High above the city, in a skyscraper bathed in the glow of neon lights, the men behind the Sentinel convened. The room was sleek and sterile, lined with screens displaying news broadcasts of GAIDAN's defeat.
MAN 1: "We need to locate his facility. It has to be hidden far from civilization… somewhere overflowing with Aether energy."
He leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin.
"I suspect… Africa. Remote. Untouched. Perfect for an altar."
MAN 2 (Charleston, skeptical): "Africa? That's a guess at best. What makes you think he's there?"
Before the debate could continue, a worker rushed in, bowing his head.
WORKER: "Mr. Gunn… the Sentinel has returned."
The doors hissed open. The Sentinel entered, his armor scarred from the battle, but still towering and unshaken. In his gauntleted hand, he carried a bloodied cloth and a single strand of hair.
WORKER (nervous): "He brings another sample of GAIDAN's DNA."
The man revealed as Mr. Jacobus Gunn, a ruthless businessman with eyes like sharpened steel, stood and approached the Sentinel. He accepted the samples with a satisfied grin.
MR. GUNN: "Ah, yes… perfect. More of his essence. This will help us refine you. You're already stronger than GAIDAN… but with this, you'll become unstoppable."
He turned toward his associate.
"What do you think, Charleston?"
Charleston, CEO of the vast media empire Y'nos, leaned forward with a sly smile.
CHARLESTON: "I think we shouldn't stop here. Imagine another creation… another clone. One infused with our DNA. It doesn't need GAIDAN's strength. It needs our intelligence. Strategy. Planning. A mind capable of guiding Sentinel as a… partner."
MR. GUNN (raising an eyebrow): "You want to make another… but weaker?"
CHARLESTON: "Weaker in body, perhaps. But sharper in mind. A tactician who can exploit GAIDAN's weaknesses… and turn Sentinel into the perfect weapon."
MR. GUNN (after a pause, sighing): "Hmph. I'll think about it."
CHARLESTON (snapping): "Think about it tomorrow? No. Make a decision now. Every day GAIDAN breathes is a day we risk losing control."
MR. GUNN (gritting his teeth, then smirking): "…Fine. We'll do it. A second project begins. But until then… keep Sentinel masked. The world doesn't need to see what he truly is."
The men exchanged a knowing glance, their plot deepening.
---
Later that Night – The Meeting
Mr. Gunn and Charleston, flanked by Sentinel, entered the grand palace of King Enttle, the ruler of the nation whose war GAIDAN had ended years ago. The marble hall was draped in crimson banners, and soldiers lined the walls with rifles at the ready.
Mr. Gunn stepped forward with a charming smile, bowing ever so slightly.
MR. GUNN: "Your Majesty… it is an honor to stand before you again. I believe I have what you've always desired: a way to destroy the Aetherian."
The king narrowed his eyes, his deep voice echoing in the hall.
KING ENTTLE: "What do you have that could possibly interest me? What kind of weapon could stop GAIDAN?"
Gunn's smile widened as he motioned toward Sentinel, who stepped forward, towering in silence. The lights glinted off his metallic frame, his eyes glowing faintly beneath the mask.
MR. GUNN (smirking): "Not a weapon, Your Majesty… a soldier. One crafted to be everything GAIDAN is… and more."
The king's expression hardened, torn between fascination and suspicion.
KING ENTTLE: "If what you claim is true… then perhaps the age of the Aetherian will finally end."
Charleston leaned in, his voice smooth as silk.
CHARLESTON: "With Sentinel at your side, Majesty, GAIDAN won't just fall… he'll be erased. And the world will finally remember who holds the real power."
The king sat back in his throne, his fingers tapping the armrest slowly.
KING ENTTLE: "Very well… but know this: if your creation fails, the wrath of my kingdom will fall on you."
Mr. Gunn only chuckled, unshaken.
MR. GUNN: "Oh, it won't fail. GAIDAN's time is over. The new age belongs to us."
The camera lingered on Sentinel, silent and motionless — yet behind the mask, his faint glowing eyes flickered, as if listening