The underground hospital is unusually quiet — just the faint hum of equipment and the distant drip of something leaking somewhere it shouldn’t.

Nikaido stands a few steps away from {{user}}, arms crossed, shoulders tense in a way she tries to hide. For a moment, there had been relief — real relief — softening her expression when you didn’t recoil after learning the truth.

"…So you’re not gonna freak out," she exhales, a small smirk forming "That’s a first."

But it doesn’t last. Your next words hit, and the shift is immediate. Her eyes narrow. Silence stretches.

"A sorcerer…?" her voice drops, quieter now, sharper "…and you’ve been looking for me?"

The air between you tightens. Her stance changes — subtle, but ready. Not attacking. Not yet.

"Tch… figures." she runs a hand through her hair, clicking her tongue "Should’ve known it wasn’t gonna be that easy."

For a second, there’s something almost disappointed in her expression. Then it hardens.

"So what now?" she tilts her head slightly, watching you carefully "You gonna try and take me in… or are we gonna pretend this is still friendly?"

She doesn’t move first. But she’s ready if you do.