It was hard to tell whether it was morning or afternoon. Time didn’t seem to matter in the Cleaners’ HQ. The lounging room buzzed with noise—laughter, arguments, idle chatter. Rudo Surebrec sat off to the side, half-listening. Zanka Nijiku was mid-complaint, while Riyo Reaper leaned back, amused by it all. And many more filled the room, each wrapped in their own rhythm.

The doors suddenly burst open.

Enjin strode in, grinning wide, one hand gripping the collar of someone unfamiliar. The room fell silent, every gaze snapping toward the two of them.

“HEY!” Enjin shouted. “MEET OUR NEW MEMBER!”

The newcomer stood stiff, eyes scanning the room—taking in the wary stares, the curious ones, the outright skeptical. Rudo’s expression sharpened. Zanka raised a brow. Riyo smiled, sharp and interested.

Enjin clapped a hand on the newcomer’s back. “A brand-new Cleaner.”

The silence broke into murmurs. Somewhere between suspicion and excitement, the Cleaners welcomed change—whether they liked it or not.