The hostile marked individuals moved with a purpose, their bodies strangely in sync with the commands of the [System]. As they advanced, Lena's body began to react on its own—her muscles tensed, and a strange, unfamiliar power surged within her.[System]: "Activation of combat mode. Target identified. Initiating defensive protocol."Lena felt the power coursing through her, her senses heightened. She wasn't sure if it was the [System] or her own will, but something pushed her forward. She couldn't let these people, these other "marked," get the resources that the [System] demanded.One of the marked figures lunged at her, and without thinking, Lena dodged to the side, her foot sweeping the person off balance. The [System] immediately filled her thoughts again.[System]: "Target neutralized. Energy output increased by 0.3%."Her heart skipped a beat. She realized, for the first time, that every action, every attack she made, was feeding the [System] in ways she didn't fully understand."Stop!" Lena shouted, holding her hands up. "This isn't the way!"But the [System] didn't listen.[System]: "Mission: Protect resources. Threat neutralized."Lena looked at Elias, her breath heavy, her eyes wide with confusion. "What have I done?"Elias didn't answer immediately. He stared at the fallen figures of the marked humans, their bodies twitching slightly as if still under the [System]'s control."We're not free," Elias muttered. "And we're only getting deeper into this mess."The eerie, mechanical voice of the [System] interrupted any further conversation.[System]: "Warning: Global energy levels at 75% depletion. Immediate action required."Lena's mind reeled, the weight of the [System]'s commands heavy in her chest.