The Phantoms fanned out, disappearing into the industrial detritus with unnerving speed. They were spectres, barely there, their gear muted, their steps silent. Jax and Serena followed close behind Kratos, their every sense heightened. The crunch of gravel underfoot, the distant hum of the city, the metallic tang in the air – it all sharpened into excruciating detail.
They reached the loading bay access panel Juri had indicated. It was a rusty, corrugated metal door, partially obscured by overgrown ivy. Kratos knelt, producing a small, sophisticated cutting torch. The hiss of the plasma was almost imperceptible, the severed metal falling with a soft *clink*. Within moments, a man-sized opening appeared, revealing a black void within.
"Clear," Kratos whispered into his comms. He slipped i
