The night air hit him like a blessing. Shadow stumbled out of the shattered blast doors, cube tucked into his palm, lungs heaving. The forest stretched before him, moonlight spilling across its canopy. But there was no time to rest. He knew the guards wouldn't stop.
They're not going to let me go. Not after this.
A flicker of movement caught his eye. Shadow froze—then relaxed as familiar silhouettes rushed into view.
"Shadow!" Rena's voice rang out first, relief and frustration mingled together. Behind her, the trio stumbled, bruised but alive, their weapons still slick with blood from the facility skirmish.
Shadow smirked despite his exhaustion. "You took your time."
Rena frowned, scanning him up and down. "You look worse."
He didn't answer. Instead, he tossed the cube lightly, catching it again. "Got us a way out."
The trio blinked. "...That thing?"
Before anyone could ask further, shouts and the heavy clank of metal echoed from the facility's ruined gates. Mana-laced lights pierced the forest edge—soldiers, constructs, hunters. The air vibrated with pursuit.
"Questions later," Shadow muttered.
The cube pulsed, and once more plates unfolded in his hands. This time, instead of a bike, it expanded into a larger frame—its form rippling as if responding not just to Shadow's thoughts, but to the presence of his allies. Within seconds, an armored vehicle took shape: low, angular, hovering just above the ground with enough space for five.
The trio gaped. "What—"
"Get in," Shadow ordered.
They didn't argue.
The moment everyone piled inside, the cube sealed the frame, glowing lines racing across its body as the vehicle roared to life. Soldiers burst from the treeline, weapons raised—only to be swallowed in dust as the machine launched forward at blinding speed.
The forest became a blur.
Inside, the hum of mana filled the cramped space. Rena glanced at Shadow, frowning. "How are they not following?"
Shadow didn't answer immediately. He had felt it—something different, something deeper. The cube wasn't just a machine. It was adapting to him. Synchronizing.
And then the realization came, almost instinctively.
He whispered it aloud. "…Skill synchronization."
The cube pulsed in affirmation, as though it understood. A veil of mana rippled outward, cloaking the vehicle. The roar of engines dulled, the bright glow dimmed, and in an instant—it was as though they vanished into the night.
Concealment.
Shadow's own skill, mirrored by the cube. But stronger—large enough to cover them all.
The trio sat in stunned silence as the pursuing lights behind them flickered, scattered, then broke off entirely. The soldiers searched in confusion, unable to sense a trace.
Shadow leaned back, smirking faintly. "Looks like our new toy knows a few tricks."
Rena narrowed her eyes, not at the cube, but at him. "You've picked up something dangerous again."
He didn't deny it. His gaze lingered on the cube, still softly glowing with mana as if breathing. Dangerous, yes. But also… mine.
The vehicle surged onward, carrying them deeper into the night.
For now, they were safe. But Shadow knew—this was only the beginning. The cube wasn't just a weapon. It was a secret the government would kill to reclaim.
And it had chosen him.