The corridors of the Astralis Core thrummed with a low, resonant hum, as if the ancient machinery were alive, responding to the presence of its intruders. Vexara Lurenthis’ hands trembled as she interfaced with the control console, her neural uplink buzzing with streams of data too vast for her mind to process fully. Every second brought her closer to an answer—but also closer to a revelation she wasn’t sure she was ready to face.

"Kyren," she murmured, her voice tight with tension, "this isn’t just a control system. It’s... it’s a living archive. It’s recording us—our movements, our words, our intentions."

Kyren Axalor, standing guard at her side, tightened his grip on his plasma rifle. His eyes darted between the shadows of the colossal chamber, searching for threats. "Living archives? That’s not ominous at all," he muttered. "Can you make it stop?"

Vexara shook her head. "No. I don’t think it’s hostile—it’s... curious."

Before Kyren could respond, the chamber shuddered. A deep, metallic groan echoed through the space, and golden light surged along the walls in intricate, shifting patterns. Vexara gasped as the console she was working on sprang to life, displaying holographic images of star charts and mechanical schematics.

"What the hell is happening, Vex?" Kyren demanded, his voice rising over the noise.

"I think I triggered something. The Core... it’s reacting to me," she said, her words laced with both fear and awe.

Meanwhile, aboard the Talvoth Reclaimer

Thalira Vorneth paced the bridge, her boots clanging against the metal floor. The resistance fleet hovered just outside the Astralis Core’s atmosphere, its formation tense and ready. Despite the overwhelming odds, her resolve was unshaken.

"Any word from Kyren and Vexara?" she asked, her voice cutting through the static-filled comms.

"Still radio silence," her communications officer replied. "The interference from the Core is too strong. But scans show increased energy activity—it’s off the charts."

Thalira clenched her fists. "We can’t wait much longer. If the Technokratium gets wind of this..."

"They already have," interrupted a grim voice behind her.

Thalira spun around to see Drayk Zenaros leaning against the bulkhead, his expression unreadable. "What do you mean?" she asked, her tone sharp.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"The Phantom Syndicate intercepted Technokratium chatter. They’re mobilizing a strike force as we speak," Drayk said. "They’ll be here within the hour."

Thalira’s mind raced. "Then we need to get them out—now."

Back in the Core

Vexara’s connection to the Astralis Core deepened, her mind flooded with images and whispers from the past. She saw glimpses of a civilization that had once thrived—its people harnessing the power of Astralis to terraform planets, cure diseases, and build wonders beyond imagination. But she also saw the cost: greed, betrayal, and an ultimate cataclysm that had wiped them out.

"Kyren," she said, her voice trembling, "the Astralis... it’s more than a weapon. It’s a warning."

"A warning of what?" Kyren asked, his tone edged with impatience.

Before she could answer, a deafening roar echoed through the chamber. The golden light dimmed, replaced by a harsh red glow. An ominous voice filled the air, speaking in an alien tongue that resonated deep within their bones.

"What’s it saying?" Kyren demanded, glancing at Vexara.

Her eyes widened in horror. "It’s calling us intruders."

The Arrival of the Technokratium

The sleek, ominous fleet of the Technokratium broke through the atmosphere, their weapons already locked on the resistance ships. Xenith Callorn’s flagship, Imperium Ascendant, led the charge, its massive cannons glowing with energy.

"Deploy strike teams," Xenith ordered, his voice cold and commanding. "The Core will belong to the Technokratium."

Inside the Core: A Fight for Survival

Kyren and Vexara had no time to prepare as automated drones emerged from hidden panels, their spindly limbs bristling with weapons.

"Move!" Kyren shouted, pulling Vexara behind a column as plasma bolts rained down around them. He returned fire, his precise shots taking down two drones, but more replaced them almost instantly.

"We can’t fight them all!" Vexara cried.

"We don’t have to," Kyren said, his eyes narrowing. "Can you use the Core against them?"

Vexara hesitated. "I... I think so, but I need time!"

"Then I’ll buy you some," Kyren said, charging into the fray.

The Awakening

As Vexara frantically worked to interface with the Core, a sudden surge of energy knocked her back. She screamed as an alien presence invaded her mind, overwhelming her senses with visions of destruction and rebirth.

"Kyren!" she gasped, clutching her head.

He turned to see her collapse, just as the Core erupted with blinding light. The drones froze mid-attack, their weapons falling silent. For a brief moment, there was absolute stillness.

Then, a voice—not alien, but achingly human—echoed through the chamber.

"Who dares awaken the Astralis?"

Kyren’s blood ran cold as he turned to face the source of the voice. Emerging from the light was a figure clad in shimmering armor, their eyes glowing with the same golden light as the Core.

"Vex," Kyren whispered, his voice barely audible.

But Vexara didn’t respond. She lay motionless, her body surrounded by a faint, otherworldly glow.

And then, the figure spoke again:

"The galaxy will kneel, or it will burn."

To Be Continued...