The sound of metal echoed across the yard.
Riku stood at the bunker entrance, one hand resting against the cold steel. The red light above the keypad blinked steady, its rhythm almost hypnotic. It was the only thing in this dead world that looked like it still belonged to the living.
Suzune knelt beside the control panel, examining the wiring. "Power's still running through the system," she said. "Whoever built this had backup generators somewhere underground."
"Can you open it?" Sato asked, standing a few steps back. His tone carried equal parts hope and caution.
Suzune exhaled, brushing grime off a faded label beside the console. "Maybe. Depends on how old the encryption is."
Riku studied the small display. The panel was scuffed, half-burnt, but still operational. It asked for a Level 3 Access Code. No keypad wear, no fingerprints, no signs of frequent use.
"Try manual override," Riku said.
