Chapter 71

With a swift exchange of nods and meaningful looks, the group separated.

Maria, Kaida, and Kaori slipped into the shadows, taking position at the sides of the Shimadzu Corporation building.

Meanwhile, Ryu and Kai advanced on the main entrance.

Kai placed his hand on the door, his fingers curling around the handle as he began to pull it open.

"Creeeeraak," the metal hinges groaned in protest, their rusty joints squeaking as they resisted Kai's pull.

With each passing moment, the sound of the hinges seemed to grow louder, the screeching of metal on metal echoing through the building .

Kai tried his hardest to mute the door, he strengthened his grip on the handle and clenched his jaw.

As the screeching of the hinges finally began to subside, Kai found himself standing in an eerily silent lobby area.