Nexus Corporation

Suddenly, a violent tremor shook the cameras, causing a synchronized disturbance across all the feeds. In that instant, a figure clad in doctor's clothing emerged from the room where Asher had regained consciousness. Panic etched across his face, he appeared to be engaged in a frantic conversation through a smartwatch on his wrist. However, the absence of audio left Asher to speculate on the urgency conveyed in the doctor's gestures and expressions.

Without wasting a moment, the doctor sprinted toward a closed door at the end of the corridor, his movements fraught with desperation. He swiftly unlocked the door, disappearing into the room beyond. Asher's gaze shifted to another monitor, revealing a command center adorned with numerous screens and a massive computer panel occupying its center—the very room in which he now found himself.

In the footage, the doctor burst into the command center, his demeanor bordering on madness as he continued his frantic dialogue with the smartwatch. His fingers danced across the computer panel's controls, triggering a sequence of events that unfolded on the monitors. Forty symbols representing doors appeared, each initially displayed in red.

With feverish speed, the doctor worked his way through the interface, and one by one, the doors began to change color, turning from red to green. Asher watched in anticipation, his heart pounding, as the doctor meticulously closed off each door, methodically sealing away whatever horrors lay behind them.

However, as the doctor reached the final door, his actions abruptly ceased. He paused, his attention drawn back to the smartwatch. Agonizing pain etched onto his face, he engaged in another frantic conversation, his face filled with desperation. Despite his deteriorating state, the doctor did not close the last door. Instead, he stood there waiting for something

But as time wore on, the doctor's body succumbed to some site of transformation, their skin turned an unsettling shade of blue, and his eyes glowed with an eerie red light. In a frantic attempt to regain control, the doctor handcuffed himself to a nearby pipe connected to the computer panel. Suddenly, the smartwatch on his wrist emitted a vibrant glow, accompanied by a frenzied vibration.

Seeing this the doctor slammed his body into the computer panel, desperately attempting to disrupt whatever forces were at play. But before he could reach the panel, the light in the doctor's eyes dimmed, and with a final, blood-curdling scream, he succumbed to his inner torment. He thrashed and screamed uncontrollably, his actions spiraling into madness.

The monitors fell silent, the images frozen in time. The room seemed to hold its breath as if mourning the loss of the doctor's futile struggle. Asher's mind raced, trying to make sense of the tragedy that had unfolded before his eyes. The realization that he was not alone in this battle against the encroaching darkness became even more pronounced.

As Asher turned his gaze from the monitors, he found Shadow staring at the lifeless body, handcuffed and slumped beside the computer panel. Coldness and a hint of satisfaction danced across Shadow's face, an enigmatic mix of emotions that intrigued and unsettled Asher.

Feeling a sense of urgency, Asher turned to the AI, seeking a way out of the labyrinthine building. "BOI-TEK, is there a way for us to escape this place?" he asked, his voice laced with a glimmer of hope.

The AI's response came swiftly, displaying a map of the underground facility. "There are 35 floors in this facility," the AI explained calmly. "You are currently on the deepest floor, Floor 35. To exit the building, you have two options: the elevator on the first floor or the teleportation portals on the second floor."

The mention of teleportation sent a shockwave of surprise through Asher. "Teleportation? Is such advanced technology even possible in this world?" he asked, his eyes widening with disbelief.

The AI paused momentarily before responding. "No, not in this world. Teleportation is a secret invention of The Nexus Corporation," it revealed.

Curiosity mingled with apprehension as Asher digested the information. The Nexus Corporation? What's this? But although he had many questions, he felt that delving into them would waste precious time that he did not have. He understood that he needed to find a way to reach the teleportation portals and get out of here as soon as possible. "How do we access the second floor and reach the portals?" he inquired, hoping for a solution.

The BOI-TEK responded. "I have lost connection with the other floors, making it impossible for me to guide you directly. So there's only one way. You must descend through the floors on foot, activating the computer panels along the way to re-establish the connection. Only then will you be able to reach the second floor and access the teleportation portals."

Hearing BOI-TEK's words, despair began to creep into Asher's thoughts. Descending to lower levels seemed like an insurmountable task, considering the horrors they had witnessed. His weakened body and fear-riddled mind left him doubtful of his survival.

Just as hope started to fade, Asher heard a voice beside him. "Ask if there's a supply room on this floor," Shadow urged.

Following the voice's guidance, Asher turned to the AI and inquired about a supply room.

"Yes, there is a supply room on this floor. Shall I open it for you?" BOI-TEK replied.

Thus, following BOI-TEK's instructions, Asher made his way to the supply room. His weakened body struggled to move, each step feeling like a monumental effort. His legs trembled, threatening to give way under his weight. With each shuffle of his feet, Asher made his way towards the room's door.

Upon reaching one of the closed doors in the corridor, it suddenly slid open in front of Asher, revealing a room filled with shelves stacked with various capsules containing strange liquids. Intrigued, Asher approached the shelves, his eyes scanning the array of vials.

Shadow's gaze focused on a particular blue liquid. "You see that blue liquid?" he said, pointing to a specific shelf.

"Yes," Asher replied, his curiosity piqued.

"Grab it," Shadow commanded.

With trepidation, Asher reached out and picked up the vial, feeling a strange sensation wash over him as his fingers closed around it. Almost immediately, he sensed a surge of energy coursing through his veins, revitalizing his weary body.

Asher couldn't help but be amazed by the restorative properties of the mysterious blue liquid. The doubts that had clouded his mind began to dissipate, replaced by a newfound strength and determination.

"Drink it," Shadow demanded once again.

"What!? Do you know what this liquid is?" asked Asher.

"Ask the AI," replied Shadow indifferently.

Perplexed, Asher hesitated, unsure of the liquid's properties. Seeking reassurance, he turned to the AI. "BOI-TEK, what is this liquid?"

BOI-TEK responded with a hint of revelation. "That is a solution invented by The Nexus Corporation. It possesses the ability to energize and strengthen the body, as well as heal various ailments."

Asher's gaze shifted between Shadow and the blue liquid. His mind raced with a strange mixture of thoughts. Just who is this shadow being? How does he know such things? Is he some kind of existence, or is he just a fragment of Asher's imagination? Many questions swirled in his mind, but he knew that time was of the essence. He needed to find a way to reach the teleportation portals and escape this place as soon as possible.

"Hurry up, drink it," urged Shadow once again.

"Alright, I will drink it. Stop yelling," answered Asher with an annoyed voice before he opened the vial and put it in his mouth.

In that same moment, a surge of vitality coursed through his veins, and a newfound strength enveloped his body. As Asher felt his weaknesses fade away, replaced by a newfound resilience, he suddenly felt this feeling was familiar—very familiar.