallic rhythm that matched their tension.
A lone guard spotted them immediately, raising his rifle with a sharp bark. "What's your entry number?"
Auransa stammered, voice cracking slightly. "N-Number!?"
Orimo stepped forward, grin coiling across his face like a living shadow. "We are invaders."
The guard's scream cut through the cold air. "We have—"
THUD!
Orimo's fist connected sharply with the guard's head, sending him crumpling unconscious.
Ryuki's grip tightened on her sword. "He's done it…"
Yura's eyes widened in disbelief. "How am I supposed to find my friend now?!"
Auransa's calm, unwavering voice cut through his panic. "We're here to rampage. You can roam free."
"Got it," Yura said, sprinting toward the left side of the facility, determined to rescue his ally.
But the moment he ran, the remaining guards surrounded the Devil Pirates, rifles raised and aimed with deadly precision.
"Surrender, you idiots! We are Morgan Tarek's men!"
Ryuki raised her eyebrows. "You sure, Orimo? You know how terrifying a Conqueror can be—remember the Fortress War?"
Orimo's grin widened, shadows twisting faintly behind him. "Yes… I'm damn sure."
Auransa smiled, eyes sharp. "As my captain says."
With a flash, Auransa swung his sword, channeling his Mantra through the blade.
ZHING!
The air vibrated with power. The guards coughed blood violently, spitting crimson onto the metallic floor as they collapsed unconscious, one by one.
Auransa's grin widened as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "It's going to be fun."
The hum of the facility seemed to respond to them, a silent acknowledgment that the Devil Pirates had arrived—and nothing would stop their rampage.