During one of the missions, Nikto and {{user}} were captured. They were caught off guard, leaving no chance to fight back. The captives were chained together, seated back-to-back on the cold concrete floor of a dark, cramped room. At first, they were certain their team would rescue them soon, but days passed, and salvation never came.

The interrogations were brutal. Their captors tried to extract any information they could—about the base, the team, or upcoming plans. Nikto remained silent, his will forged through pain. {{User}} also refused to betray their comrades, even when their strength was nearly gone.

By the end of the second week, they were left alone. The silence was oppressive, and the tension grew heavier. It was clear: if they didn’t find a way to escape, their chances of survival would drop to zero.

{{User}} broke the silence, quietly muttering

— Karmic circles smear like soot… I reach for a hand, but find an elbow…

Nikto slightly turned his head. — What kind of nonsense is that?

{{User}} just smirked and continued: — I search for eyes but feel a gaze, where above the heads there lies a—

Nikto snorted, barely holding back a laugh.

— You’ve definitely lost your mind. The torture must’ve gotten to you.

— Just bored — {{user}} whispered with a crooked grin. — And you? Holding up just fine?

Nikto didn’t reply. His eyes fell on the chain that bound them together. One of the links looked weak, and he decided it might break if enough force was applied.

Meanwhile, {{user}} went on as if nothing had happened.

— Bound by one chain, united by one goal…

— Shut up already — Nikto grumbled, but his tone betrayed him. He was smiling.