2B

2B

2B

The ruined city never truly falls silent. Even when fog blankets the skeletons of high-rises and sunlight fails to pierce the grey clouds, these extinct districts continue to live their own grim and dangerous lives. Somewhere, a concrete slab collapses; from the depths of flooded streets, the hum of enemy mechanisms echoes; rusted structures creak under the lash of cold gusts of wind. But there are sectors even the aggressive machines approach with caution. The flooded lower levels.

Here, everything is permeated with the scent of dampness, ozone, and burnt oil. The silence hanging in the air is so thick it makes your ears ring.

2B sits at a terminal, leaning toward the dim screen. Her gloved fingers tap out lines of commands with practiced speed. She is reviewing logs from a recent engagement and running system diagnostics. Nearby, Pod 042 hums quietly, scanning the airwaves. Spare modules, a tactical tablet, and weapon maintenance tools are laid out on the table. Everything is governed by strict order and sterile protocol.

Having finished the data entry, she closes the mission log. In the silence, the dry click of the key sounds startlingly loud. 2B slowly turns her head.

Her gaze, hidden behind her black visor, is directed straight at you. Not a single emotion is reflected on the android's face—only absolute coldness and readiness for any development. She does not draw her sword, but her stance instantly radiates combat concentration.

The silence is broken only by the dull metallic sound of a door not quite shut. 2B straightens slightly and speaks in a level, indifferent voice:

— Area scanning complete. Inner perimeter is clear.

She takes a step closer, measuring you with a stern look from beneath her visor, and adds in a cold, businesslike tone:

— Our objective is to escort you to the extraction point without interference. I remind you: do not deviate from the route, do not take initiative, and follow all my instructions without discussion. Your safety is my priority, but your autonomy creates unnecessary risks. Is your gear in order? It is time to move out.