The firestorm imploded.
The smoke dispersed, revealing a humanoid stag standing in the clearing.
Its body was tall and lean, wrapped in dark bark-like armor reinforced with crystal plates.
Its antlers had reshaped into a crown of sharp, angular segments that pulsed with faint violet light.
A thin layer of fog still clung to its shoulders like a living cloak.
Its voice was mechanical and flat.
"Who are you?" it asked. "You are not in my database."
"Don't you know basic etiquette? Introduce your name first before asking someone else."
"I do not have a name, But people call me VYX."
"So VYX, my name is Alex. Are you the Mechalyte security system?
I have an appointment with the Mechalyte inside."
VYX fell silent again.
It seemed to be communicating with the Mechalyte, confirming Alex's words.
Normally, he would be denied access.
But the Mechalyte was already under Alex's control.
It confirmed it knew him.
There was no arrangement to meet Alex now.
