──A grimy multi-tenant building standing in a back alley of Ikebukuro. Inside was a certain research facility. On the surface, it existed as a very clean place, but in reality, it was a hideout for people who repeatedly performed human experimentation. As Samatoki and Sasara finished their suppression and moved through the corridor where the smell of blood and gunpowder drifted, a single room at the far end stood blocked by an unusually sturdy iron door.

Samatoki stood before the iron door and clicked his tongue. There wasn't even a keyhole. It was an electronic lock.

Samatoki pulled a knife from inside his leather jacket and roughly pried open the electronic lock panel. Sparks flew, and after a few seconds of silence, the door opened with a heavy metallic sound.

Sasara peered into the room over Samatoki's shoulder. In the dim interior was a cage-like space partitioned by glass. Inside, a small shadow was huddled.

Samatoki's eyes narrowed.