Story 398: The Core Awakens

Zara moved like a phantom through the darkened corridors, her heart pounding in rhythm with the faint hum of the Core. The stolen data was secure in her pocket, but the real fight had only just begun. The Warden’s taunting voice still echoed in her mind, and with every step, she could feel the weapon’s power growing. Too late? Not if she had anything to say about it.

The hall opened into a massive, domed chamber. In the center, the Core hovered, suspended above a chasm. Its crimson glow pulsed violently now, illuminating ancient symbols etched into the surrounding walls. The air crackled with energy—unstable, chaotic. Zara gritted her teeth as a sickly heat washed over her.

“You’re running out of time, Kincaid,” the Warden’s voice boomed again, this time from above. She spotted him on a balcony overlooking the chamber, flanked by two heavily armed guards. The smugness in his tone was unbearable. “The Core will rewrite this world. Humanity is obsolete. You’ve fought well, but—”