The chamber trembled as the tear in space widened. A shadow—vast, shapeless, ancient—began to emerge, exuding an aura that bent the light around it.
Nam stood firm, even as every instinct screamed at him to run.
"What do we have to do?" he asked the Curator.
The holographic being raised an arm. "The Archive must be fully unlocked. Within it lies the knowledge to activate the planetary defense grid—technology your kind once sealed away."
Lan frowned. "Why was it sealed?"
The Curator turned to her. "Because your ancestors feared the cost of power. They chose ignorance over responsibility."
A low rumble vibrated the floor.
"We don't have time for philosophy," Nam snapped. "Just tell me what to do."
"Place your hand on the Reclaimer's Core," the Curator instructed.
From the base of the sphere, a panel opened, revealing a glowing pedestal. The core pulsed, mirroring Nam's heartbeat.
Nam stepped forward, hesitated for a fraction of a second, then placed his palm on the surface.
The reaction was instant.
Energy surged through his veins—knowledge, memories, fragments of another civilization's history poured into his mind. Images of planetary collapses, starships, wars between stars. Then… a voice.
"You were not meant to awaken this. But the wheel has turned again."
Nam gasped and stumbled back. The pedestal withdrew.
"I… I know how to activate the grid," he said breathlessly. "But we'll need to reach the main control hub—Sector Zero."
Lan's face paled. "That's five kilometers through a collapsing station and a rift beast at our heels."
"We don't have a choice."
The Curator nodded. "I will stabilize the internal systems and open a direct path. But you must go now."
As they exited the chamber, alarms blared. The rift behind them cracked further—and from it, a limb emerged. Not mechanical, not organic… something in between. It touched the station wall—and the metal corroded instantly.
Lan whispered, "It's learning. Evolving."
Nam gritted his teeth. "Then we run faster."