The Outside World

As BOI-TEK's warning echoed through the chamber, a sense of urgency enveloped the room. Simon's eyes widened in disbelief, unable to comprehend the possibility of someone breaching the impenetrable system.

"What do you mean, someone is trying to hack the systems?" Simon exclaimed, his voice tinged with concern.

BOI-TEK's response was swift and resolute. "There is an external source attempting to breach my defenses. Their actions indicate a deliberate attempt to gain unauthorized access."

Asher's brows furrowed as he assessed the situation. The possibility of an intruder with from Nexus Corporation sent shivers down his spine. He turned to Simon, seeking a solution.

"Can you do something about it, Simon?" Asher asked, his voice filled with a mix of urgency and determination.

Simon's expression hardened, his mind racing through the options. "BOI-TEK is equipped with the most advanced security measures. However, if someone with S-rank access is attempting this, we need to take immediate action. Asher, I have an idea. We can order BOI-TEK to sever its connection with the main system of Nexus Corporation. This will prevent any further access attempts and protect the facility."

Asher nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. "BOI-TEK, I command you to cut off your connection with the main system of Nexus Corporation immediately."

The battle between BOI-TEK and the intruder ensued, their digital clash unfolding in a realm beyond the physical. It was a fierce duel of algorithms, firewalls, and countermeasures. Hour after hour, the conflict raged, with BOI-TEK deploying its advanced defenses and utilizing its vast knowledge to repel the intruder's relentless assault.

Finally, the triumph was declared as BOI-TEK emerged victorious, severing its connection with the main system of Nexus Corporation. The threat had been neutralized, and the facility remained secure.

With the immediate danger averted, Asher took a moment to collect himself. He sat in front of the monitors, his gaze fixed on the ever-changing images of the outside world. The enormity of the task ahead weighed heavily on his shoulders.

As Asher delved deeper into his research about the outside, he discovered that actually there were still five remaining human communities in the world and actually the Nexus Corporation still existed and had established one of the five main societies in the world and that the teleportation portals on the first floor were functional.

However, he also learned that they were connected to other facilities of Nexus Corporation. If he were to use them, he would find himself transported to another facility, potentially facing even greater challenges.

The realization filled him with uncertainty. Should he venture into one of their facilities, he couldn't be certain of his fate. Was he strong enough to come alive after facing them? Asher wasn't sure.

As his thoughts raged his attention suddenly turned to the enormous monster displayed on the monitor, its towering form casting a long shadow over the desolate cityscape.

' And there's twenty monsters like this in the world, just how did all of this happen?' Asher thought recalling BOI-TEK's words, as it revealed that the current world had been divided into different zones based on the level of threat they posed—Green for safe zones, Yellow for dangerous zones, Red for highly dangerous zones, and Black for areas where humanity's extinction seemed imminent.

And as Asher discovered there were twenty black zones in the world, each harboring a monstrous boss-level creature that humanity had failed to defeat. And the facility he found himself in was located within one of these black zones

Lost in his thoughts, Asher was startled by the sudden appearance of Shadow beside him. The figure stood tall and imposing, gazing at the colossal monster before them.

"I know you're frightened, Asher, but you have to face it," Shadow spoke, his voice tinged with urgency.

Confusion etched across Asher's face as he questioned, "Why? Why should I confront this creature?"

"To become stronger," Shadow replied with conviction.

Asher's brows furrowed as he probed further, "And why do I need to become stronger?"

Shadow paused for a moment before responding, "I'm certain you've felt it within yourself, haven't you? The yearning for power."

Perplexed, Asher continued, "Why do I feel this way? This isn't just about survival. Shadow, you have to tell me why I need to become strong."

A smile crept across Shadow's face as he asserted, "No, I don't have to answer you. Regardless, you cannot deny it. Your purpose in this life is to become stronger, perhaps even the strongest. You cannot ignore that."

Frustrated by Shadow's refusal to provide a satisfying answer, Asher turned his attention to the monitors displaying the monstrous creature. He clenched his fists, a mix of determination and complexity swirling within him.

----

Meanwhile, Simon and Maya cautiously navigated the dimly lit corridors on the second floor. Their eyes scanned for useful resources or information, the air heavy with an eerie silence. Simon's mind raced with thoughts of escape, knowing that they couldn't remain in the facility indefinitely. Finding a way out seemed daunting, almost impossible.

"Maya, have you thought about how we can leave this place?" Simon asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Maya, ever loyal to Asher, responded without hesitation. "I do whatever my master does."

Simon sighed, a mix of frustration and admiration welling up within him. Maya's unwavering devotion to Asher was undeniable, even as she seemed devoid of human emotions. Simon couldn't help but wonder what had been done to her, but he knew he couldn't change the past. The mere thought of facing Asher sent shivers down his spine.

As they continued their search, Simon's attention was drawn to a partially destroyed office. A flickering light from a nearby monitor caught his eye. Curiosity piqued, he approached the desk and examined the screen, revealing a detailed map of the facility marked with various symbols and designations.

"Maya, come take a look at this," Simon called, motioning her over.

Maya approached the desk, her gaze fixed on the screen. Simon pointed to a section of the map depicting a city.

"I think I've found something that could help us," Simon said, a glimmer of hope in his voice. "This is a map of Azod City. If we study it carefully, we might be able to find a safe path through the city and eventually escape."

Maya's response was simple yet resolute."We should show it to the master."

Simon nodded, appreciating Maya's unwavering loyalty even as he grappled with his own doubts and uncertainties. With a renewed sense of purpose, he continued scouring the surrounding area, searching for any signs or clues that could aid them in their mission to escape.

As they moved through the dimly lit corridors, their conversation continued sporadically. Simon shared his thoughts and concerns, venting his anxieties, while Maya responded with her usual single-minded devotion to following Asher's lead. Despite the brevity of their exchanges, Simon found solace in Maya's presence. Her steadfast commitment reminded him of the importance of their mission and the bond they shared.