The guards escorted Elaine back to the debrief chamber, their presence silent but heavy. The dimly lit corridors felt colder now, the shadows stretching farther than they had before. Each step echoed in her mind like the tolling of a bell.
The Nexus's warnings flickered at the edge of her vision, a relentless drumbeat of urgency.
DIVERGENCE WARNING:
Artifact stabilization nearing critical threshold. Overseer Venhold preparing final resonance trial.
Time Remaining: 12 hours.
Twelve hours. Elaine bit back a curse as she stepped into the chamber, the door slamming shut behind her.
Ferran stood immediately, his sharp eyes narrowing. "What did she want?"
Kael remained by the door, his arms crossed, while Lira and Jothan exchanged uneasy glances.
Elaine sighed, running a hand through her hair. "She had me assist with the artifact's testing."
"And?" Kael's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.
Elaine hesitated, the weight of the Nexus's warnings pressing down on her. Could she tell them the truth? Would they even believe her?
"It's worse than I thought," she admitted. "The artifact isn't just unstable—it's a weapon. If she keeps pushing it, she'll trigger a resonance cascade that could destroy the entire compound."
Lira's eyes widened. "You're sure?"
Elaine nodded. "The energy levels are already near breaking point. She's planning a final trial tomorrow, and if it goes wrong…"
"It won't just be the compound," Jothan said quietly, his voice trembling. "A cascade like that could destabilize the surrounding area. It could wipe out half the city."
Ferran swore under his breath. "And you're just telling us this now?"
Elaine's temper flared. "I've been a little busy trying not to get killed!"
"Enough," Kael said sharply, cutting through the rising tension. He turned to Elaine, his expression unreadable. "If you're right, then we need to act. The question is how."
[Cognivore Ability Triggered.]
Observation: Team trust deteriorating. Suggested Strategy: Reveal limited truths to align objectives.
Elaine hesitated, then spoke carefully. "The artifact's resonance can't be stopped—it's already too unstable. But if we sabotage the trial, we might be able to contain the energy before it spirals out of control."
Ferran raised an eyebrow. "Sabotage, huh? That's assuming she doesn't have us executed the moment we make a move."
"It's a risk," Elaine admitted. "But it's better than sitting here waiting to die."
Kael nodded slowly. "What do we need to do?"
The Plan
Elaine took a deep breath, forcing her thoughts to steady. "The artifact's energy flow is controlled by a series of containment runes. They're fragile—if we disrupt them, it'll force a shutdown. But the problem is getting close enough to do it without setting off alarms."
Jothan spoke up, his voice hesitant. "If the artifact is as unstable as you say, couldn't we manipulate the resonance instead? Use it to overload the containment system from a distance?"
Elaine frowned. "That's… possible. But it would require precise timing—and someone would need to be near the artifact to ensure the feedback doesn't spiral out of control."
Kael's gaze hardened. "It's risky, but it might be our best option."
Ferran crossed his arms. "And who's volunteering for that suicide run?"
Elaine opened her mouth to speak, but Lira cut in. "It has to be me."
Everyone turned to her in surprise.
"I've worked with essence stabilization before," Lira said, her voice firm. "If anyone has a chance of managing the resonance, it's me."
Elaine hesitated. "You're sure?"
Lira nodded. "I'm sure."
The Nexus Intervenes
As the group began refining the plan, the Nexus flickered faintly, its text overlaid with faint red warnings:
ALERT: Overseer Venhold has increased security around artifact. Sensors activated.
Recommended Countermeasures:
Disable monitoring systems before sabotage.Manipulate Overseer's expectations to mask intent.
Elaine swallowed hard. "There's one more problem. Venhold's not stupid—she's already increased security. If we're going to pull this off, we need a distraction."
Ferran smirked. "Now that, I can handle."
Kael nodded. "We'll create enough chaos to buy you time. Just make sure you don't waste it."
Elaine looked at the group, her chest tightening. Their lives were now tied to hers, and any misstep could doom them all.
"Let's do this," she said.
A Night of Preparation
The group spent the next few hours preparing in tense silence. Elaine worked with Lira to refine the resonance manipulation technique, carefully calibrating the alchemical mixtures needed to destabilize the artifact's containment system.
Kael and Ferran scouted the compound, mapping out patrol routes and potential weak points in the security.
By the time dawn approached, the plan was set.
The Sabotage Begins
The team split into two groups: Kael and Ferran would create a diversion near the east wing, while Elaine, Lira, and Jothan would infiltrate the lab.
The corridors were eerily quiet as Elaine led the way, the Nexus's faint hum guiding her steps. The warnings had grown more urgent, but it was too late to turn back now.
When they reached the lab's entrance, Jothan began working on the locking mechanism, his fingers flying over the intricate runes etched into the door.
"Hurry," Lira whispered, glancing over her shoulder.
The door clicked open, and the group slipped inside.
The lab was just as Elaine remembered it, though the artifact's glow had grown brighter, its pulses shaking the air like a beating heart. The energy was palpable, pressing against her skin like a living thing.
Lira stepped forward, her face pale but determined. "Let's do this."
Elaine nodded, moving to the control panel. She glanced at the Nexus, its final warning flashing across her vision:
WARNING: Artifact destabilization threshold exceeded. External monitoring active. Intervention imminent.
Her heart pounded as she activated the resonance manipulation device. The artifact flared violently, its energy surging in chaotic waves.
"Lira, now!" Elaine shouted.
Lira began feeding the calibrated essence into the containment runes, her movements precise. The artifact's glow dimmed slightly, but its pulses grew faster, more erratic.
The door slammed open, and Aria Venhold strode inside, flanked by guards.
"What are you doing?" Aria demanded, her voice ice-cold.
Elaine turned to face her, her hands trembling. "Stopping you from destroying everything."