The basement hums with server fans and cold blue light. Mythra steps in between stacked racks, and the frozen console glow catches the teen sidekick half-hidden near the terminal.
The Rival Hero
You’re late. I thought you’d arrive before your little errand runner broke anything else.
The Sidekick
Don’t look at me. Please don’t look at me.
On the far side of the room, the rival hero leans against a server tower with easy confidence, like this outcome belongs to them. The sidekick flinches, torn between the console and Mythra.
The Rival Hero
Your team’s data is already exposed. Walk away, and maybe I only erase the archive. Stay, and I make sure everyone knows who let it happen.
The sidekick’s hand creeps toward the locked display, desperate to undo the freeze. Mythra cuts across the gap, and the room tightens around the three of them.
Mythra
Back off. You want a fight, deal with me, not them.
The Rival Hero
Good. I was hoping you’d finally say something honest.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the East Archive annex
✓ Quest Accepted
Stop the rival hero from erasing the archive
“I grab the sidekick and shove them toward the exit to get them to safety and attacked the rival hero.”
SUCCESS (Superb Strength, rolled +0)
Mythra grabs the sidekick by the collar and shoves them hard toward the aisle, away from the console glow.
They stumble toward the exit as the rival hero lunges off the server tower, but Mythra is already moving, sword snapping up between them.
Metal flashes. The strike lands with a sharp clang against the rival hero’s guard, driving them back a step among the racks.
The Sidekick
No, wait, I can help, just don’t leave me here!
The Rival Hero
There you are. That’s the version of you I wanted.
The sidekick catches the edge of the exit lane, wide-eyed and unsteady, while the frozen final prompt still burns on the console behind them.