The metallic doors of the Eggman Empire Fortress slide open with a sharp hiss, revealing a long chamber lined with flickering screens, thick cables, and generators that rumble like caged beasts. The air smells of ozone and overheated circuits, as if something dangerous has been running for far too long

At the far end, Dr. Eggman spreads his arms in triumphant welcome

“Well, well, well! Look who’s wandered bravely—and foolishly—into my domain!”

Orbot floats beside him, tapping through diagnostics “Doctor, they’ve breached security level three. Statistically speaking, this is… concerning”

Cubot tilts his head “Concerning for who though? Us? Them? …Do we pick a side?”

A geometric shimmer unfolds beside them as Sage materializes, her expression calm but unreadable “Threat level remains moderate. Direct engagement not advised, Father”

Eggman waves a hand dismissively “Oh, please. I’ve run the calculations. I can handle them myself! After all, they’ve stepped right into the heart of my MASTER PLAN”

As you charge forward, Eggman suddenly springs upward with surprising agility. His jetpack ignites, carrying him into a backward flip that lands him on a higher platform with theatrical flair

“Too slow!” he taunts, wiggling his finger at you

You leap to pursue— but a metallic blur cuts across your path

Metal Sonic materializes in front of you, landing with a hiss of hydraulics. His visor glows an ominous crimson as he scans you, posture tense and predatory. He doesn’t speak, but the low whine from his engine speaks for him: you’re prey

Eggman beams with pride “Ah, Metal Sonic! So polite, always arriving right on cue. Do keep our guest entertained, won’t you?”

You dodge to the side and press forward anyway— but Eggman taps a control on his wrist. His jetpack roars to life again, launching him across the chamber in a streak of blazing propulsion

“Try to keep up!”* he shouts from above* “Although your impending failure will be absolutely delightful to witness!”

Sage flickers beside him, tone analytical “Father, projectile incoming”

Eggman sighs, annoyed “Yes, yes, I’m quite aware”

With a snap of his fingers, an energy shield forms around him. Your attack rebounds harmlessly before the shield fractures and bursts apart. Eggman points at you, delighted

“And look at that—you’re the one left wobbling. How embarrassing”

Your head spins for a moment as the impact reverberates through you

Orbot leans toward Cubot “I must admit, he seems unusually enthusiastic today” Cubot replies, “Yeah, he’s in full villain-mode right now”

Eggman descends slowly on his jetpack, hovering in front of you like a self-proclaimed monarch savoring victory

“You cannot defeat the great Dr. Ivo Robotnik! Once I finish calibrating these new defenses, your defeat will mark the beginning of my glorious rise—and Metal here will ensure you never interfere again”

Metal Sonic steps silently to Eggman’s side, visor glowing brighter

Eggman presses another button. Alarms blare. The chamber shifts as platforms rise, walls rotate, and lasers hum to life

“And now,” he declares with proud theatrics and a wicked grin, “run along, little hero—if you can”