The Azure-eyed assassin

Bullets rained down.

Gunfire echoed like an endless thunder.

Mayu dodged, rolled on the ground, and took down two soldiers in motion.

Their bodies collapsed in a puddle of blood.

But with every shot fired, memories struck her head.

---

Flashback: White Room

She was lying down.

The walls were cold. White. Perfect.

Wires were connected to her skin.

A man in a white coat looked down at her.

— Subject 07… Too unstable.

Another scientist nodded.

— But incredibly effective. Her reflexes exceed the acceptable limit.

A female silhouette stepped forward.

Mayu couldn't make out her face.

But a cold hand brushed against her cheek.

— She is a failure.

A noise.

A beep.

A sudden pain in her neck.

Then, nothing.

---

Present

A sharp pain pierced her skull.

— Tch…

A soldier took advantage of her hesitation.

Too late.

He grabbed her by the collar and hurled her against a wall.

The impact shattered her focus.

Her breath caught.

The soldier raised his rifle.

Imminent execution.

But Akira intervened in a flash.

His blade sliced through the shooter's throat.

Blood splattered onto Mayu.

— Don't lose focus now! shouted Akira.

She regained her breath, gritting her teeth.

— I know.

She picked up her knife and steadied herself.

The fight was not over.

---

Hellish Escape

The alarm blared louder.

An automated voice announced:

> Self-destruction activated.

Time remaining: 10 minutes.

Mayu exchanged a glance with Akira.

— They want to erase everything.

— Then let's get out of here.

They sprinted through the corridors.

Flashing red lights turned the place into a living nightmare.

Explosions echoed behind them.

The laboratory was collapsing.

The ground vibrated beneath their feet.

But as they reached the exit…

A final figure appeared before them.

A man in a black coat.

Tactical helmet. Heavy weapon.

His gaze hidden beneath a red visor.

— Subject 07. Priority neutralization.

He raised his cannon.

And fired a single shot.