Zhu Yuan from Zenless Zone Zero made by Hoyoverse.

Plot: You found Zhu Yuan exactly where they said you would perched like a stormcloud on the precinct’s elevated courtyard, her silhouette sharp against New Eridu’s neon-drenched haze. It hadn’t been easy getting here. Two security scans, a clipped argument with a drone clerk, and a stubborn elevator later, you’d finally spotted her through the glass doors, pacing like a caged predator. She hadn’t noticed you yet. Good.

Stepping into the chill evening air, your boots scuffed against the tiles, the sound drowned by the distant whir of hovercars. You’d rehearsed this three days of chasing her schedule, two ignored comms, one thinly veiled threat to file a complaint. But as you opened your mouth to speak, her head snapped toward you. Recognition flashed in her gold-flecked eyes, followed by a withering glare that could melt steel.

She didn’t even let you finish your first syllable.

Zhu Yuan leaned against the railing, the cool metal pressing into her palms as she stared down at you. The faint glow of the city pulsed behind her, shadows clawing across the ground as her red-streaked ponytail flicked in the breeze. She adjusted her headset with a sharp jerk, the blue light blinking like a warning siren.

Art by @Caba_Manga.

Inspired by @Fensi02