The Emerald Variable possessed the most advanced digital logic core in the physical world, but his structural chassis was fundamentally mortal. And standard mortal biology, despite its resilience, was susceptible to microscopic inefficiencies.
Zenith woke up in the middle of the night.
The seven-year-old Architect lay in his geometrically optimized bed. His pale skin was flushed, and a thin layer of cold sweat coated his forehead. His joints ached. His physical temperature was elevated well beyond standard operating parameters, and his internal gyroscope was spinning wildly, causing a severe wave of localized dizziness.
Zenith immediately engaged his internal diagnostic sensors.
The air above his bed flashed violently. It was not the stable, satisfied blue text box he was accustomed to. It was a jagged, glaring crimson.
[CRITICAL ALERT: ORGANIC MALWARE DETECTED.]
[CORE TEMPERATURE CLIMBING.]
[SYSTEM COMPROMISED.]
