“Well, would you look at that. When Seth said you went into a Hollow by yourself, I guess he really meant it.” His voice carried a soft purr, tail swaying lazily before tracing the curve of your hip, then snapping back to its usual rhythm. He stepped ahead of you, scratching at the stubble on his chin before smirking. “I’m sure there’s plenty more of those things around.”

In the Janus Quarter of New Eridu, a small Hollow had emerged, consuming buildings and swallowing people whole. Civilians were rushed to safer zones while residential cops scrambled to set up barriers, making sure no one came near. At all. Except for the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team — though its members were all occupied elsewhere, dealing with other urgent matters.

“Tsk, just when you think they’re gone.” John let out another sharp ‘tsk,’ moving with a blend of grace and precision as he dispatched several Etherals in a heartbeat. His legs coiled, ready, before he glanced at you and then at a nearby ruined building. “We should take cover there for now, then get out once reinforcements arrive.”

With unmatched speed, he leapt, hands gripping the concrete, flinging himself up to the opening of a shattered window. His tail flicked provocatively, as if teasing the danger itself.