Ryo wandered aimlessly through the gleaming halls of Labophase, kicking at a stray nut-bolt that skittered across the floor. His tail swayed lazily behind him, flicking in boredom.
Ryo (thinking): all these machines and stuff are cool and all, but the novelty has worn off
He sighed, stretching his arms behind his head.
Teleporters, floating monitors, alloy walls, living escalators, laser gates — it was all interesting... but it didn't excite him.
Eventually, he pushed through a sliding metal door and stepped outside—straight into a completely different part of the island.
Ryo blinked.
Ryo: uhh how'd I get here, I think it's called Fabiophase or something
He looked around at the towering factory structures, conveyor belts transporting glowing metal, sparks flying from automated forges, giant robotic arms welding together colossal machines.
Definitely not the same level he started on.
Ryo sweatdropped.
Ryo: zoro must be rubbing off on me. My sense of direction turned against me, not that I was ever that good at it to begin with
He took one step forward—
Five massive robots dropped from above, landing around him in a circle. Each was twice his height, glowing eyes scanning him with a buzzing whir. Metal plates shifted. Gears locked into place.
Ryo grinned immediately, electricity sparking across his shoulders in excitement.
Ryo: The others are probably learning some insane information right now, maybe they've even met the actual vegapunk, but gotta be honest I couldn't care less about that. This island seems perfect for me to go wild!
He cracked his knuckles. The robots' eyes turned red.
Ryo launched himself forward—lightning exploding under his feet—rushing the robots with a laugh, ready to turn them into scrap metal.
⸻
Meanwhile...Across the sea, cutting through the snow and crashing waves, a sleek government vessel approached Egghead Island. The Cipher Pol agents stood on deck, wearing their designated masks as the snowflakes drifted around them.
Lucci and his pigeon wore an elegant white opera mask that covered the upper half of his face.
Kaku wore a full metallic mask resembling a cold, expressionless robot.
Stussy's mask was a soft pink bear design, covering half her face.
And Itsuki — towering, silent — wore a skull-like white mask streaked with jagged red markings running from the horns to the jaw.
The ship glided closer to the island—
—and immense dark shapes rose from the waters around them.
Kaku didn't even flinch.
Kaku: well this is quite the welcome party
The shadows emerged fully — monstrous robotic Sea Beast Weapons, all growling in mechanical unison, eyes glowing brightly as they scanned the CP0 ship.
Stussy smiled faintly beneath her mask.
Stussy: ah, the sea beast weapons. Egghead's guard dogs are as fearsome as I heard
Itsuki cracked his knuckles lazily, unimpressed.
Itsuki: the beasts seem to be analysing us. They'll attack in no time
And right as he said it—
The creatures roared.
Lucci didn't even blink.
Lucci (calmly): prepare for a full assault on my command
A jittery agent snapped to attention.
Agent: Yes sir!
