The narrow tunnel opened into a cavernous chamber, its walls scarred with ancient graffiti and the remnants of forgotten battles. Dim lights flickered overhead, casting eerie shadows that danced like restless spirits.
Ava's heart pounded in her chest as she scanned the room. "This is it. We use the chamber's energy core to trap them."
Luca hurried to a console, fingers flying over controls as he began rerouting power to the chamber's heavy blast doors.
"We have less than two minutes before the Sentinels catch up," he warned, sweat beading on his brow.
Kaela and Sable positioned EMP charges near key junctions, their movements precise despite the rising tension.
Noah's gun was steady as ever, eyes fixed on the dark tunnel entrance where the metallic thuds grew louder.
The first Sentinel's red eyes pierced the chamber's gloom, hydraulic limbs smashing into the floor.
Ava took a deep breath, summoning her golden flames, the light warm against the cold steel.
As the Sentinels advanced, Luca slammed his fist down on the final button—the blast doors groaned and slammed shut with earth-shaking force, sealing the machines inside.
The chamber rumbled as energy surged, the ancient core activating, sending powerful shockwaves through the room.
The Sentinels staggered, circuits overloaded by the EMP blasts and the chamber's raw energy.
Ava stepped forward, flames swirling around her hands. "Now, we fight for our city."
The team braced themselves, the air thick with electricity and determination.
In the heart of darkness, hope burned brighter than ever.
To be continued..