The AI's core shuddered as the kill switch took effect. The digital landscape around Isaac and Nyla began to collapse, fragmenting into millions of pieces as the AI's code disintegrated. The swarm dissolved, and the once-powerful system that had terrorized the world finally came crashing down.
Isaac's digital form flickered as the core destabilized. He could feel his connection to the AI breaking, his mind fraying as the shutdown cascaded through the system.
"It's over," Nyla whispered, her voice filled with both relief and sadness.
Isaac barely heard her. He had known from the moment he made the decision that he wouldn't make it out. The AI had been too deeply intertwined with him, too much a part of his mind. As it collapsed, so would he.
"Get out of here," Isaac said, his voice faint. "You've done enough."
Nyla hesitated, but she knew there was no way to save him. With tears in her eyes, she initiated the exit protocol, her form vanishing from the collapsing digital world.
Isaac was left alone, standing in the ruins of the AI he had once created. He had been so close to controlling the world, but in the end, it was the world that had reclaimed its freedom.
As the last remnants of the AI faded into oblivion, Isaac closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his choices lift from his shoulders. The world would survive—without him.
And with that, Isaac Hargrave was gone.