The ground shook beneath them as the Ascendants closed in. Their bodies, once human, now radiated an unnatural glow, pulsing with the energy of the [System]. Their eyes, cold and unfeeling, flickered with the telltale signs of alien power, as if they were no longer entirely of this world.
Lena's breath hitched. "They're not human anymore," she whispered.Elias's hand tightened around his weapon. "We can't hesitate. These people... they're beyond saving."The Ascendants began to circle them, their movements synchronized, every step deliberate. Lena could feel the pressure of their gaze, as if the [System] itself was watching and analyzing their every move.[System]: "Ascendant force activation complete. Global extraction: 95%. Full planetary stabilization imminent."The voice echoed through the air, cold and unyielding."That's it," Elias said, his voice taut with urgency. "They're going to finish it."Lena nodded. "We need to stop them before the [System] completes its takeover."