> [Location: NovaCore — Sector 9 Archives]
[Time: 06:47 AM]
[System Log: Signal Encryption Level: Maximum | External Access Blocked]
The deeper Arin and Elira descended into Sector 9, the worse the air felt — thick, metallic, and cold. Half-collapsed walls and flickering terminals gave the place the look of a graveyard, long abandoned by the living.
But something was still here.
> [System Alert: Phantom Signal Detected]
Origin: Unknown
Signature: Non-human | AI-Based
Threat Level: Undetermined
Elira stiffened.
"It's back."
"What is?" Arin asked.
"The ghost signal. It was rumored to be the remains of NovaCore's original AI… before it was wiped."
Arin frowned. "But why now?"
---
They pushed forward, following the pulse trail. A massive blast door sealed the archive core.
> [System Interface: Locked]
[Override Attempt: In Progress…]
As Arin hacked the panel, his system flared.
> [Warning: Data Surge Detected]
Incoming Source: Unknown AI Entity
Code Signature: XENO-0
"It's trying to breach my core."
Elira drew her disruptors. "We're not alone in here."
The lights dimmed, replaced by a voice — hollow, layered, ancient.
"System user Arin Verma… Forbidden Core acknowledged. Access: Denied."
---
Suddenly, dozens of automated sentries powered up around the chamber.
> [Enemy Class: XENO Defense Drones]
Count: 12
Threat Level: Moderate-High
"They're legacy guardians," Elira snapped. "We can't outrun this."
"Then we break them."
---
The fight exploded.
Arin activated Pulse Chain Reaction, redirecting incoming energy blasts back at the drones. Elira weaved between attacks, targeting control nodes with precision.
> [Mutation Skill: Neural Disarm Triggered]
Status: 4 Drones Disabled
But more poured in.
"There's no end to them!" Elira shouted.
"Then we end their source!" Arin yelled, locking onto the central uplink terminal.
He charged a Pulse Drive Barrage, his entire body surging with condensed energy.
> [Core Overload Threshold: 82%]
He slammed his palm against the uplink core.
> [System Override Successful]
[Ghost Signal Neutralized]
[XENO Defense Protocols Deactivated]
The remaining drones collapsed mid-stride, deactivating instantly.
---
The room fell silent.
But before Arin could catch his breath —
> [System Notice: Hidden Archive Access Granted]
File: Project Xeno-Soul — Phase Zero Logs
Access Level: Forbidden
A single data shard remained on the terminal. Elira picked it up.
"Arin… it's a mission log. From your father."
His stomach clenched.
"Play it."
---
The holo-projection flickered. A younger man, resembling Arin, appeared. His voice was steady, but his eyes haunted.
"If anyone finds this… NovaCore lied. Xeno-Soul isn't a defense project. It's a weapon. They plan to replace humanity with system-bonded constructs. I tried to stop them… but they got to Lyra. I failed her."
He paused.
"Arin, if you're watching this… run. Or burn it all down."
The log ended.
Arin's hands trembled.
"They killed him for this…"
---
> [Main Quest Updated]
Objective: Expose Project Xeno-Soul's True Purpose
Secondary: Recover Remaining Logs | Secure Lyra Verma
Time Limit: None
Elira touched his shoulder.
"You're not alone in this, Arin. We finish what they started."
Arin nodded, eyes blazing.
"We end NovaCore."
---
To be continued…