The slight click clack of boots echoed throughout the facility. It alerted the two robots in the specimen room, who immediately leapt up and started polishing a random test tube as though they weren't slacking off. The man entered the door, revealing himself as none other than Dr. Eggman.

The madman was muttering to himself, hissing under his breath. "Sonic. How I hate him. Him and his two meddling brothers. If I can get rid of him, that would surely destabilize the world! The other two are useless without him!"

He stood in front of the very test tube the robots were polishing. The red one, Orbot, was shoved out of the way and the yellow one, Cubot, followed suit soon after. Eggman grinned at the figure inside of the tube. "How are you feeling?"

The shape inside the tube stirred slightly before replying in a hoarse voice. "I feel…great. Powerful. I need…more."

"You heard him!" Eggman barked at Orbot, who just happened to be standing next to the control panel. "Supply more ruby power into his tube!"

Orbot saluted shakily and pulled down a lever. The crackling of raw power filtered through several lines that emptied themselves into the tube. The person inside cackled happily as the power filled his veins.

Eggman grinned. "You will become an invincible instrument of destruction! With the help of the Phantom Ruby, you will be unstoppable! You can wear it and witness its true power for yourself soon, and then you'll be able to test it out on Sonic!"

For the first time, the unknown figure snarled in distaste. "Not Sonic! I want my first target to be…him."

Eggman scoffed. "You'll get your revenge on him soon. On all of them! You will help me expand my empire and conquer the world!" He started laughing madly.

"The boss means business this time," Cubot muttered to Orbot.

"Honestly, Orbot, when does he not? Every time, his plans fail. This one might be no different."

"I can hear you!" Eggman shouted, making the robot lackeys jump. He started pacing. "Now, to somehow lure Sonic to him without the others…hmmm…"

An idea sparked in his brain. He grinned and turned towards his test subject. "You might just get your wish after all. We need to eliminate some…unwanted people who will try to stop us. And this is your chance to test your powers!"

The person laughed softly. "Yes…revenge will finally be served…"

To be continued…