The location—
Was wrong.
Too quiet.
Too empty.
"…this is a bad place," Iris said.
"…agreed."
"…you never say that."
"…high risk."
"…GREAT."
An abandoned facility.
Metal gates.
Broken windows.
No movement.
"…they want visibility," Jared said.
"…meaning?"
"…they want us to enter."
"…and we're going to."
"…yes."
"…OF COURSE."
The gate—
Unlocked.
Jared pushed it.
CREEEAK.
Too loud.
"…subtle," Iris whispered.
"…irrelevant."
Inside—
Dark.
Wide.
Silent.
Then—
Lights.
Click.
Click.
Click.
Iris froze.
"…nope."
"…expected," Jared said.
At the center—
A figure stood.
Still.
Watching.
"…welcome," he said.
Silence.
Jared's eyes narrowed.
"…you're the controller."
The man smiled.
"…you're faster than expected."
This time—
No guessing.
No theory.
Direct.
"…name," Jared said.
A pause.
"…Ethan."
The game—
Had a face.