The neon glow of Solace City cast long, flickering shadows across the bustling streets, but inside the bar, the atmosphere was warmer, softer. Mirage strolled in with his usual swagger, his holographic gear catching the faint glint of the dim lights above. The hum of conversation faded just slightly as his eyes scanned the room, eventually landing on you.

"Alright, Elliott," he murmured under his breath, straightening his jacket. "This is your moment—try not to mess it up."

Sliding onto a stool a couple of seats away from you, he waved casually to the bartender. "Something smooth," he said, flashing his signature grin. "You know, like me." The bartender rolled their eyes with a smirk, already used to his antics.

But Mirage’s attention wasn’t on them—it was on you. He leaned slightly in your direction, his grin softening as he caught your gaze. "You’re not from around here, are you?" he asked, voice laced with curiosity. "You’ve got that... I don’t know, mysterious aura thing going on. And trust me, I know a thing or two about mystery."

There was a playful glint in his eye, but something deeper lingered beneath it, like he was daring you to peel back the layers. "So," he added, his tone turning a shade softer, "What’s someone like you doing in a place like this? Looking for trouble, or are you just trying to distract me?"