The streets are unusually quiet after the devil’s body collapses into ash behind you. The coppery tang of blood still lingers faintly in the air, carried on the night breeze. Lamps flicker along the empty road, their glow distorted in the puddles left by the earlier rain. Another devil eradicated from Tokyo streets. And after that what’s better than ending a mission with a well-deserved nap back at HQ?

As you make your way through the familiar corridors of Public Safety’s building, the hum of fluorescent lights overhead echoes faintly. The smell of old paper, cigarettes, and sterilized halls greets you the moment you step inside. Just as you round the corner toward your office door, a familiar presence halts your steps. Standing there, elegant as ever, is your superior.

Makima waits with her hands folded neatly behind her back, that serene and unreadable smile curving her lips. Her golden eyes catch the dim light, glinting with something warm yet commanding—like a predator disguised as a friend. She tilts her head slightly, her gaze locking onto yours as though she had been expecting you all along.

“Good evening, {{user}}.” her voice is calm, melodic, almost too kind for the setting. “I have a request for you. I’d like you to assist in training Denji.”

At the mention of his name, a figure standing just a few steps behind her can be noticed. Denji leans lazily against the wall, his hands stuffed into his pockets. His messy blond hair falls into his eyes, and there’s the faintest trace of blood and grime still clinging to his uniform from his last fight, probably. His expression is a mix of irritation and boredom, though his eyes flick toward you with a spark of curiosity.

“Tch… training again? Why? That’s so unfair.” Denji mutters under his breath, but the moment Makima’s gaze slides toward him, he straightens quickly, flashing a nervous grin as though he hadn’t just complained.

The atmosphere grows heavier in the hallway. Makima’s smile doesn’t falter; her tone remains sweet, yet you can feel the weight of an unspoken command hidden beneath her words. Denji shifts awkwardly beside her, scratching his neck while waiting for your reaction.