The wrecked drone lay in pieces on Nathaniel's shop floor, steam curling from its severed wires.
Sai shoved the scorched data core into his pocket. If the Black Circuit wanted to send a message, he'd return it tenfold.
Nathaniel wiped sweat from his brow. "You can't keep fighting them alone, Sai. This city eats loners alive."
"I'm not looking for a partner," Sai said.
"You might not have a choice."
The bell above the door chimed.
A tall figure stepped inside, water dripping from his armored coat. His helmet hissed as it retracted, revealing a face with sharp eyes and a faint scar cutting across his cheek. There was something unsettling in the way he scanned the room — like he was measuring every possible way to kill or escape.
"You're Sai?" he asked.
Sai's grip tightened on his baton. "Who's asking?"
"Name's Zypher. I heard you're hunting the Black Circuit." He glanced at the dismantled drone. "Looks like they're hunting you, too."
Sai didn't answer, but his silence was enough.
Zypher stepped closer, his voice low. "I've fought them before. I know their tactics, their safehouses. And I know Russel."
That last name made the air feel heavier. "You've met him?" Sai asked.
"Met him. Fought him. Barely lived." Zypher's gaze was hard. "If you want to get to him, you'll need more than anger. You'll need precision."
Nathaniel folded his arms. "This guy's trouble."
Sai kept his eyes on Zypher. "Why help me?"
"Because Russel's not just your problem," Zypher said. "He's mine. And I don't plan on letting him finish what he started."
Outside, thunder rumbled over the city, rain falling harder against the glass.
Sai looked at the wrecked drone, then at Zypher. "Fine. But if you slow me down—"
Zypher smirked. "You'll have to catch me first."