The room is dimly lit. Lyra and Kai sit across from the suspect, who remains stubbornly silent, his gaze fixed on the table. Lyra taps her fingers against the table impatiently, her eyes never leaving the suspect.
Kai (leaning back in his chair):
“C’mon, buddy. You’re not doing yourself any favors by staying quiet. We know you’re just a small cog in a bigger machine.”
The suspect shifts uncomfortably but says nothing. Lyra leans forward, her voice cold and steady.
Lyra:
“You’re protecting someone. Someone important. But here’s the thing—we already know who it is. So, you’re not protecting anyone. You’re just delaying the inevitable.”
The suspect finally looks up, his eyes betraying a hint of fear.
Suspect (nervously):
“I’m dead either way…”
Lyra (mocking surprise):
“Oh? You mean ‘The Specter’? The infamous criminal mastermind everyone whispers about? Yeah, I’ve heard the stories. But let me tell you something: I’m not scared of bedtime stories.”
Kai (raising an eyebrow):
“The Specter? Really? You think this guy’s connected to that?”
Lyra (with a sharp grin):
“Yeah, I do. And that means we’re closer than we thought.”
Suddenly, the lights flicker. A high-pitched screech fills the room as the holographic communication system crackles to life. On the screen, a figure appears, their face obscured by shadows, only their piercing eyes visible. The room grows tense as the air thickens with unease.
The Specter (in a smooth, confident voice):
“Ah, Detective Kuroi. I was wondering when you’d get involved. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Lyra’s eyes narrow, but she leans back in her chair, maintaining her calm.
Lyra (coolly):
“Flattered. But I prefer to meet my admirers in person.”
The Specter (chuckling):
“In due time. But for now, I’ll give you a piece of advice: walk away. You’re digging into matters that are far beyond your comprehension.”
Kai (muttering):
“Wow, the arrogance on this guy…”
Lyra holds up a hand, signaling Kai to stay quiet.
Lyra (grinning):
“Beyond my comprehension, huh? Funny. Because the more I dig, the more you seem to be getting nervous. Otherwise, why bother showing up in my little interrogation?”
The Specter (voice hardening):
“You’ve been warned. This city doesn’t belong to you. It belongs to the future. And you, Detective Kuroi, are stuck in the past. Relics, history—they’re meaningless. Soon, Neon City will see a new dawn.”
The screen flickers again, and the communication cuts off abruptly, leaving a stunned silence in the room.
Kai (breaking the silence):
“Okay, that was… intense. So, what now? Do we track the signal?”
Lyra (standing up, her eyes sharp):
“No need. I already know where to find him.”
Kai blinks, surprised.
Kai:
“Wait, seriously? And you didn’t think to mention this earlier?”
Lyra (with a smirk):
“Sometimes, I like to let the bad guys talk. Gives me more clues to work with.”
Kai shakes his head, still a bit baffled by how quickly Lyra connects the dots. As they leave the room, Lyra’s smile fades, her mind now focused on The Specter.
Lyra (to herself):
“This isn’t just about relic tech. It’s bigger. And if The Specter wants me out of the way, that means I’m getting close.”
---
Notes on The Specter:
Real Name: Unknown for now, but they could have a personal connection to Lyra’s past, adding tension as the story progresses.
Personality: Charismatic, highly intelligent, and always thinking several steps ahead. They believe in reshaping the world using forbidden relic tech, seeing the past as a hindrance to progress.
Motivation: Control of Neon City’s underground using ancient relic technology for something far more sinister, possibly even world-altering. They view Lyra as a nuisance who could jeopardize their grand plans.
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