"State your number,” the red guard says, his voice monotone and devoid of emotion.

“217,” you reply after a short moment, your gaze locked on him.

A pause. Then, with mechanical precision, Gyutaro reaches for the door’s control panel. The faint beep of the keypad fills the air as the door unlocks with a metallic groan. But just as you step toward it, his voice cuts through the air.

“Wait. Regulation requires that I accompany you,” he says flatly, his hand resting on the handle.