> [Location: NovaCore Underground Sectors — Restricted Core Nexus]
[Time: 07:53 AM]
[System Log: External Surveillance Jammed | Signal Cloaked]
Arin and Elira moved cautiously through the decaying tunnels beneath NovaCore. The stolen data shard burned against Arin's chest, heavier than any weapon he'd ever carried.
Every step forward uncovered more evidence — forgotten labs, decommissioned pods, and corrupted systems. But the one thing they needed most was still missing.
Lyra Verma.
His mother.
> [System Scan: Life Signature Detected]
Status: Stabilized | Core-Linked
Location: Nexus Vault Chamber 4
"She's alive," Arin whispered.
Elira's grip tightened around her disruptor.
"Then let's go get her."
---
They approached a sealed chamber labeled 'Vault C4-X'. Inside, through reinforced glass, a woman floated in stasis — her features unmistakable, frozen in time.
Lyra Verma.
> [System Analysis: Bio-Linked Core Detected]
Connection Type: Forced Hybrid Integration
Stasis Age: 9 Years
Arin's throat tightened.
"They kept her here… using her."
Elira checked the nearby control panel.
"She's connected to the Nexus AI mainframe. If we shut it down… it might kill her."
"Then we need another way."
---
Suddenly, alarms blared.
> [Intrusion Detected: Internal Nexus AI Activated]
Defense Status: Level Red
The walls shimmered as defense constructs materialized — humanoid forms of solid energy.
> [Enemy Class: Nexus Sentinels]
Count: 8
Threat Level: High
"We don't have time!" Elira shouted.
Arin's system pulsed.
> [Core Sync Request: Elira Unit — Compatible]
[Link Initiation: Approved]
"Elira — link with me."
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Do it."
---
Pulse Synchronization surged between them, amplifying their abilities.
Arin unleashed a Pulse Drive Nova, decimating half the constructs. Elira followed up with Shadow Pulse Blades, slicing through the remaining sentinels with precision.
> [Area Secure]
[System Override: Stasis Disengagement In Progress…]
Lyra's pod deactivated.
Her body slowly lowered to the ground, weak but breathing.
"Mom…?"
Her eyes fluttered open, and for the first time in years, she spoke.
"Arin… you grew up."
---
Tears blurred his vision.
"I thought I lost you."
Lyra weakly smiled.
"I… left you something. In the Nexus. My code… my failsafe."
She handed him a small embedded data key.
> [Item Acquired: Lyra's Override Code]
Purpose: Total System Shutdown — Project Xeno-Soul
Elira scanned it.
"This can end NovaCore's systems… all of them."
Arin's grip tightened around the device.
"Then that's what we'll do."
---
> [Main Quest Updated]
Objective: Upload Lyra's Override Code to NovaCore Central Nexus
Secondary: Evacuate All Hybrid Subjects
Time Limit: 48 Hours
---
As sirens wailed and armed units closed in, Arin made a promise — not just to his mother, but to every victim NovaCore buried in the dark.
"We're shutting this nightmare down."
---
To be continued…