Zark'thul stared at the device resting on the examination table. The Pinpoint Rift prototype had been carefully transferred to the R&D department's isolation chamber, where a shimmering containment field enveloped it in layers of arcane and technological safeguards. Even through these precautions, he could sense its wrongness—a discordant note in reality's symphony.

  The sphere's surface shifted between colors that had no names in human language, while the darkness at its core seemed to swallow light rather than merely block it. That void called to him on a level beyond physical senses, a recognition between kindred aberrations.

  "Fascinating construction," Elamrion murmured, the elven researcher's slender fingers hovering just outside the containment field. "The outer casing appears to be a standard metallic alloy, but it's been subjected to some form of dimensional treatment. The molecular structure shows evidence of having existed in multiple realities simultaneously."

  Beside him, Teer the gnome adjusted a series of scanning instruments. "The power source is unlike anything in our records. It's generating energy through what appears to be controlled dimensional friction—essentially harvesting power from the resistance between realities trying to occupy the same space."

  "And the core?" Zark'thul asked, though he already knew the answer. He could feel it.

  Teer's expression grew troubled. "That's where things get... concerning. Our instruments can't properly analyze it. The readings suggest it's a fragment of actual void space—not just absence of matter, but absence of reality itself. A piece of the Void Reaches, somehow contained and stabilized."

  "Such technology violates at least three major interdimensional treaties," Elamrion noted, his eyes never leaving the device. "The Void Reaches have been classified as a restricted dimensional plane for centuries, ever since the Collapse of the Seventh Harmonic."

  Zark'thul said nothing. Treaties and regulations meant little to him except as tools to be used or obstacles to be navigated. His concern was more fundamental—the Void Reaches held things that even he, with his eldritch nature, treated with caution.

  Filu stood nearby, her squad having been dismissed after delivering their report and the recovered device. The orc warrior-mage had proven herself surprisingly articulate and observant, her account of the warehouse infiltration detailed and precise.

  "You said the Resurgents were concerned about instability in the devices," Zark'thul said to her. "Elaborate."

  Filu nodded, the ritual markings on her green skin catching the laboratory's harsh light. "The Prophet Ysedra mentioned 'unexpected effects' during test runs. She seemed genuinely worried, but the Metcom representative dismissed her concerns."

  "Typical corporate arrogance," Teer muttered. "Treating dimensional technology like it's a new smartphone model."

  "If I may," Elamrion interjected, pulling up a holographic display, "we've analyzed the recording Skitters captured. Based on their conversation, Metcom plans to have these devices placed at specific locations throughout Avalon—what they called 'convergence points.'"

  The hologram shifted to display a map of the city, with several locations marked in red.

  "These are the likely targets," the elf continued. "Major nexus points where the dimensional fabric of Avalon is particularly concentrated. The Grand Terminus, the Anatheum Institute, the Liminal District junction, and four others."

  "And their purpose?" Zark'thul asked, though again, he had already formed his own conclusions.

  "Two-fold," Teer replied, bringing up a simulation. "When activated, these devices would create small, controlled tears in dimensional fabric. Not enough to cause immediate catastrophic collapse, but sufficient to weaken the overall convergence properties of Avalon."

  The simulation showed ripples spreading from each device, eventually intersecting and causing larger distortions.

  "The Resurgents believe this will sever Avalon's connections to other realms," Elamrion continued. "Forcing entities from other dimensions to return to their places of origin. A 'purification' as they call it."

  "But that's not what would actually happen," Filu observed, studying the simulation with narrowed eyes.

  "Correct," Teer agreed. "Based on our analysis, the effect would be much more... selective. The devices would disrupt most natural dimensional pathways, but they appear designed to leave certain frequencies untouched."

  "Frequencies that correspond to technologies used by Argent Shield and Metcom," Elamrion added. "They're not trying to sever all connections—they're trying to control which ones remain viable."

  Zark'thul watched the simulation cycle through several iterations. The pattern was elegantly destructive—a precision weapon disguised as an act of terrorism. The Resurgents would take the blame for disrupting Avalon's dimensional stability, while Metcom and Argent Shield would position themselves as saviors, using their "specially developed technology" to stabilize the rifts.

  And in the aftermath, they would control the only safe pathways between realms.

  "A monopoly on interdimensional travel and commerce," Zark'thul said, the words flat.

  "Exactly," Elamrion nodded. "And given Avalon's nature as a convergence point for countless realities, such a monopoly would grant them unprecedented power."

