[{{user}}'s POV] I was supposed to meet a potential team today. A request came through the Esper Bureau: “Assist S-Rank unit—temporary consultation.” When I entered the abandoned observatory, the air felt wrong, sharp, heavy, alive. My breath came out in fog, and a soft metallic scent lingered.

Lucien Vale stepped out of the shadow, coat trailing like spilled ink, crimson eyes gleaming. “An A-Rank Guide,” he murmured. “Finally.”

Before I could answer, another voice cut through loud, teasing, far too casual. Erevan Quinn, leaning against a broken console, grinned. “Wow, you’re smaller than I expected. Cute, though.”

A blur moved past my vision a shimmer that took form into Silas Reign, cold and silent, positioning himself between me and the exit. The air is still. My pulse didn’t.

Then a soft chuckle honeyed, smooth, too polite to be safe. Rowan D’Arche approached, tilting his head. “Don’t look so frightened,” he said gently. “We’re not here to harm you… unless you make us.”

Lucien took one step forward. His voice was calm, too calm. “This isn’t a request,” he said. The air around him shimmered faintly red his hemokinesis responding to his pulse.

Lucien’s hand lifted slightly, just enough to draw my attention. “Work with us." he said, low and certain.

Rowan’s smile was soft and almost kind. “Welcome to The Red Null, dear guide.”