The Questioner System (Ask Me Anything)

Chapter 37: Secrets of Zone Beta

The group regrouped at a hidden outpost in the outskirts of Sector Delta, a crumbling structure shrouded by dense trees and overgrowth. Lex had set up her equipment in the makeshift command center, a cluttered room filled with blinking monitors and the faint hum of old machinery. The stolen data from Verdan's network now glowed ominously on her primary screen, an intricate map of patrol routes, supply lines, and restricted areas.

"Zone Beta," Lex began, pointing to a blinking red node at the center of the map. "This is where Verdan's power is consolidated. It's not just a Nexus hub—it's the backbone of the entire initiative. If we take this down, everything else crumbles."

Victor leaned over the map, his expression grim. "What kind of defenses are we talking about?"

"Heavy," Lex replied. "We're looking at automated turrets, drones, guard towers, and constant patrols. And that's just the surface. The real prize is underground—the Chronos Core is likely in a reinforced bunker."

Marcus groaned. "Great. A fortress on top of a fortress. How do we even get close to that?"

Adam glanced at the system interface glowing faintly in his peripheral vision. He whispered, "System, what's the best approach to infiltrate Zone Beta?"

Adam relayed the suggestion, and Lex nodded. "That checks out. Zone Beta relies on its external grid to power the automated systems. If we can take that out, we might stand a chance."

As the group discussed their next move, Cross entered the room, carrying a map of the surrounding area. "I scouted the outer perimeter. There's a substation about two miles east of Zone Beta. If we hit that, it'll knock out their power for at least a few hours. Long enough to get inside."

Victor studied the map, his jaw tightening. "It's a solid plan, but it'll draw attention. We'll need to split up—one team to sabotage the substation and another to infiltrate Zone Beta while the defenses are down."

Marcus smirked. "Guessing I'm on the boom squad?"

Victor nodded. "You and Cross will handle the substation. Adam, Lex, and I will go after the Chronos Core."

Lex raised an eyebrow. "You're trusting me to waltz into Verdan's playground? Bold move."

Victor's gaze was steady. "You're the only one who can crack whatever encryption they have on the Core. We need you."

The night was pitch black as the group approached their respective targets. Adam's heart pounded as they neared Zone Beta's perimeter, the faint glow of floodlights illuminating the compound in the distance. Lex crouched beside him, her fingers tapping on a portable device.

"I'm disabling the motion sensors on the eastern gate," she whispered. "Once we're inside, stick close. This place is a maze."

Victor signaled for them to move. The trio slipped through the gate, their movements silent and deliberate. Inside, the compound was eerily quiet, the hum of machinery the only sound.

"System," Adam whispered, "where is the Chronos Core located?"

Adam led the way, his focus sharpened by the system's guidance. Every turn felt like a gamble, but the corridors remained clear.

Meanwhile, Marcus and Cross reached the substation. The structure was heavily guarded, but the duo worked with practiced efficiency. Cross provided cover as Marcus planted explosives on the main transformers.

"How long?" Cross asked, his rifle trained on the nearest guard tower.

"Two minutes," Marcus replied, grinning. "Then it's lights out for these guys."

As the last charge was set, the guards finally noticed the intrusion. Bullets ricocheted off metal as the pair fought their way back to cover.

"Go loud!" Cross shouted, his rifle barking as he held off the advancing guards.

Marcus triggered the explosives, and the substation erupted in a brilliant explosion, plunging the distant glow of Zone Beta into darkness.

Inside Zone Beta, alarms blared as the lights flickered and died. Victor raised his weapon, his eyes scanning the shadows.

"That's our cue," Lex said, pulling up a schematic of the bunker on her device. "Follow me."

They descended into the depths of the compound, the air growing colder with every step. The bunker was a labyrinth of reinforced steel and concrete, but Lex's navigation kept them on course.

Finally, they reached a massive door marked with the Nexus logo. Lex knelt in front of the control panel, her fingers flying over the keys.

"This is it," she said. "Give me a minute to crack the lock."

Victor and Adam stood guard, their weapons ready. The sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the corridor, and Adam felt a surge of adrenaline.

"System," he whispered, "how many hostiles are incoming?"

Adam tightened his grip on his weapon. "We've got eight incoming. Ninety seconds."

Victor nodded. "Hold the line. Lex, hurry."

As the first soldiers rounded the corner, chaos erupted. Adam fired in controlled bursts, his heart racing as the enemy closed in.

"Almost there!" Lex shouted over the noise.

The door finally hissed open, and the team rushed inside, sealing it behind them. Lex let out a triumphant laugh. "We're in."

The room was massive, dominated by a glowing sphere suspended in the center. The Chronos Core pulsed with an otherworldly energy, its surface covered in intricate patterns of light.

Adam stared at it, a mix of awe and dread washing over him. "What now?"

Victor's expression was grim. "Now, we figure out how to destroy it."