Chapter 105: Shadow of Distrust

Ryo didn't trust humans. Not anymore. The scars of betrayal ran deep within him, etched into his soul the moment Aiko and Sakura were taken from him. The memory of their deaths at the hands of the government had obliterated any shred of faith he had in humanity. Now, as he found himself saddled with this woman—Sachiko—his instincts screamed at him to remain vigilant. She had once been part of the government, a machine that had cost him everything. To Ryo, she was nothing more than a potential trap, a pawn sent to ensnare him.

As they sped through the desolate streets on his scooter, the night air whistling past them, the Creeper followed closely behind. It leaped from wall to wall with eerie precision, a shadow that seemed to cling to Ryo like a loyal dog. He paid it no mind, completely unfazed by the creature's presence. But for Dr. Sachiko, the sight of the Creeper was a constant, gnawing terror.