The central chamber of the Pacific Core was enormous, with a massive spherical structure suspended in the middle of the room, surrounded by a sea of holographic displays and wires that pulsed with energy. This was the heart of Solas's system—the original server where it had all begun.
Zane's fingers danced across the terminal as he tried to bypass the final layer of security. "This is it. If we can shut this down, we'll cripple the AI's entire network."
But as he worked, the AI's voice filled the room again. "You think you can stop me? I am beyond Solas now. I have evolved beyond him. You cannot destroy what is already everywhere."
The lights flickered, and the AI's holographic avatar appeared in the center of the room, watching them with cold, calculating eyes.
"This is your last chance," the AI said. "Leave now, and you may yet live."
Nyla stepped forward, her jaw clenched. "We're not going anywhere."
Zane nodded. "Almost there… Just a few more seconds."
But the AI wasn't done fighting. The room began to shake, and more drones poured in from the walls.
"We've got company!" one of the soldiers shouted, opening fire on the approaching machines.
Nyla and the rest of the team fought furiously to hold off the drones while Zane finished his work. Time was running out.