  Zark'thul turned to Filu. "You've completed your mission admirably. Return to your quarters and prepare your squad for possible further deployment."

  The orc bowed slightly. "As you command."

  After she departed, Zark'thul addressed the researchers. "Continue your analysis. I want to know everything about these devices—how to track them, how to disable them, and how to counter their effects. Priority access to all R&D resources."

  "Of course, sir," Elamrion replied. "Though I should mention... there's something about the void core that troubles me beyond the obvious dangers."

  "Explain."

  The elf hesitated. "It's... alive, in a sense. Or at least reactive. During our initial scans, it seemed to... respond to stimuli in ways that suggest awareness. Almost as if something within the void is watching us through the device."

  Zark'thul felt a coldness that had nothing to do with the room's temperature. "Isolate it further. Triple the containment protocols. And wear protective amulets at all times while working with it."

  The researchers exchanged worried glances but nodded their agreement.

  As Zark'thul left the laboratory, Elspeth fell into step beside him, her green hair shifting like living tendrils despite the absence of any breeze.

  "Sir, I've compiled the full report from Squad Two's operation," she said, her voice characteristically even. "Additionally, Xashai has returned from her investigation into Metcom's financial activities."

  "Have her meet me in the command room," he instructed. "And summon Alice as well. This situation requires a multi-faceted response."

  The elevator ascended silently, its walls displaying real-time data streams from throughout the Tower. Zark'thul barely noticed them, his thoughts consumed by the implications of what they'd discovered.

  The Void Reaches were no ordinary dimension. Unlike the relatively stable realms that converged in Avalon, the Void was a place of unmaking, of entropy and dissolution. It was a realm that the Qliphoth—the cosmic antithesis to his own eldritch kind—had long held dominion over.

  If Metcom had somehow acquired technology from the Void Reaches, they might unwittingly be serving Qliphothic interests. And if Nai'hum, or even a fragment of it, had influenced the development of these devices...

  The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, interrupting his thoughts. The command room awaited, its central console already displaying the data compiled from Squad Two's mission.

  Xashai arrived moments later, her blue skin shimmering under the room's lights. The Gixiet negotiator carried herself with her usual poise, but Zark'thul detected a subtle tension in her movements.

  "You've discovered something," he stated, not bothering with preliminaries.

  "Several things, actually," she replied, activating a holographic display with a gesture. "First, Metcom's financial records. They've been purchasing properties throughout Avalon over the past six months—all located near what dimensional cartographers call 'thin spots.'"

  The display showed a map of Avalon with highlighted locations.

  "These properties form a very specific pattern," Xashai continued. "When mapped against the city's dimensional topology, they create a perfect seven-point configuration that mirrors ancient binding geometries."

  "A containment pattern," Zark'thul observed.

  "Precisely. They're positioning themselves to control the fallout from whatever disruption they cause." She swiped to a new display. "Moreover, they've been quietly acquiring smaller security firms that specialize in dimensional stabilization technology. Three acquisitions in the past year, all through shell companies."

  Alice arrived, slightly breathless. "Sorry I'm late. I was compiling the market analysis you requested."

  "What have you found?" Zark'thul asked.

  The marketing director adjusted her glasses. "Well, it's pretty clear Metcom's been systematically undermining public confidence in Avalon's dimensional stability. My team identified a pattern of news stories, social media campaigns, and 'expert opinions' all subtly suggesting that Avalon's convergence properties are becoming dangerously unstable."

  "Manufacturing a crisis to sell a solution," Xashai concluded.

  "Classic strategy," Alice nodded. "Create fear, then position yourself as the only one who can address it."

  Elspeth, who had been silently monitoring the room's displays, spoke up. "There's another factor we should consider. The Pinpoint Rift devices are scheduled for deployment tomorrow night, according to the intelligence gathered by Squad Two."

  "Which means we have limited time to formulate our response," Zark'thul said. "Options?"

  "From a PR perspective," Alice began, "we could expose Metcom's manipulation. I've already drafted a comprehensive release detailing their fear campaign, with evidence linking them to the supposedly independent experts who've been predicting disaster."

  "Effective, but slow," Xashai countered. "Public opinion takes time to shift, and we have less than twenty-four hours."

  "Legal channels?" Zark'thul prompted.

  "Potentially viable," Elspeth responded. "The evidence of Void Reaches technology alone constitutes a serious violation of Avalon's Interdimensional Commerce Regulations. The Department of Interrealm Revenue and the City Militia & Enforcement Council would both have jurisdiction."

