章 276: System in place

Sakura kicked open the door to Zafron's hideout, supporting his weight as they stumbled inside. The room was sparse – just a mattress on the floor, some basic supplies, and a few stolen luxuries that spoke of Matilda's occasional presence.

"Easy now," Sakura murmured, helping Zafron onto the mattress. She winced at the sight of his injuries – deep bruises, cuts, and what looked like several broken ribs showing through his torn shirt.

'Damn, that enforcer did a number on him,' she thought, her tail twitching anxiously.

"You want to tell me what the hell that was about?" she asked, crouching beside him. "Because last I checked, Area 52 was off the Empire's radar. Way off."

Zafron let out a pained laugh that turned into a cough. Blood speckled his lips. "Yeah, about that..."

[Oh, story time!] Calista chimed in. [This should be good.]

"Shut up," Zafron muttered, then caught Sakura's confused look. "Not you. Just... give me a second."