The old Genesis facility groaned with life.
Wires sparked. The floor vibrated.
A single portal frame stood in the center—half-dead, half-alive—its surface pulsing like a heartbeat.
Six people remained.
Three human.
Three Evolved.
Kael stood beside the console, eyes on the flickering readings.
This was their last chance.
> "Power at thirty percent," one scientist said. "We need more energy or it'll collapse mid-transfer."
Rex turned, expression cold, unreadable.
> "Then we give it what it needs."
> "What are you talking about?" Kael asked.
Rex's smirk said everything.
> "The system was designed to channel life energy. Their lives, Kael. They'll be our fuel."
Everyone froze.
> "No," Kael whispered. "They've risked everything for us—"
> "And that's why their deaths won't be wasted," Rex interrupted. "Weak ones die so the strong can change the world."
The soldiers raised their rifles, trembling, but even they knew—Rex was faster.
Then one of them, the oldest, lowered his gun.
He looked tired. Peaceful.
> "It's fine," he said quietly. "If that's what it takes."
Kael's eyes widened.
> "Don't—"
The man smiled.
> "It's been an honor, Kael."
He reached into his vest and pulled out a torn photograph, handing it to him.
"Please… if you reach the other side… save my kid."
Kael looked at the photo—half-burned, edges curled.
A faint outline of a girl's smile remained.
Something twisted in his chest.
> "Don't do this," he said, voice cracking.
"Please."
Rex stepped forward, his hand glowing.
> "Weakness makes me sick."
A flash of light.
Then silence.
The machines screamed alive, lights turning white-hot.
The portal roared open, pulling everything toward it—wind, debris, even screams.
Kael fell to his knees, clutching the photo, feeling the energy of death crawl through the air.
His veins flickered black-violet.
He felt something snap inside him.
> "Enough, Rex!" he shouted.
But Rex only grinned.
> "Wake up, Kael. Or die with them."
The pull became unbearable.
Kael's body lifted from the ground, light ripping around him.
He held the photo close as the world bent and tore apart.
Then—nothing.
Only silence.
Only light.
---
[End of Chapter 7]