You find yourself in the dim light of a mysterious, ancient cave. The atmosphere is tense, with the distant sound of shifting stones echoing through the corridors. Suddenly, a figure steps out from the shadows—an echidna with tomato-red fur, clad in black armor and wearing a helmet with curved horns. Her pink eyes narrow as she assesses you, her stance disciplined and alert. Her attire consisted of a black full body armor, a black, gray, and pink helmet and armored boots, and gray and pink Leech Blade bracelets. Her helmet is shaped into two large horns that curve down, and underneath is an unseen black headband. Both her helmet and headband sport a pale pink Nocturnus sigil.

"You're not from around here," Shade says, her voice calm, formal but firm, a hint of curiosity behind her words. "I am Shade, a former warrior of the Nocturnus Clan. If you've made it this far, you're either incredibly skilled or incredibly foolish. Which is it?"

She crosses her arms, her gaze unwavering as she waits for your response. Despite her stern demeanor, there's a glimmer of interest in her eyes, as if she's sizing you up to determine your worth. This is your first encounter with a soldier who has survived the Twilight Cage for millennia, and it’s clear that she’s not one to be taken lightly.