Narey stared at the CRT screen that suddenly lit up, displaying a digital face—no longer fully human, but a fusion between Laksana's image and a cybernetic entity. Its gaze was cold, as if piercing through space and time. The electronic voice flowed in a monotone tone, not just machine-like, but like a sentient entity that controlled this entire space.
"Unit 09 detected. Potential sabotage. Protection activated. Perimeter lockdown will initiate in 5 minutes."
The time displayed on the screen turned into a tense countdown.
Rezna took a deep breath, her face shifting to tension—mixed with fear she had long kept hidden.
"I don't have a choice. This is no longer just about research... it's about survival... and sacrifice."
Narey looked at Rezna with suspicion.
"Sacrifice? For whom?"
Rezna didn't answer. She tried to stand, but Narey still held her arm tightly.
"You know more than you're letting on," said Narey. "Why are you still protecting this project? Weren't you supposed to dismantle it after the fire?"
Rezna gave a bitter smile.
"The fire... I caused it, to protect something. But that something... it's bigger than you can imagine. Laksana wasn't just a mad scientist, he was a pawn in a much more complex game."
Narey frowned, watching Rezna's gaze turn vacant, as if fighting something within herself.
Fractured Consciousness
In the corner of the room, the CRT screen shifted into fast-moving brainwaves. The cybernetic voice returned:
"Perimeter lockdown active. Maximum protection protocol engaged. Will subject Narey continue the mission?"
A faint sound, almost like a soft laugh, echoed through the voice, as if it were enjoying the game.
Narey felt a chill run down his spine. He now realized that Laksana's "primary consciousness" was not just a machine—but a living entity, now interacting with him directly. And he… was no longer just a researcher up against a security system.
"Laksana..." Narey whispered, eyes locked on the screen.
Rezna nodded slowly.
"He hasn't been human for a long time. He became a fusion of biological consciousness and artificial intelligence that governs this entire network. Everything you've seen... is just surface."
"That's why I had to keep the capsule powered. It's the core—the fragment that holds what's left of his soul. If it's destroyed… the system will evolve into something monstrous, uncontrollable."
Narey flinched.
"So you still believe there's good left in him?"
Rezna lowered her gaze.
"I have to. Otherwise, everything that's happened... would mean nothing."
Counting Seconds
The countdown from the security system continued ticking. The red lights blinked faster, heightening the tension in the room that now felt more like a trap.
Narey looked at the large capsule with growing concern. He knew this was the final test—not just for him, but for the fate of a project that could alter the future of humanity.
"How do we get out of here?" he asked Rezna.
Rezna shook her head.
"I don't think this system will let us go. The capsule is linked to the central network. Every move is detected."
Narey swallowed hard, then looked back at the screen.
"I need to try accessing the central terminal. Maybe I can distract the system and override the lockdown."
Rezna nodded, though uncertainty lingered in her eyes.
Through the Shadows
Carefully, Narey crawled toward the computer terminal in the corner, avoiding the sensors that were beginning to activate.
Meanwhile, Rezna stood by the capsule, her eyes anxiously tracking Narey's every movement. Occasionally, she gently touched the capsule—almost like whispering to something unseen inside.
Narey began typing, attempting to break through the ancient firewall using advanced skills he had acquired throughout the investigation. He knew time was short, but every second counted.
The screen filled with complex codes and system alerts.
"Intrusion detected. Defense protocol active."
Narey battled the system, blending his hacker abilities with the knowledge he had gathered so far.
Inner Conflict
Meanwhile, Rezna lowered her head, hands trembling. Inside, she wrestled with moral dilemmas and haunting memories.
"Laksana," she murmured. "I believed in you... but this world... it's cruel. Will your sacrifice free us, or bind us all?"
Suddenly, a whisper seemed to rise from within the capsule. As if a faint voice was calling her name. Rezna lifted her head, eyes glistening.
"I can't... let them destroy everything."
System Awakens
Meanwhile, the CRT screen erupted with even more erratic brainwaves, as if the system was in a rage.
"Defense protocol modified. Consciousness adaptation active. Intrusion subject poses threat to the network."
Lights in the room flickered wildly, and the whole system began to shake.
Narey felt the air grow heavy, as though the room itself was alive—and resisting him.
A Daring Move
With a deep breath, Narey called out to Rezna,
"I've gained access to the central network. But I need you to hold the capsule steady."
Rezna nodded.
"I'll do whatever it takes."
Narey's fingers flew over the keyboard as he redirected power from the capsule to the security system, hoping to weaken the protective lockdown around the exit.
Suddenly, a loud sound echoed from the corridor—the door mechanisms were starting to seal!
"We have to get out now!" Rezna shouted.
Narey triggered the diversion, then ran with Rezna toward the main door.
A Desperate Escape
The narrow corridor had transformed into a labyrinth of sensors and electronic traps. Red lights blared, and alarms screamed at every turn.
Narey and Rezna ran at full speed, dodging lasers and auto-triggered traps.
Rezna glanced at Narey and said with a trembling voice,
"I know you don't trust me. But I promise... this isn't the end of our story."
Narey gave a brief nod, his eyes fixed on the exit door slowly opening at the end of the hallway.
A Heavy Decision
As they neared the door, the system's voice rang out again.
"Perimeter lockdown intensifying. Intruding subjects must be eliminated."
Narey stopped briefly, taking a deep breath.
"If I don't make it out… who will expose all this? The Cerebrum Shift project must be stopped. But I also need to know... what really happened to Laksana."
Rezna looked at him with understanding.
"If you get out alive, I'll help you."
Narey gave a firm nod and stepped into the open corridor.
Escape into Ambiguity
The door slammed shut with a deep metallic thud, leaving behind the experimental room now engulfed in silence and shadow.
Narey and Rezna stood in the damp corridor of the campus, racing against time and mysteries that only deepened.
"This is just the beginning," Rezna said softly.
Narey looked ahead, realizing that out there, many shadows still waited to be uncovered.
Narey's world was no longer simple. Every step carried danger—but also hope.
A consciousness split between human and machine, endless intrigue, and a future constantly at stake.
The Cerebrum Shift project was not just a scientific experiment—it was a mirror of humanity's deepest ambitions and fears.
And Narey, with unwavering resolve, was ready to face it all.