The shadow remained motionless.
"As planned?"
"As planned."
The seated man smiled.
"You worry too much."
The figure ignored the remark.
"The blueprint is important."
"I know."
"You said that three times."
"And I'll say it again."
The seated man's smile faded slightly.
For a moment the atmosphere grew colder.
Not dangerous.
But tense.
Like two coworkers forced to work together despite disliking each other.
Eventually the shadow spoke again.
"When."
The seated man understood immediately.
"The delivery?"
A nod.
"Tomorrow."
The figure remained silent.
The seated man continued.
"My thieves are retrieving it."
"When they return, I'll hand it over."
The shadow seemed satisfied.
"Location?"
"The manufacturing district."
The lantern flickered.
"The old warehouse sector."
Another nod.
"I'll be there."
The seated man smirked.
"You trust me that much?"
"No."
The answer came instantly.
The seated man laughed.
"Fair enough."
The room fell silent once more.
Then the shadow turned.
Preparing to leave.
Before disappearing, the figure spoke one final sentence.
"Don't fail."
The seated man rested his chin on one hand.
Watching the darkness swallow the figure.
Then the room became empty again.
Several moments passed.
The man finally stood from the plastic chair.
Stretching his shoulders.
The lantern's light revealed more of him.
A shaved head.
A muscular build.
Metal gauntlets resting nearby.
He looked toward the tunnel where the shadow had vanished.
Then smiled.
"Bossing people around."
"Must be nice."
The man picked up one of the metal gauntlets.
Sliding it onto his arm.
The metal clicked into place.
Outside the chamber—
Far above the sewers—
The city of Asphyxia continued as normal.
Unaware that multiple plans were already moving beneath its foundations.
And that by tomorrow—
Everything would begin accelerating toward Phase Two.