ZERO SHIFT

As Josuke left Kyle's office, his mind drifted to the recent clash with Arthur, and he pushed open his door, ready to turn in for the night. Meanwhile, back in the office, Kyle was deep in thought, wondering how he could smooth things over between Josuke and Arthur. His mind raced through scenarios, plans, and conversations, when suddenly, a knock broke his focus.

It was Maya, entering with a bottle of wine and two glasses in hand. She took a seat across from Kyle, casually popping open the bottle and pouring them each a glass. They toasted, laughing as Maya remarked, "Look at you, using that brain of yours. Careful, Kyle, it might overload."

Kyle chuckled, taking a sip. "Well, if anything could push me over the edge, it's that stubborn kid Arthur. He's never defied an order like this before. And then there's Josuke…your 'son,' apparently," he smirked.

Maya rolled her eyes, "Ha ha, real funny. But, seriously, he's got the 12-gate seal. That should keep his devil side in check. Why are you worried?"

Kyle sighed, swirling the wine in his glass. "There's something about him…like there's more to his powers than we know. He has moments where he doubts himself, questions his place. I can see it in his eyes—he doesn't fully trust himself."

Before Maya could respond, both she and Kyle went silent, their mana senses sparking as they detected something lurking in the shadows. Their expressions turned serious in an instant, and they both summoned their Full Bringers. Maya's took the form of a three-section staff, which she held with precision, while Kyle's sword shrank to the size of a knife as he prepared to strike.

In a flash, Kyle launched his weapon with pinpoint accuracy, but as it collided, it struck only an empty, moving shadow. Maya's reaction was swift; she closed the distance, her staff whirling through the air, slamming down on the spot where the shadow had been. But as the dust settled, only the remains of Kyle's shattered desk lay on the floor.

The shadow had vanished without a trace.

Kyle retrieved his weapon, his gaze still wary as he scanned the room. "Seems like something…or someone…is taking an interest in us," he muttered, frustration lacing his words.

Maya's expression was serious, her grip on her staff firm. "We should keep a closer watch. If they're bold enough to come this close, it's only a matter of time before they try something else."

Kyle nodded, his mind racing once again, this time not just with concerns over Arthur and Josuke—but with questions about the mysterious force lurking in the shadows.