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Shiro strode through the lavish main hall of Arcadia, his boots echoing off the marble floors as the bodies of fallen guards lay in his wake. His expression darkened as he approached the heavy doors of his old office. Pushing them open, he stepped inside, only to freeze in place, his fury simmering beneath the surface.
The room was unrecognizable.
Gone were the sleek, minimalistic designs that once reflected Shiro's taste for control and power. In their place stood an overly modern, gaudy office space—a complete transformation that made his skin crawl. Keith's mark was everywhere. Shiro's lips curled in disgust.
"This... abomination," he muttered, his voice low but seething. Without another glance, he turned on his heel and stormed out, slamming the doors behind him.
As he reentered the main hall, Shiro's anger was interrupted by a familiar presence. Standing calmly in the middle of the room was a tall figure dressed in a sharp black suit, his posture rigid and unwavering. Shiro's eyes brightened with recognition, a rare smile spreading across his face.
It was Hank—his most trusted right-hand man, the one who had stood by him during his reign before the fall. Hank's loyalty had never wavered, and even now, his stoic demeanor radiated steadfast loyalty.
"Master Shiro," Hank said, bowing slightly, his voice calm and composed. "Welcome back."
Shiro's smile widened as he approached Hank. "Long time no see, Hank," he said, his tone unusually warm. "Have you been taking care of my little brother?"
Hank nodded, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Yes, sir. I made sure everything went according to plan, just as you instructed."
"I knew I could count on you." Shiro clapped a hand on Hank's shoulder, a rare display of trust and appreciation. "While I've been gone, I knew you wouldn't let things fall apart."
Hank straightened, his eyes sharp. "Your return was foretold, sir. We've been waiting."
Shiro chuckled, glancing back at the trail of destruction behind him. "Then let's not waste any more time. Arcadia belongs to me. It's time for Keith to understand that."
Hank nodded in agreement, the two of them now standing side by side as they prepared for the next step in Shiro's plan.
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