In a vast, sterile control room, President Caius Dalthar stood at the center, surrounded by scientists and technicians. The walls, made of silver-toned metal, reflected the soft glow of hovering holographic panels.

  The main screen before them displayed an image of Aelina, lying inside a transparent capsule, her body entangled in cables and sensors linked to a humming quantum computer.

  A scientist in a white uniform approached the president, holding a holographic tablet. "Mr. President," the scientist said formally, "Subject Aiko has arrived and is ready for DNA extraction and data upload."

  Caius stared at the screen, his gaze sharp and brimming with ambition. "Good. Begin the procedure. Time is not on our side."

  The team moved swiftly, their hands flying across the floating panels. Large cables activated with a low hum as energy began to flow. Aelina lay motionless, her face serene, though beneath that stillness raged an invisible struggle.

  Beside her, a second capsule lit up. Etched boldly across its surface: CODENAME: EUDORA. Inside, the silhouette of a woman floated, pale skin, long silver hair drifting in the capsule's fluid.

  "Eudora is our masterpiece," murmured a scientist, typing rapidly. "The second generation of human-hybrids, engineered to be the perfect soldier."

  Another scientist, dressed in blue, approached Caius with urgency. "Data transfer protocol ready. Linking Aiko's and Eudora's capsules to the Quantum Computer."

  Caius nodded slightly. "Proceed. Ensure there are no disruptions."

  Commands were entered. The cables connected to Aelina's head lit up, and holographic screens displayed a stream of data flowing from her body into the quantum computer. From there, the data began transferring to Eudora’s capsule.

  A progress bar appeared on the main screen, signaling the start of the transfer.

  "Data transfer initiated," reported a technician. "Estimated completion in 72 hours."

  Suddenly, an alarm blared. Red lights flickered across the room.

  "There’s a problem," said a scientist, voice tense. "Subject Aiko is displaying unexpected resistance. Despite being unconscious, her neural system is fighting the data transfer."

  Caius turned sharply. "What do you mean?"

  The scientist pointed at a brainwave monitor. "Her activity is spiking. She’s actively resisting, even while unconscious. It’s slowing down the process."

  Caius clenched his fists. "Impossible. A child like her can’t resist this technology. Increase neural connection power. Do not give her a chance to fight."

  A technician executed the command. The cables lit brighter, and the quantum computer’s hum deepened.

  Inside the capsule, Aelina’s unconscious body twitched. Her fingers curled slightly. Her expression shifted, as if trapped in a nightmare.

  "She’s reacting to the power increase," a scientist reported. "But we have no choice if we want this transfer completed."

  A senior scientist spoke with caution. "Mr. President, forcing her neural system too far risks permanent brain damage."

  Caius turned, voice ice-cold. "Damage or not, Aiko is a tool. Her body doesn’t matter. What we need is the data."

  Eudora’s capsule glowed brighter. Her body moved faintly inside, though her eyes remained closed.

  "Synchronization with Eudora initiated," said a technician. "Data signals are being received, slowly, but steady."

  Eudora’s brainwave monitor showed signs of activation. Empty lines now filled with mirrored patterns from Aelina.

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  "This is extraordinary," whispered a scientist, transfixed. "The transfer protocol is far more complex than we imagined, but it’s working. We are creating something truly beyond."

  Then, another alarm. "Mr. President, we’ve detected unusual system activity. Possible external connection attempting to access Aiko’s data."

  Caius spun, his face hardening. "External connection? Who dares interfere with this operation?"

  "We’re not certain, but the signal resembles old-generation tracking tech."

  Caius growled. "Block every external line. This is a critical moment. No one interferes."

  Kaelar’s ship roared into Kaelion’s atmosphere, flames and friction lighting up the cockpit glass. Inside, the tension was palpable. Kaelar Thorne stood at the front, scanning the data on the holographic display.

  "We’ll land in a town called Theros, just outside the capital Aurion," he said gravely. "A forgotten place, overlooked by Caius Dalthar’s regime. No resources. No strategic value."

  Kirana glanced at him, concern in her eyes. "Is it safe? We're trying to stop their project, this is a huge risk."

  Kaelar nodded. "Theros is the perfect hiding spot. Not only because it’s ignored, but it’s home to ex-military who turned against Caius. Some are old friends. They can help us."

