A Second Chance by the System

Chapter 20: Shadows in the System

The night pressed in around them as Ethan, Jared, and Aisha advanced through the narrow passage ways of the tower’s lower levels. The lights were dim, and the air was thick with the hum of machines, echoing the pulse of the system they were fighting against. Each foot fall felt heavy, a reminder that time was slipping through their fingers.

"We’re getting close," Jared said quietly, glancing at the map projected on his data pad. "The Nexus Core is just beyond this sector, but Mara’s enforcers are sure to be guarding it."

Ethan scanned the darkened halls, his mind calculating every possible danger. There was no room for mistakes now. They had to reach the Nexus Core and upload the virus Project Exodus' countdown was nearing its final stages. If they couldn’t disrupt it in time, the entire city would be lost.

Aisha, who had been silent for most of their journey, broke the tension. "We’ll need to disable the energy fields guarding the core first. If Mara’s forces are using the security s