Chapter 5: The Ghost in Gold
High above Neo-Edo, the rain never reached the sky.
The BioCrown Central Tower pierced the clouds like a blade — smooth, black, and silent. Inside, the air was filtered, sterile, and cold enough to make breath feel artificial.
On the top floor, a woman in a white suit watched the chaos unfold through dozens of holographic screens. The footage replayed the moment Kai's body erupted in gold light — freezing on the instant his DNA began to twist beyond human limits.
Dr. Lyra Vance smiled faintly.
[SUBJECT: KAI DRAVEN]
[STATUS: ACTIVE]
[Apex Algorithm — Phase 01: IGNITION SUCCESSFUL]
"After all these years…" she whispered. "He survived the culling."
Behind her, two BioCrown executives approached cautiously, their polished shoes echoing against the glass floor.
"Director Vance," one said, "you told us the Apex Algorithm was destroyed in the collapse of Project Genesis."
Lyra didn't turn around. "Destroyed, yes. But code doesn't die. It hides. Especially when it's part of a human child."
The men exchanged uneasy glances.
"You mean—he's the prototype?"
Lyra finally turned, eyes glowing faint gold. "He's more than that. He's the seed. The only being who can trigger full Evolution Protocol."
The room fell silent.
Outside, lightning split the clouds.
Lyra placed her hand on the glass, gazing down at the storm of neon and steel far below. "BioCrown was built to control evolution," she said softly. "But control is just another form of fear. It's time we remembered what we were really made for."
One of the men cleared his throat nervously. "And… what's that?"
Lyra's smile widened. "Ascension."
A holographic command appeared above her palm.
[Deploy Unit: S-Class Hunter — Codename: LUCID]
The floor vibrated as deep within the tower, containment locks began to disengage.
From the shadows, a massive humanoid figure emerged — sleek armor, pulsating neural wires, and eyes that glowed with the same golden hue as Kai's.
Lyra turned to it. "Find the boy. Bring him to me alive."
The Hunter's voice was calm, mechanical — yet oddly human.
"Target acquired."
Then it vanished.
Lyra stood alone, her reflection merging with the city lights below.
Her expression softened for a moment — something almost human flickering in her eyes.
"Let's see if you remember me, Kai."