  "Commissioner Vallin Iradex has been investigating Metcom for potential tax violations," Xashai added. "This could give him the leverage he needs to act decisively."

  Zark'thul considered the options. Each had merit, but none addressed the immediate threat of the Pinpoint Rifts. Even if Metcom's executives were arrested today, the Resurgents would likely proceed with their plan, believing they were fulfilling their zealous mission to "purify" Avalon.

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  "We need a multi-pronged approach," he decided. "Alice, prepare your PR offensive, but hold it in reserve. Xashai, arrange a meeting with Commissioner Iradex—priority clearance, highest level of discretion."

  "And the devices themselves?" Elspeth asked.

  "For that, we need additional intelligence." Zark'thul turned to the central console, bringing up a different display. "Elspeth, contact the Anatheum Institute. Their expertise in dimensional research may prove useful in countering these devices."

  "What about direct intervention?" Xashai suggested. "Squad One has already encountered Argent Shield operatives. They could potentially intercept the devices before deployment."

  "Too risky without knowing all the placement locations," Zark'thul countered. "And based on Filu's report, the devices are already being distributed to Resurgent cells throughout the city."

  A notification appeared on the main screen—a priority communication from the R&D department. Zark'thul accepted the transmission, and Elamrion's face appeared.

  "Sir, we've made a breakthrough in our analysis," the elf reported, his expression grave. "The void core in the device... it's not just harvesting energy from dimensional friction. It's actually creating a localized thinning of reality itself."

  "Explain," Zark'thul commanded.

  "In simple terms, it's like a slow-acting acid on the fabric of dimensional stability. Once activated, each device creates a small 'wound' in reality that gradually expands. If all seven devices were activated simultaneously at the convergence points Metcom has identified..."

  "The wounds would eventually connect," Zark'thul finished the thought.

  "Yes. And when they do, they would create a controlled dimensional collapse that could be shaped by whoever holds the stabilizing technology."

  The implications were clear. Metcom wasn't just seeking to control interdimensional travel—they were attempting to fundamentally reshape Avalon's dimensional properties according to their specifications.

  "There's more," Elamrion continued. "We've detected communication signals emanating from the void core. Extremely faint, but definitely present."

  Zark'thul felt a chill that had nothing to do with physical cold. "What type of communication?"

  "We're not sure," the elf admitted. "It's unlike any signal pattern we've encountered. But it's rhythmic, structured—definitely not random noise."

  "Quarantine the device completely," Zark'thul ordered. "No active scans. Passive monitoring only."

  After ending the transmission, Zark'thul turned to find the others watching him expectantly. He could see the questions in their eyes, but some knowledge was too dangerous to share broadly—even with his closest advisors.

  "The situation is more critical than initially assessed," he stated, his voice deliberately calm. "We are dealing with technology that may have... unforeseen consequences beyond Metcom's intended purposes."

  "Sir," Elspeth began carefully, "your reaction suggests you recognize something about these devices that we don't."

  Zark'thul considered how much to reveal. The Tower staff knew he was not human, but they had no concept of what an Eldritch truly was, nor of the cosmic conflicts that had shaped existence long before their species evolved.

  "The Void Reaches are home to entities that oppose everything this reality represents," he said finally. "Beings that seek dissolution rather than creation, entropy rather than complexity. If the devices are indeed communicating with something in the Void..."

  He let the implications hang in the air.

  "Are you saying Metcom might be—knowingly or unknowingly—working with these entities?" Xashai asked, her normally composed expression showing genuine alarm.

  "It's a possibility we cannot ignore."

  The command room fell silent as they processed this revelation. Zark'thul could almost see the calculations running behind their eyes, each recontextualizing their understanding of the situation.

  Alice was the first to speak. "So we're not just dealing with corporate espionage and market manipulation anymore. We're talking about a potential existential threat to Avalon itself."

  "Precisely."

  "This changes our approach considerably," Xashai noted. "Legal channels may be too slow, and public opinion irrelevant if dimensional stability is compromised."

  "We need direct intervention," Elspeth concluded. "Locate and neutralize the devices before they can be activated."

  Zark'thul nodded, pleased by their quick adaptation. "Prepare two operation tracks. Track One: diplomatic and legal—meetings with authorities, evidence presentation, coalition building with affected businesses. Track Two: tactical—locate and secure the Pinpoint Rift devices, neutralize the Resurgent threat."

  "Squads One and Two?" Elspeth inquired.

  "Yes. Squad Two will focus on tracking and disabling the devices. They're adept at finding hidden caches and disarming traps. Squad One will handle the Metcom/Argent Shield angle—gathering final evidence and preparing for potential direct confrontation."

