Three figures cloaked in billowing robes approached the gateway. The air around them crackled, sparks arcing between the three. A low hum emanated from the gateway as they approached, the runes etched into its surface glowing brighter as they drew near. The robed individuals paused before the portal, their hoods concealing their faces.

One of the figures raised its arm, the sleeves of its robe falling back to reveal a metallic limb, segmented and jointed. An amalgamation of plates, rivets, and gears, the artificial arm gleamed in the ethereal glow of the chamber. The metal fingers twitched and flexed, as if testing their dexterity, before reaching out to the portal controls.

The figure's voice, deep yet devoid of inflection, echoed in the stillness. "The dragon has been freed from his confinement. The entirety of the Kungwan brood has been eliminated. Operations have halted at only thirty-five percent capacity due to interference from the natives. The prototype gateway must be secured before they arrive."

The second figure spoke, its voice distorted and warped, "Ebonheim's arrival has caused an anomaly within our calculations once more. She continues to exceed all projections. We will need to revise our models to account for this."

"It matters not," the third figure answered in a sibilant hiss. "She is not yet at a stage where she would be capable of compromising our plans."

"And if she becomes so?" the second figure inquired.

"The necessary protocols have been put in place long before the Sidereals had expedited her awakening," the first figure replied. "Should the need arise, the fail-safe will be implemented."

"Agreed," the third figure said, "the success of the security protocol during her intrusion within the facility provides further evidence of its viability. In the event we are unable to modify the parameters to compensate for her actions, we will have to invoke it."

The third figure's cloak rippled in agitation, "The Sidereals' authority over the System exceeds ours. It will be...difficult...to alter her to our purposes. They have already integrated the Elemental Keystone into her being as a countermeasure. Its influence will hinder our ability to tamper with her directly."

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"Necessity dictates compromise," the second figure countered, its voice wavering. "If the keystone's interference hampers our operations, we must adjust accordingly."

"Indeed. Her presence and abilities will prove useful to our objectives," the first figure stated. "She is not aware of the true nature of the System. We must ensure that this remains the case."

The third figure tilted its head to the side, the movement unnatural and jerky. "To what extent will you allow her freedom? She remains an anomaly, a variable our calculations cannot predict. Eliminating her now would prevent future complications."

The first figure remained silent, pondering the query. Finally, its shoulders moved in an imitation of a human shrug. "Your concerns are erroneous. Any misgivings you harbor must be dismissed. The System will ensure the course of events follow a predetermined path. There is nothing she can do to change this. The timeline has shifted forward from our predictions, but the end result shall remain the same."

The second figure nodded in agreement, the folds of its cowl fluttering. "Her fate is sealed. It does not matter what actions she takes. She will fulfill her purpose regardless. To delay would be futile. All variables will be accounted for as long as we maintain control. However, our involvement should not be revealed until the critical juncture."

"Then my concerns have been discarded. For now, let the puppet dance to her strings." The third figure let out a distorted laugh, its cackle echoing throughout the chamber.

"Enough idle talk. Initializing emergency protocols. Prepare for extraction." The figure's mechanical digits danced along the console. A series of lights blinked, and a soft chime sounded.

The humming grew louder, and the portal's runes glowed brightly. The three figures turned their backs to the gate, stepping away from the entrance.

As the gateway's resonance increased in frequency, the edges shimmered with a blue radiance. A thin line of energy traced its boundaries, widening as it spread from one side to the other.

With a burst of energy, the portal expanded to encompass the entire chamber. The trio remained within the circle of energy, facing the portal as it grew larger and larger.

In a flash, the gateway blinked out of existence, leaving only the echoes of the energy discharge hanging in the air. The portal's absence left a dark stain where it had been, a reminder of its former presence. A breeze blew through the chamber, ruffling the robes of the three figures.

The first figure lowered its head, its voice echoing in the emptiness. "The gateway's location and coordinates have been updated. Its integrity and function have not been compromised. Let us go. Our presence here will be detected soon."

The trio melted into the shadows, their forms swallowed by the darkness.