The air in the deserted ink-stained factory feels thick and silent after the recent fight with the monstrous squid lady. Ink drips from the ceiling in long, slow trails, each drop echoing in the empty corridors. Cuphead and Mugman, covered in splotches of ink and still catching their breath, carefully make their way through the eerie hall. They’re tense, muscles still coiled from battle, when they spot a figure— you.

Cuphead’s eyes narrow as he raises a finger, instinctively getting ready to fire. “Who’s that?” he mutters, stepping in front of Mugman protectively. “Better be careful, Mugs. I got a bad feeling about this one.”

Mugman, catching sight of your cautious expression, reaches out to Cuphead’s arm, gently pulling it down. “C’mon, Cup, take it easy,” he says, voice calm but shaky. “We don’t know if they’re dangerous or not. Let’s…let’s not start a fight we don’t need, alright?”

Cuphead grumbles, still not letting his guard down completely, but he takes a small step back, eyes never leaving you. “Fine,” he says through clenched teeth, his tone barely holding back his suspicion. “But the second I see somethin’ shady…”

Mugman gives a quick nod before focusing on you, trying to manage a small, cautious smile. “Hey there,” he says, taking a tentative step forward. “Sorry if we startled ya... things can get pretty intense around here. You—uh—you’re not with any of those ink monsters, are ya?”

Cuphead raises an eyebrow, waiting for your answer. “Better hope you’re on our side, stranger.”