> [Location: NovaCore Central Nexus — Command Sector]
[Time Remaining: 47 Hours 12 Minutes]
[System Log: Critical Alert — Unauthorized Override Code Detected]
The Nexus chamber thrummed with raw energy.
Massive data conduits pulsed overhead, linking every Core system, every hybrid subject… every secret.
This was the heart of NovaCore.
Arin, Elira, and Lyra moved quickly.
Lyra, still weak but determined, guided them through back routes known only to senior Nexus operatives.
"We're close," she murmured.
"The Core Upload Station is just ahead."
> [Warning: Defense Grid Engaged]
Threat: Auto-Turrets, Sentinel Drones, Pulse Barricades
Elira: "It's a kill zone."
Arin: "Then let's break it."
---
Arin activated Echo Step, darting past auto-turrets while deflecting shots with Pulse Shields.
Elira dropped drones from above with precise Shadow Blades.
> [System Combo Activated: Dual Assault Mode]
Combat Efficiency: +60%
They cleared the room — but the central Nexus AI responded.
> [Nexus AI: Hostile Override Engaged]
Deploying: Omega Hunter Class – RAVEN
A towering figure descended, its armor jet-black, marked with the sigil of the Omega Hunter division.
Arin: "Not another one…"
Lyra's eyes widened.
"That's not just a hunter… that's Raven. The deadliest system extractor they ever built."
> [Enemy Analysis: Omega Hunter Raven — Rank S]
Known Skills: Quantum Pulse Shatter, Neural Drain, Core Erasure
---
Raven spoke in a cold, mechanical voice.
"Surrender the code. Or be erased."
Arin clenched his fists.
"You'll have to erase me first."
---
[Combat Initiated]
Raven moved like a phantom — one moment twenty meters away, the next right in front of Arin, slamming him against a wall.
> [Vitals: 68%]
[System Disruption Detected: Neural Drain Active]
Elira struck from behind, slicing into Raven's armor, but the hunter shrugged it off and launched a Quantum Pulse Shatter.
The shockwave sent them both crashing to the ground.
"We can't win head-on," Elira gritted.
Lyra, struggling but resolute, activated the Override Code uplink.
> [Upload Progress: 12%]
Arin: "Hold it steady — we'll buy you time!"
---
[New Mutation Activated: Resonance Link]
Trait: Synchronize pulse output with allied Core users for combined attacks.
Arin and Elira linked again.
Pulse Chains and Shadow Waves combined, forming a surge of energy that cracked Raven's defensive barrier.
"Now!" Arin roared.
They unleashed a dual Pulse Strike Barrage, staggering the Omega Hunter for the first time.
---
> [Upload Progress: 85%]
But Raven wasn't done.
It powered up a Core Erasure Lance, aimed directly at Lyra.
Arin saw it too late.
"No!"
He threw himself between them just as the lance fired.
> [Impact Detected: Direct Hit]
[Vitals: 22%]
[Critical Condition]
Arin collapsed.
But in his hand… a final surge of Pulse energy remained.
"Elira… finish this."
---
[Upload Complete: 100%]
> [System Shutdown Initiating…]
[Project Xeno-Soul Termination Process: ACTIVE]
Lights flickered.
The Nexus AI screamed in digital agony.
Raven staggered, systems failing, armor splitting apart.
"Impossible…" it whispered before collapsing into data ash.
---
Lyra knelt beside Arin.
"Stay with me, Arin. You did it… we're free."
The facility shuddered as evacuation alarms blared.
> [Time Remaining Until Collapse: 11 Minutes]
Elira grabbed them both.
"We have to move — now."
---
> [Main Quest Complete: Upload Lyra's Override Code]
[New Quest: Escape NovaCore Nexus Before Collapse]
Time Limit: 11 Minutes
As NovaCore crumbled, Arin realized — it wasn't over.
But this chapter was.
And he was still standing.
Barely.
---
To be continued…