🌑 Episode 47
The Master Behind the Architect
The laboratory fell into complete silence.
Every monitor was dark.
The Phoenix System had finally shut down.
Ryan looked at Ariba with relief.
"We actually did it."
Lena slowly lowered her laptop.
"The network is offline... but only this facility."
Victor frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Lena turned the screen toward them.
"Someone is trying to reconnect from another location."
Ryan's expression changed.
"The Architect?"
Lena shook her head.
"No... this signal is different."
Before anyone could speak, one monitor suddenly flickered back to life.
A new symbol appeared.
A black phoenix with silver eyes.
None of them had seen it before.
Ariba whispered,
"That isn't his symbol."
The screen lit up.
Not with the Architect...
But with another figure.
His face remained hidden in darkness.
Only his voice could be heard.
Deep.
Calm.
Dangerous.
"So... Subject A-17 survived."
Ryan stepped in front of Ariba.
"Who are you?"
The stranger ignored him.
His eyes remained fixed on Ariba.
"You exceeded every expectation."
Victor tightened his grip on his weapon.
"You're the one behind all of this."
The mysterious man chuckled.
"The Architect?"
"He was only my student."
Silence filled the laboratory.
Lena's eyes widened.
"That means..."
Ariba finished the sentence.
"You're the real leader."
The man smiled.
"At last... someone understands."
Ryan couldn't believe it.
"All this time, we were chasing the wrong person."
The stranger slowly stood up.
"My name is unnecessary."
"You may call me... The Founder."
Victor whispered,
"This just became a war."
The Founder continued,
"The Architect failed because he underestimated one thing."
He looked directly at Ariba.
"You."
Ariba stood her ground.
"You destroyed my family."
The Founder's voice remained emotionless.
"No."
"I created your future."
Ariba's fists clenched.
"I'll stop you."
The Founder smiled faintly.
"I hope you try."
Suddenly, every screen displayed the same message:
PROJECT PHOENIX – PHASE THREE ACTIVATED
Lena gasped.
"No... impossible!"
Ryan looked at her.
"What is Phase Three?"
Lena answered in a trembling voice,
"It means every hidden Phoenix facility around the country has just been activated."
Warning lights flashed across the room.
Victor cursed under his breath.
"One lab was enough."
The Founder spoke one final time.
"If you want to end this..."
"Come find me."
The screen went black.
A second later—
The entire laboratory lost power.
Emergency lights glowed red.
Ryan looked at Ariba.
"What now?"
Ariba slowly picked up the recovered data drive.
Her eyes were filled with determination.
"We finish what my father started."
Victor smiled.
"Now you're talking."
Outside, the storm had finally stopped.
But a new battle...
Was only beginning.
To Be Continued...
💬 Comment & Earn Coins! 🪙
Who do you think is the most dangerous enemy now?
A) The Architect
B) The Founder
C) A hidden traitor
D) Someone we haven't met yet
👇 Comment A, B, C, or D and don't forget to send your Power Stones! 💎