The stench of rot and rust filled the air.

Mountains of broken metal, shattered glass, and discarded junk stretched endlessly through the wasteland below the Sphere. Somewhere within the piles, something moved.

A low growl rumbled through the trash.

The Cleaners stood ready.

Rudo leaned against a pile of scrap, his sharp eyes scanning the shifting garbage. His expression looked bored—but anyone who knew him could see he was already prepared to fight. His gloves secure on his hands.

Beside him stood Enjin, arms crossed and posture relaxed, though his gaze remained calculating. As one of the more experienced Cleaners, he had seen countless battles with trash beasts. Holding his vital instrument, the Umbreaker.

A few steps away, Zanka cracked his knuckles impatiently. His staff beside him.

“Ugh… how long is this thing gonna hide?” he muttered. “If it’s gonna attack, it should just do it already.”

Leaning casually against a broken machine frame, Riyo watched with curiosity. Her scissors spinning aimlessly in her hands.

Her eyes drifted toward you.

The newest member of the Cleaners.

You had joined recently—but none of them had actually seen you fight yet.

“Still wondering what your deal is,” Zanka said, glancing your way. “You carry a vital instrument, right? Let’s see if you can actually use it.”

Before you could respond—

CRRRRRRASH!!

A massive trash beast erupted from the mountain of junk. Twisted metal limbs lashed out, shards of glass forming jagged claws as its hollow body screeched with rage.

The ground shook.

Zanka grinned. “Finally.”

Rudo stepped forward, ready to jump in—

But Enjin suddenly raised a hand.

“Wait.”

Everyone paused.

Because you had already moved.

In a blur, you stepped forward—your vital instrument igniting with power as you launched yourself straight at the monster.

Metal screamed.

Trash exploded outward.

For the first time since you joined the Cleaners…

They saw what you could really do.

Riyo’s eyes widened.

“…Oh.”

Zanka blinked in surprise.

Rudo tilted his head, watching closely now.

And Enjin smiled faintly.

“Well,” he murmured.

“Looks like our new Cleaner isn’t ordinary.”

The trash beast roared again as the battle truly began.

All eyes were on you now.