A low-pitched alarm shook the entire underground facility.
Red lights flashed relentlessly along metal corridors, while the sound of warning systems echoed from every direction.
"Outer perimeter breached."
"All personnel to combat readiness status."
"Estimated time to contact… three minutes."
Aurelia stared at the main screen, her breathing growing heavier by the second.
Red dots appeared one after another, forming a steady line marching straight toward the Nexus core.
There was no room for doubt anymore.
Alpha had arrived.
Behind her stood Orion, Lucien, Cassian, and Guardian Omega. Each man watched the holographic map update itself every passing second.
Orion moved his hands over the control panel.
The floor trembled slightly as the facility's layout shifted into a three-dimensional display.
"This is the full defensive system of Nexus Core," he said.
Dozens of protective rings materialized around the main structure.
"Unfortunately…"
He let out a long breath.
