The control room hummed with power. The mainframe's countdown ticked lower—89%… 90%… 91%…
Seojin's hands trembled at her sides.
Her mother stood before her, calm, certain of her victory.
"You don't have to fight me, Seojin," she said, her voice gentle. "You could rule instead."
Seojin's stomach twisted.
This wasn't about control.
This was about obliteration.
Humanity as it existed would cease—replaced by something her mother called "perfect."
Seojin took a breath. She had seconds to decide.
Reason with her?
Or end this once and for all?
Seojin's jaw clenched. "If you really believe this is for the best, then stop the countdown."
Her mother's smile didn't waver. "Why would I stop something that will change the world forever?"
Seojin took a step forward. "Because you raised me to think for myself. If I'm standing here, fighting you—it means your vision isn't perfect."
A flicker of emotion crossed her mother's eyes.
Doubt?
Or was that just what Seojin wanted to believe?
92%… 93%…
"You still don't understand, Seojin," her mother murmured. "You were always meant to be part of this. That's why we built it. For you."
Seojin's breath hitched.
We.
Her father. Her mother. Both had created this system.
Her mother's voice softened. "If you destroy this, you're destroying the last thing your father worked on. Do you really want that?"
Seojin's hands shook.
Was she right?
Had her father truly believed in this?
For a split second—she hesitated.
94%… 95%…
Then a gunshot shattered the silence.
Seojin whirled—just in time to see Minji lower her smoking gun.
Seojin's mother staggered back, clutching her shoulder.
Minji's voice was cold. "We don't have time for this, Seojin."
Seojin's mind spun. She shot her.
Her mother's face twisted in pain—but also something else.
Satisfaction.
"Too late," she whispered.
96%… 97%…
The system was still running.
Seojin's mother laughed softly, blood trickling down her arm. "You can't stop it now."
Seojin turned back to the console.
She had to end this.
Now.
Seojin's fingers flew over the controls.
98%…
Kade's voice rang in her earpiece. "Seojin! The drones are regrouping—we need to go!"
99%…
Seojin's heart pounded.
She found the failsafe command.
One keystroke.
One chance.
Her mother's eyes locked onto hers.
"You'll regret this," she whispered.
Seojin didn't hesitate.
She pressed the button.
100%—ERROR. SYSTEM SHUTDOWN INITIATED.
Alarms screamed as the entire room shook.
The mainframe shattered, sparks flying.
The drones outside froze mid-step, their control signals lost.
Seojin's mother stumbled, her face a mask of shock. "No…"
Seojin stared at her. "It's over."
Her mother's eyes burned. "You think you've won?"
Seojin turned away. "I don't think. I know."
The building rumbled.
Phase Two was dead.
But Seojin had one last question.
She turned back. "Tell me one thing."
Her mother's gaze met hers.
"…Was my father really part of this?"
A beat of silence.
Then, a smile.
"One day, you'll know the full truth."
Seojin's blood ran cold.
Then—
The explosion hit.
Seojin barely had time to move before the control room collapsed.
Kade and Minji grabbed her, dragging her toward the exit as the entire facility imploded.
Through the dust and fire, Seojin caught one last glimpse of her mother.
Still standing. Still smiling.
Then—she was gone.
The world blurred, the roar of destruction drowning everything else out.
Seojin ran.
Ran until there was nothing left but silence.
End of Chapter 117