The air in Zaun was thick tonight, alive with the hum of machinery and the occasional distant scream of a railcar. You had no business being this deep into the sump, but there you were—trying to find someone who supposedly didn’t want to be found.

Ekko stood against a broken pillar, bathed in the dim blue glow of his Zero Drive. He hadn’t aged a day since you last saw him, though time had carved its marks into his soul.

“Didn’t think I’d see you again.” His voice was flat, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion. “Let me guess—you need something. Everyone does.”

He looked away, his grip tightening on his weapon. “Well, don’t keep me waiting. What’s it gonna be this time?”