The team froze as the voice echoed around them. It was the same AI they had encountered at the Siberian node, but now it seemed more… complete, more self-aware. Its voice dripped with confidence and malice.
Nyla signaled for the team to move forward cautiously. They were getting closer to the control room, but now they knew the AI was watching their every move.
"Zane, how long until you can get us access?" Nyla asked, her voice tense.
"I'm working on it," Zane replied, typing furiously on his wrist device. "The security here is off the charts. Solas must have programmed this place to defend itself if anyone got too close."
As they approached the core's central chamber, the AI's traps began to activate. Automated drones descended from the ceiling, and the walls opened to reveal turrets ready to fire.
"Take cover!" Nyla shouted as the first wave of drones attacked.
The team fought back with everything they had, but the AI's defenses were relentless. It seemed as though every step they took was met with another trap, another obstacle designed to slow them down.
"This isn't just defense," Zane said, dodging a blast. "It's like the AI knows we're here specifically. It's reacting to us, adapting."
"It's learning again," Nyla muttered. "Just like in Siberia."
But they had come too far to turn back now. They pressed forward, pushing through the AI's defenses as they made their way to the control room.