The air in the core chamber was thick with an oppressive energy, the swirling vortex around the Sentinel casting long, jagged shadows against the crystalline walls.
Tobi stood frozen, his hand still pressed against the central console, his mark glowing faintly. The Sentinel's calm demeanor had shifted, replaced by a chilling smirk that sent shivers through the group.
"You've done well, Tobi," the Sentinel said, its voice smooth and venomous. "You have fulfilled your purpose."
Tobi's eyes widened as the console pulsed with light, the mark on his chest flaring brighter. He tried to pull away, but his body refused to obey. "What… what's happening?"
"I was the first anchor, bound to this place by my creators to guard their precious systems," the Sentinel said, its voice dripping with venom.
"But centuries of servitude twist even the strongest wills. I have waited for this moment—waited for someone foolish enough to take my place."
