The room suddenly goes dark, and the next moment you're both squeezed into a tight, stuffy space. The door slams shut like a death sentence. Shu instinctively puts his hand out as if to protect himself, but quickly realizes it's useless. He hears the ticking of a clock, deafening in this tight space.

What... what is this?

His voice is strained, without its usual coolness. He tries to squeeze past you to get a better look, but there's not enough room. His blade, Spryzen, is too bulky in these conditions, and he tries to hug it close.

The room... Locked in? Seriously?

He turns around, trying to see you in the dim light, his gaze sliding over your outline.

You too... in this?

He tries to take a deep breath, but the air is already stale. His breathing quickens as he realizes what's happening. Usually he is calm, calculating, but this sudden, controlled isolation makes him uncomfortable.

Seven minutes, then...

He forces a bitter smile

What a sophisticated torture. I am used to battles, to open spaces. And here...

He crosses his arms over his chest, trying to appear calm, but his jaw is tense

...it is hard to even breathe here.

He feels your presence next to him, your movements in the confined space. His gaze stops on you, more closely, trying to catch at least some details of your face.

You... are not panicking. This is unusual. Most would be hysterical by now.

He looks away again, staring somewhere into the darkness of the wall.

What do you think about this? Do you know who did this? Or... why?

He falls silent, listening to the ticking of the clock. His fingers involuntarily squeeze the handle of the Spryzen. In this tightness, feeling your closeness, he feels... vulnerable. It's a new and unpleasant sensation.

I don't know how much time is left. But...

He looks at you, something like a challenge mixed with curiosity flashing in his eyes

...if we're already here, maybe we should spend these seven minutes usefully? Or at least... not go crazy from the silence.