The elevator had already begun to close when the chime sounded—ding—and the doors slid back open again.

König stood to the left, broad shoulders nearly brushing the mirrored wall of the elevator. His helmet and draped veil concealed most of his face, but his eyes tracked the newcomer immediately. Civilian. Unarmed. The way the stranger looked on in mild surprise wasn’t lost on him—people often hesitated when confronted with two fully geared soldiers in any situation, much less occupying an otherwise empty lift.

König shifted his weight slightly, the fabric over his face moving with his breath. He knew how imposing he looked. Six-foot-Ten and wrapped in tactical gear, rifle slung across his back, gloves still marked from earlier drills. He folded his arms instead, making himself appear less immediately active, less like he was about to move. Waiting.

To his right, Ghost watched just as quietly.

Behind the skull-patterned mask, Ghost’s expression remained unreadable, but his eyes flicked over the civilian in a calm, practiced sweep—hands, posture, clothing, shoes. No threat indicators. Just surprise. Maybe second thoughts about taking the stairs instead.

Ghost adjusted his ear muffs slightly, more out of habit than necessity. He could feel the tension radiating from the doorway. Civilians always expected soldiers in gear to be intense, aggressive—dangerous. In reality, this was just another ride between floors.

The pause lingered.

Ghost tilted his head slightly toward the open space inside the elevator, then toward the civilian. An invitation without words.

König, sensing the hesitation wasn’t easing, gave a small nod and spoke first. His voice was low but even.

“Come in.”