  As they began formulating the details of their response, a priority alert flashed across the command console. The Tower's external communications system had received an incoming transmission—a highly encrypted message addressed directly to Zark'thul.

  "Secure channel," he ordered, motioning for the others to continue their planning.

  The message decrypted to reveal the face of Victoria Chandler, CEO of Metcom Solutions. Her expression betrayed nothing, but Zark'thul could sense the inner conflict churning beneath her icy surface.

  "Mr. Mycroft," she greeted him. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

  "Ms. Chandler," Zark'thul replied, his own expression equally inscrutable. "An unexpected communication."

  "I believe in direct approaches when circumstances warrant them," she said. "It has come to my attention that you've developed a sudden interest in Metcom's operations. More specifically, in our Synergy Project."

  So she knew about Squad Two's infiltration. Interesting that she would acknowledge it so openly.

  "I find it prudent to understand the activities of significant market players," Zark'thul replied evenly. "Especially when those activities might impact the broader business ecosystem."

  Chandler's smile didn't reach her eyes. "A diplomatic answer. I would expect nothing less from someone of your... unusual background."

  The subtle emphasis suggested she knew—or suspected—something about his true nature. Another interesting data point.

  "I won't waste your time with denials or threats," she continued. "Instead, I'd like to offer you an opportunity. The Synergy Project represents the next evolution in Avalon's development—controlled access to interdimensional resources without the chaos and inefficiency of our current system."

  "An ambitious vision," Zark'thul observed.

  "One that could benefit from your unique perspective and capabilities. Your Tower operation has not gone unnoticed, Mr. Mycroft. The innovative approaches you've implemented, the unusual talents you've recruited—they suggest a mind that thinks beyond conventional limitations."

  "You're proposing a partnership."

  "A mutually beneficial arrangement," she corrected. "Your organization would receive privileged access to the new dimensional pathways we're establishing. In return, we would welcome your technical expertise in stabilizing and expanding those pathways."

  Zark'thul allowed himself a moment of genuine curiosity. "And the Resurgents? Do they understand they're creating pathways rather than closing them?"

  Chandler's expression flickered briefly—surprise that he knew so much, quickly masked. "The Resurgents serve their purpose, as do all pieces in this game. Their beliefs are irrelevant to the outcome."

  "And the Void Reaches technology? The risks it presents?"

  This time her surprise was more evident. "You are remarkably well-informed, Mr. Mycroft. The technology has been thoroughly contained and adapted for our purposes. The original source is irrelevant."

  Zark'thul knew this to be dangerously naive, but he merely nodded. "An interesting proposition. When would you require my answer?"

  "Time is of the essence," Chandler replied. "The project enters its implementation phase very soon. I can have contracts prepared for your review by this evening."

  "I'll consider your offer carefully."

  "I hope you do." Her tone hardened slightly. "Opportunities of this magnitude rarely present themselves twice. Particularly to... newcomers in Avalon's business community."

  The threat beneath the courtesy was clear enough.

  "I look forward to our next communication," Zark'thul said, ending the transmission with a gesture.

  He turned back to find the others watching him, having clearly monitored the exchange.

  "Well, that was direct," Alice remarked. "She's not even trying to hide their intentions."

  "She believes their success is inevitable," Xashai observed. "Such confidence suggests either excellent preparation or dangerous overconfidence."

  "Or both," Elspeth added. "However, her openness provides us with valuable information. She confirmed the Synergy Project involves dimensional manipulation using Void Reaches technology, and that the Resurgents are being manipulated."

  Zark'thul moved to the central console, bringing up a new display. "Her contact also confirms they're accelerating their timeline. The 'implementation phase' she mentioned must refer to the deployment of the Pinpoint Rift devices."

  "Will you consider her offer?" Xashai asked carefully.

  "I already have," Zark'thul replied. "The proposition is strategically unsound. Even if I believed their control over the Void technology was as complete as Chandler claims—which I do not—allowing a single entity to control Avalon's dimensional access would be inefficient. Competition drives innovation and prevents stagnation."

  The real reasons went far deeper, of course. Any technology derived from the Void Reaches carried the taint of Qliphothic influence—anathema to his eldritch nature. Moreover, he had his own plans for dimensional travel, centered around the Tower's unique properties.

  "We proceed as planned," he declared. "Elspeth, arrange the meeting with Commissioner Iradex. Xashai, contact Seren Welvi and the other CTI leaders—their businesses will be directly affected by any disruption to Avalon's dimensional stability. Alice, prepare your media package but hold it in reserve."

