The laboratory was vast, an endless cathedral of steel and glass, humming faintly with latent energy. Every hallway, every chamber, whispered secrets of humanity's hubris—of dreams stretched too far and lives paid too dearly. Zorahm walked through it all, small and silent, his silver eyes reflecting the soft luminescence of the corridor lights. He was no longer just a boy; he was designed, a guardian born to inherit both knowledge and responsibility.
Guiding him was a voice—mechanical yet calm, almost gentle, yet carrying the weight of a thousand calculations.
"I am G.A.I.D.E. — Guidance and Analysis Intelligent Directive Entity. My primary purpose is to guide, instruct, and prepare you for the completion of your mission: the protection of humanity."
Zorahm's gaze followed the blue lines that appeared along the floor, like illuminated veins leading him through the heart of the abandoned complex.
"Where are we going first?" he asked, his voice tentative but clear, a sound that had never been uttered by anyone before.
"Tour initiated. You will gain understanding of the laboratory's structure, the purpose of its departments, and the events that led to its current state. Comprehension of history and mistakes is critical for operational efficiency."
They arrived first at the Central Command Hall. It was a massive chamber with a circular table at its core, holographic projectors suspended above it. Walls lined with monitors flickered faintly, long since abandoned.
"This hall was the hub for all scientists, researchers, and strategists. Decisions about genetic trials, monster analysis, and defense protocols were made here. It was once filled with minds capable of reshaping the future… until the Super Soldier Incident."
Zorahm ran his fingers along the cold metal railing. He could almost feel the echoes of voices—the debates, the instructions, the final screams.
"Next, Anatomy and Forensic Hall," GAIDE instructed. "Here, monsters captured from the Gates were dissected and analyzed. Physiological structures, cellular composition, regenerative properties, combat patterns—all were recorded here to improve human countermeasures."
Rows of tables with skeletal remains, some crystalline, some metallic, glinted faintly under the dim lights. Zorahm paused, studying the alien forms. His nanocytes hummed softly, interfacing with the analytical data projected by GAIDE, absorbing information almost instinctively.
They walked past corridors lined with archives and labs until finally they reached the Bioengineering Hall.
Rows upon rows of biotubes glimmered in green fluid. Most were empty or filled with the decayed remnants of failed experiments. But at the end of the hall, five tubes stood open, dark and ominous.
"These five," GAIDE said, its tone heavier, "were the first successful Super Soldier Project, designated Project: PHOENIX. Part human—selected for expendability due to criminal history—part monsters, part machines. Their enhancements exceeded expectations… but their obedience did not. They killed every scientist and researcher in their path before escaping the facility."
Zorahm stared, his gaze steady and analytical. He absorbed every detail—the synthetic plating fused to their flesh, the claws and blades incorporated into their arms, the eerie intelligence radiating from their profiles in archived data.
"They are still at large," GAIDE continued. "Awareness of their capabilities is crucial. They represent the ultimate threat to any remaining human settlements."
The tour continued to the Central Archive Hall, a massive room filled with holographic stacks of data. Ancient terminals flickered, revealing videos, reports, genetic maps, and mission logs. GAIDE guided him to the files on Project PHOENIX.
Zorahm watched closely, absorbing every detail: the criminal histories of the human components, the specific monsters fused to each soldier, the robotics enhancements that made them nearly unstoppable. His mind—enhanced by the cerebro chip—downloaded every nuance: combat styles, weaknesses, psychological tendencies.
"Knowledge is essential, but preparation is action," GAIDE said. "We will now enhance your combat capability."
The AI led him to the Combat Chamber. Holographic projectors lit the room, forming translucent figures of grand masters across a spectrum of martial arts and weaponry. They moved fluidly, each strike precise, each step calculated.
"Training protocol initiated," GAIDE announced. "All known martial and weapon arts will be simulated. You will adapt, counter, and master them."
Zorahm stepped forward. His nanocytes responded to the environment, subtly enhancing his reflexes and agility. The holograms struck, swords swinging, fists colliding, arrows streaking through the air. Zorahm moved with grace, dodging, parrying, striking. Every motion, every response, honed him. The chamber became a blur of lights and sound as he learned to anticipate attacks, to harness his strength, speed, and precision.
Days—or perhaps only hours, the concept of time irrelevant now—passed in relentless practice. With each victory, his dantian awakened—a core of energy forming in his abdomen, a reservoir of force that would fuel his arts and abilities. He could feel it growing, pulsing, integrating with every motion, every thought.
GAIDE guided him further, teaching strategy, decision-making, and analytical planning. Zorahm learned not only how to fight, but why he fought, and how to ensure each action would have maximum effect.
At last, the final simulation appeared: the Divine Master of all martial arts archived in the facility. Every move perfected, every strike honed over a lifetime compressed into this holographic embodiment of combat perfection.
Zorahm squared his stance, letting his dantian pulse in rhythm with his breath. The air seemed to thrum around him as the Divine Master struck. Their battle was fluid, precise, a dance of energy and will. Zorahm parried, countered, adapted. His nanocytes flowed like liquid armor beneath his skin, healing micro-wounds and amplifying reflexes. Every strike, every movement, was calculated, instinctive, and perfected in real-time.
Finally, with a single controlled motion, he disarmed the Divine Master. The hologram flickered, dissipating into light as the simulation ended. Zorahm stood in the center of the room, chest glowing faintly, eyes gleaming with determination.
"Simulation complete," GAIDE intoned. "Your skills, body, mind, and spirit are prepared. You are ready to face the threats that endanger humanity."
For the first time, Zorahm allowed himself a small, steadying breath.
He had grown. He had learned.
And now, the world above awaited him.