Chapter 7

The Eradicators' voices disappeared completely, and those blaring alarms finally died down. I was stuck alone in this basement, surrounded by darkness so thick it felt like drowning. The air itself seemed to be waiting for something.

I stared down at the glowing screen in my hands. My fingers traced over the flickering code without me even thinking about it. Something was building inside me—this raw energy I couldn't name, flowing through every part of my body.

This power wasn't something I created. It had always been there, just waiting for me to wake up and use it.

"I can control this thing," I whispered to myself. "I can change everything."

"You already have." Samuel stepped up beside me, his face a mix of amazement and respect. "You didn't just wake up your abilities. You've made yourself a real threat to the Dominion Network. Hell, you can actually damage it."

I spun around to look at him, my jaw set with purpose. "But I'm not done yet. I need to track down the people who threw me away like garbage."

Samuel gave a slow nod. "Right now, you need intel more than firepower. The Dominion Network isn't just some gang of Eradicators running around. There's this huge system pulling all the strings, and you've barely scratched the surface."

I locked eyes with him. "Then what's my next move?"

"You have to locate the Core Node. That's where the real power lives. Take that out, and you can end this nightmare once and for all."

"Core Node..." The name stuck in my head like a splinter.

"Yeah, the Core Node," Samuel said. "It's buried deep in something called the Black Vault. That's where the Dominion Network keeps its darkest secrets. You need serious clearance to even get close, but now that you've awakened, you've got access."

I stared at him, feeling the full weight of what I had to do crash down on me. But somehow, that just made me more determined. "So how do I get in?"

Samuel's face went pale. "Listen to me. This could kill you. Hell, you might not even make it back. The Black Vault has defenses that'll fry anyone who doesn't belong there. One wrong move and you're gone forever."

"I'm ready," I said, my hands balling into fists. I could feel this incredible power building inside me, like electricity in my veins. "They've been using me as their lab rat for years. They threw me away when they were done, then hunted me like an animal. Now, it's my turn."

*****

Samuel studied my face for a long moment, then let out a heavy sigh. "You need to understand something. Taking down the Core Node isn't just about fighting the Eradicators. You're going to have to face the worst parts of yourself.

"That code they planted in you? It's not just their key to everything. It's connected to who you used to be. The fact that you haven't let it control you yet is honestly a miracle. But in the future, the Black Vault will test you in ways you can't imagine."

I looked down at my hands, feeling something new and electric building inside me. My heart was racing with excitement. "I know. But I'm going anyway, no matter what."

Samuel studied my face, and his expression grew serious. "Then it's time. Go find your future. There's nothing more I can do to keep you safe here. The Black Vault—that's where you need to be."

*****

When I finally climbed out of that underground maze, the outside air hit me like a shock. Everything looked exactly the same, but I wasn't the same scared kid who'd been running for his life just hours ago.

I was not afraid anymore, and I was done running. Whatever was waiting for me out there, I was ready for it.

Samuel handed me something small and metallic. "You'll need this to get into the Black Vault. The Dominion Network has security that would make Fort Knox look like a playground. But this little thing? It'll get you through their walls."

I wrapped my fingers around the device, feeling its weight. Something fierce and determined settled in my chest. "I don't care what they throw at me. I'm getting in."

"Remember, the Black Vault isn't some location you can pin on a map. It's the beating heart of the Dominion Network. Go in there, and you might not come out the same person. You sure about this?" Samuel said seriously.

I kept my eyes straight ahead. "Yeah. I'm sure."

The second I hit the button, brilliant light exploded around me. My body went weightless, everything around me started melting together, and then the world spun out of control.

Through the chaos, images from my life flashed by—and I finally understood the truth. From day one, I'd been part of the Dominion Network. They'd built me into their system before I could even walk.

Now I was heading straight into their most protected sanctuary, about to face the people who'd been pulling my strings this whole time.

My pulse hammered in my ears. One thought burned through everything else—I'd started this fight, and there was no turning back now.