Ethan's world went dark as he was sucked into the vortex. He felt himself being pulled through a swirling tunnel of energy, his senses overwhelmed by the intense light and sound.
As he tumbled through the vortex, Ethan felt his mind expanding, as if it was being stretched to its limits. He saw flashes of images, fragmented and disjointed, like pieces of a puzzle being fitted together.
He saw ancient civilizations, their cities and landscapes blurring together in a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. He saw strange creatures, their forms shifting and morphing before his eyes.
The images slowed, and Ethan found himself standing in a vast, open space. He looked around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. The air was thick with an otherworldly energy, and the sky was a deep, burning red.
Rachel appeared beside him, her eyes wide with fear. "Ethan, what's happening?" she asked, her voice barely audible over the roar of the vortex.
Ethan shook his head, trying to clear it. "I don't know," he said, looking around in wonder. "Where are we?"
Dr. Lee appeared beside them, her face set in a determined expression. "We're in the Heart of the Matter," she said. "The center of the ancient civilization's technology."
Ethan's eyes widened as he took in the scope of the chamber. The walls were lined with glowing orbs, each one pulsing with energy. In the center of the room, a massive crystal formation rose up, its facets reflecting the light in dazzling patterns.
"This is incredible," Ethan breathed. "What is this place?"
Dr. Lee smiled grimly. "This is where your ancestors kept their secrets. And now, we have to unlock them."
Ethan felt a surge of excitement mixed with trepidation. He was about to uncover secrets that had been hidden for centuries. But as he looked around at the glowing orbs and pulsing crystals, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were playing with forces beyond their control.