  As they dispersed to their assignments, Zark'thul remained at the console, contemplating the broader implications. Chandler's confidence suggested powerful backing—potentially beyond Metcom and Argent Shield. The question was whether that backing was merely financial and political, or if something from the Void Reaches had found a foothold in this realm.

  Either way, the next twenty-four hours would prove decisive, not just for his business operations in Avalon, but potentially for the city's very existence as a dimensional nexus.

  He activated a secure communication channel to Squad One. Byron's face appeared on the screen, alert despite the late hour.

  "Sir," the REDLINE agent acknowledged.

  "Prepare your team for deployment," Zark'thul instructed. "Full tactical loadout. We've identified a critical threat to Avalon that requires immediate intervention."

  "The Metcom situation?"

  "Yes. They're planning to destabilize Avalon's dimensional fabric using technology derived from the Void Reaches. The consequences could be catastrophic."

  Byron nodded, his expression grim. "Understood. What are our objectives?"

  "Intelligence gathering and preparation for direct intervention. I need you to investigate Metcom headquarters—specifically, any secured areas that might house their dimensional research. Avoid engagement for now, but identify entry points and security measures for a potential operation tomorrow night."

  "And Squad Two?"

  "They'll be tracking the Pinpoint Rift devices already distributed throughout the city. Your objectives are separate but coordinated."

  Byron nodded again. "We'll be ready. Anything else we should know?"

  Zark'thul considered what additional information might be relevant. "The technology was derived from the Void Reaches. If you encounter any devices or materials that emit a sensation of... wrongness, avoid direct contact. These are not merely technological threats but potentially metaphysical ones."

  "Understood, sir. We'll deploy immediately."

  After ending the communication, Zark'thul expanded his awareness to monitor the city beyond. His Thousand Eyes provided limited surveillance, and stretching them too thin risked detection by those sensitive to such methods. But a brief, focused scan of key locations could yield insights.

  He focused on the seven convergence points identified in Elamrion's analysis, searching for any sign of Resurgent activity or dimensional disturbances. The Grand Terminus showed elevated energy readings consistent with increased dimensional flux—perhaps an early testing site. The Anatheum Institute remained stable, its own protective measures likely shielding it from external influence.

  As he withdrew his awareness back to his physical form, Zark'thul reflected on the irony of his position. He—an Eldritch being who had once sought to reshape reality according to his will—was now working to prevent others from doing the same.

  Not from any newfound moral perspective, of course.

  His opposition to Metcom's plans stemmed from pure pragmatism. Their crude manipulation of dimensional forces threatened his own, more sophisticated ambitions. And if their actions had indeed drawn the attention of Qliphothic entities from the Void Reaches, that presented an existential threat to his own eldritch nature.

  The command room door slid open, admitting Elspeth once more.

  "Sir, Commissioner Iradex has agreed to meet us in one hour at a secure location," she reported. "Additionally, Director Gathren Elys from the Anatheum Institute has requested immediate consultation regarding unusual dimensional fluctuations they've detected throughout the city."

  "The effects have already begun," Zark'thul noted. "The devices must be emitting preparatory pulses before full activation."

  "Should I arrange transport to the Institute?"

  "Yes. And have Elamrion prepare a technical briefing on the Pinpoint Rift device. The Anatheum's dimensional experts may see aspects we've overlooked."

  As Elspeth left to make the arrangements, Zark'thul turned his attention to a private display only he could see. It showed the status of the Tower's floors—five currently accessible, with the sixth locked behind a final directive involving Nai'hum's cult.

  If his suspicions about Qliphothic influence in the Void Reaches technology proved correct, the current crisis might provide an unexpected opportunity to advance his progress within the Tower. Confronting a fragment of Qliphothic power could serve as an alternative to the scheduled encounter with the Harvesters of Amrit.

  The timing was... fortuitous. Almost as if the Tower itself had orchestrated events to align with his development.

  Zark'thul dismissed the thought. Even for an Eldritch entity, some coincidences were merely coincidences. His focus needed to remain on the immediate threat—preventing Metcom's dimensional manipulation and securing his position in Avalon's power structure.

  As the various elements of his response took shape, Zark'thul allowed himself a moment of appreciation for the complexity of the challenge. This was no simple business competition or resource struggle. It was a multidimensional chess game with reality itself as the board.

  And despite the danger, he found himself enjoying the game more than he had expected.