  Lyra, seated in the back, studied the data on her screen. "Still, we can’t depend on them entirely. Erevos Facility is one of the most secure locations in Edena."

  Zephyr looked at her. "We’ll find a way. We have no choice."

  The ship touched down at the edge of Theros, a town of crumbling buildings and dusty roads, a stark contrast to the glittering capital.

  They disembarked. Kaelar led the way through narrow alleys where simple folk lived humbly. Children played among ruins, adults eyed them with curiosity.

  "Stay low," Kaelar warned. "We don’t know who might report to the government."

  Kirana pulled up her hood. "This isn’t what I imagined Kaelion to be."

  Kaelar gave a faint smile. "Not all of Edena shines like Aurion. Places like this, they’re our strength."

  He led them to an old building that concealed a hidden basement outfitted with basic military equipment.

  "This is our base for now," Kaelar said, opening the door. "Velaria, Vega, get your systems set up."

  Velaria unpacked her gear immediately. Vega, still weary, joined her.

  Kaelar turned to Lyra, Kirana, and Zephyr. "I’ve prepared clothes for you. Blend in with the locals, it’s crucial we remain invisible."

  Zephyr eyed the garments. "These look... extremely plain."

  Kaelar chuckled. "In a place like this, plain is perfect."

  Night fell. Kaelar readied to leave. Draven approached, weapon checked.

  "Visiting old friends?"

  Kaelar nodded. "They may not trust me right away. But I have to try. The more allies, the better."

  Draven strapped on his gear. "Then I’m coming with you. You never know what’s out there."

  Kaelar clapped his shoulder. "I appreciate that. Let’s go."

  Meanwhile, Kirana and Zephyr wandered the town, seeking fresh air and understanding.

  Kirana glanced at him. "What are you thinking?"

  Zephyr exhaled. "Aelina. What they’re doing to her. And if we can reach her in time."

  Kirana looked at the starlit sky. "I don’t know. But I do know one thing: we won’t give up. Aelina needs us, and we’ll do whatever it takes."

  Zephyr smiled softly, gripping her hand. "You’re the heart of this family, Kirana. I’m grateful for you."

  Back in the hideout, Vega and Velaria monitored data. A large holographic map of Erevos filled the room.

  "Security is airtight," Velaria said, enlarging a section. "Drones at every corner. Fully integrated network. Even if we get in, we’ll face their automatics."

  Vega focused on the screen. "Every system has a flaw. We just need to find it."

  Lyra stepped closer. "I’ll try to breach their network from here. If I succeed, we’ll know exactly where Aelina is."

  Velaria gave her a sharp look. "But if they detect us, their timeline will accelerate. We have to move fast, and clean."

  "We won’t stop," Vega affirmed. "This is our last shot."

  Morning brought intensity. Around the large table, Erevos’ schematics glowed in midair.

  Kaelar stood firm. "We all know this is no ordinary mission. Erevos is a fortress. No second chances. Everything must go to plan."

  Vega and Velaria monitored live feeds. Vega tapped the screen. "We’ll guide you from here. Motion sensors, internal cams, everything, we’ve got eyes."

  Lyra held up a small device. "I’ll hack the drones. Once we’re near, I’ll create your entry point."

  Draven loaded his gear. "I’ll be on ground with Kirana and Zephyr. We get in, grab Aelina, and get out. Fast."

  Kirana studied the map. "How do we know where she is? The place is massive."

  Velaria pointed at a highlighted section. "Based on data, she’s likely in isolation block, the deepest part. That’s where they keep their highest-priority subjects."

  Kaelar nodded. "That’s your objective. We’ll distract the guards as long as we can. Once you find her, we move."

  As night fell, the team gathered.

  Kaelar addressed them with gravity. "This isn’t just about saving Aelina. This is about stopping their plan before it’s too late. No room for error."

  Zephyr adjusted his spear-chain. "We know the risks. We won’t fail."

  Kirana secured her bow. "Aelina is my daughter. I will not fail."

  Kaelar offered a thin smile. "That’s what I want to hear."

  Lyra double-checked her tools. "I’ll take down the drones, one by one. You need to move fast. Every second counts."

  Their ship soared into the night, cloaked and silent. Kaelar piloted expertly. Lyra watched the screens, tracking the growing net of drones and cameras around Erevos.

  The mission had begun.