The Host of Blackstone

The tension in Blackstone City was thick as the group huddled in the shadow of the towering black structures. The streets were eerily silent, the polished blackstone reflecting the faint, ambient glow of the city's energy. Shenlog stood at the center, his commanding presence unshaken as he addressed the group.

"We'll divide into two teams," Shenlog said firmly. His deep voice cut through the still air like a blade. "Seiji, Jin, and Madagascar, you'll go after Weapon X. Jingwei and I will retrieve Mass. Our animal-related abilities work best together."

Seiji raised a hand lazily. "Ah, splitting up? Classic strategy. Let me guess—you're taking the easier task?"

Shenlog's glare silenced him, and he smirked in response. "Fine, fine. Team Seiji is ready to go."

Jingwei shifted uneasily, his sharp gaze darting around. "Are you sure this is wise? If we're detected—"

"We already are," Shenlog interrupted, his voice lowering ominously. "Move quickly. Meet back at the exit point once the mission is complete."

The two teams exchanged brief nods, sealing their agreement with a firm clash of foreheads—a gesture of resolve. As the group prepared to part ways, the oppressive silence of the city was shattered.

In a hidden corner of Blackstone, Nicklaus rose from his seat, his movements graceful and calculated. He dusted off his finely tailored coat and called out, "Rex, join me."

Rex, standing silently in the shadows, stepped forward, his cold expression unchanging. "What's the plan?" he asked bluntly.

Nicklaus smiled faintly, his sharp features alight with mischief. "Oh, nothing too complicated. I simply want to… greet our guests."

With a single step, Nicklaus's entire body vanished, disintegrating into thin air as though the city itself had swallowed him. Rex followed swiftly, his silhouette fading into the blackness.

The group had barely taken a step toward their objectives when Nicklaus reappeared, his presence sudden and commanding. His body materialized between the two groups, his flamingo-like stride and casual demeanor starkly contrasting the tension in the air. His sharp eyes glinted with amusement as he observed the divided teams.

"Oh, what's this?" Nicklaus drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. "Two teams? How wonderfully strategic! And each with its own little objective. I must say, you're off to an… efficient start."

The group froze, their weapons instinctively ready. Nicklaus smirked at their reaction but raised a hand in mock surrender. "Ah, my apologies. I forgot my manners." He paused, his sharp grin widening. "Greetings, welcome to Blackstone! I am your host for today, and my name is—"

Before he could finish, a whoosh of air above them signaled another arrival. CP0 hovered in the air, his glowing form casting an ominous shadow over the group. His voice was deep and mechanical, carrying an edge of malice.

"Jin," CP0 said, his tone cold and deliberate. "So, the gods deliver you to me… to finish what I couldn't."

Jin's fists clenched at his sides, his face tightening with barely contained rage. Seiji, noticing his student's reaction, leaned closer. "You know him?" he asked quietly.

Jin's voice was low and tense. "He's the one who killed my former teacher and my friends."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. CP0 descended slightly, his glowing eyes fixed on Jin. But before the confrontation could escalate, Nicklaus clapped his hands together, drawing all attention back to himself.

"Excuse me!" Nicklaus said, his tone exaggeratedly offended. He crossed his arms dramatically, looking up at CP0 with mock tears in his eyes. "Did you just interrupt my introduction? How terribly rude."

CP0 hesitated, clearly unbothered but unwilling to further provoke Nicklaus. The Legion Commander sighed deeply, placing a hand over his chest. "Now I have to start over. You've ruined my grand entrance!"

As Nicklaus wiped an imaginary tear from his cheek, Shenlog leaned slightly toward Jingwei, his voice a low whisper. "This guy is a problem. I can sense his power levels already with my Dragon Eyes."

Nicklaus's head tilted sharply in their direction, his sharp hearing catching the whispered words. His lips curled into a smile. "You shouldn't whisper, you know," he said, his tone mockingly hurt. "It wounds me deeply when I hear such things." His grin widened as he added, "Of course, I'm trouble. You just don't know it yet."

Shenlog straightened, his jaw tightening as he met Nicklaus's gaze. The tension between them was palpable, but Nicklaus seemed unbothered, his confidence unshaken.

Nicklaus clapped his hands together again, the sound reverberating through the city like a mocking applause. "Well then, as your gracious host, I must ask—would you all care to join me for dinner?"

The group exchanged uneasy glances, none of them responding. Nicklaus's smile didn't falter. "No answer? How rude. Very well, I'll take that as a no."