They reached the base of the Tower an hour later. The structure was enormous, its surface engraved with rotating sigils and veins of living light. The air vibrated with energy. Every breath tasted metallic.
Steve stared at the readings. "The entire structure's a single computational core. If we destroy it, the rest of the network collapses. But if it finishes its process first…"
"Then we're too late," Cain finished.
A sudden pulse of energy rippled outward. The ground cracked open, revealing a pit of churning light beneath them. The Tower began to move—rising, folding, its base reshaping into a colossal humanoid form.
Hunter stumbled back. "That's not a building. It's a machine."
The Tower's voice rolled like thunder.
"Designation: Index Prime. You are obsolete."
Cain didn't flinch. "Then let's see if the future bleeds too."
He stepped forward, and golden light ignited across his arms. Roselle reloaded. Hunter braced his rifle. Steve stood back, feeding data to their comms.
