Jack tightened his grip on the steering wheel as the armored vehicle rumbled over the rugged terrain. The digital map on his dashboard flickered, displaying the destination coordinates—coordinates that had taken him hours to decrypt. The location was deep in an uncharted valley, surrounded by mountains that were known for their treacherous weather and near-impossible access.
Rhea sat beside him, eyes scanning the horizon. Olivia was in the back, her expression unreadable. The three of them had spent the last few days preparing for this mission, gathering supplies, weapons, and everything they would need to infiltrate the hidden facility.
As they neared their destination, the sky darkened. Storm clouds gathered overhead, casting eerie shadows over the desolate landscape. Jack's instincts screamed at him—this wasn't natural. Something was waiting for them.
"We're close," Rhea said, checking her scanner. "Energy readings are off the charts. Whatever your parents were studying, it's here."
Jack exhaled sharply, steadying himself. "Then let's finish this."
They parked the vehicle at a concealed spot near a rocky outcrop. Moving quickly, they geared up. Jack adjusted his tactical vest, double-checking his weapons. Rhea activated a cloaking module, rendering them nearly invisible to standard surveillance. Olivia, though not a fighter, carried a compact device filled with encrypted data that might help them bypass security.
The entrance to the facility was hidden beneath layers of rock, only visible when they approached a metallic panel embedded in the cliffside. Jack placed his hand against the surface, and to his surprise, the panel hummed and scanned his palm.
Access granted.
The rock face split apart, revealing a dark corridor leading underground. Jack exchanged glances with Rhea and Olivia before stepping inside.
The air was thick, charged with something unnatural. As they descended deeper into the facility, the walls pulsed with a faint glow, intricate patterns etched into the metal surface. Jack could feel the shift in gravity—his movements felt lighter, yet the atmosphere was suffocating.
"This place isn't just a lab," Olivia whispered. "It's a conduit."
"A conduit for what?" Rhea asked, gripping her rifle.
"For something ancient," Olivia replied. "Something not meant for human hands."
Jack's jaw tightened. He had come here searching for answers, but the deeper they went, the more questions arose.
At the end of the corridor, a massive vault door stood before them. Symbols covered its surface, symbols Jack recognized from his parents' notes. The language of the lost.
With a deep breath, he reached out and touched the door.
It opened.
And beyond it lay the truth.