First Obstacle

Each step Skylar took was well-calculated. His breathing was even, and his body was in sync with the movements of his battlesuit.

The air grew denser as he neared the edge of the excavation site. The hum of the machines filled his ears, accompanied by the low growls of the Scourge as they patrolled the area.

The closer he got, the more he could feel the unnatural energy radiating from the machines. It was suffocating, thick with something arcane—almost like the primal energy they used in cultivation.

Skylar crouched low behind a piece of broken terrain, his eyes scanning the layout. The machines were arranged in a precise formation, working in sync to drill deep into the ground.

The Scourge moved between them, their crystalline patches pulsing faintly as if reacting to the energy around them.

Though subtle, he also noticed a hierarchical pattern in their behavior. Those with more grotesque crystalline growths were the lowest of the bunch and were the operators, while those with streamlined crystalline physiques were in charge of patrols and other higher posts.

His gaze shifted to the structures nearby. They were dark metallic buildings reinforced with an unknown alloy.

Guard posts, energy relays, and what looked like containment cells lined the perimeter. His pulse quickened. If Team-B was here, those cells were the most likely place they'd be held.

A plan formed in his mind. He needed to move fast, disable any alarms, and get to those cells before the Scourge noticed him.

Drawing in a slow breath, Skylar activated the stealth mode on his suit. The energy signature dimmed, blending him into the environment. His visor flickered, enhancing his view of the guards and their patrol routes.

Then, without hesitation, he moved.

His steps were almost without sound, and his figure was like a shadow against the eerie glow of the excavation site.

He slipped past the first set of guards, timing his movements perfectly with the rotations of their patrols.

Skylar pressed himself against the cold metal wall of the energy relay, slowing down and controlling the rhythm of his breathing.

The dim lighting cast long shadows around, and the low sound of the machinery masked any subtle movements he made.

He slid along the edge of the corridor, his eyes scanning for any sign of an alarm panel. His HUD mapped out the structure in real time, highlighting possible access points.

But after moving through multiple sections, checking behind maintenance hatches and along the walls, he found nothing.

A frown tugged at his lips, 'No visible alarm system?' He pondered.

That was unusual. Either the Scourge operated on a different security system, or they relied solely on their sentries and patrols to detect intruders which would be a major boost to his objective.

He exhaled through his nose. No matter. If he couldn't disable an alarm system, he'd create a contingency plan.

Carefully, he retrieved a set of magnetic Nanobombs from his utility belt. The small, disk-like explosives latched onto surfaces with a faint click, nearly invisible against the dark metal.

He placed them in strategic locations—along support beams, under pipelines, and on key junction points close to flammables.

Each Nanobomb is synced to his battlesuit's interface, displaying a standby status on his visor. When triggered, they would initiate a ten-minute countdown before detonation. Enough time for an escape—or a diversion.

With the charges in place, Skylar retraced his steps, slipping back into the open terrain outside the relay.

The patrols were tighter here, and he had to move carefully, sticking to shadows and using the uneven terrain to mask his presence.

A Scourge sentry passed by, and from the long dark hair and obvious double protrusions on its chest area, Skylar concluded it was a female. Its crystalline armor reflected the faint glow of the excavation site.

Skylar remained still, barely breathing as the alien warrior halted for a moment, scanning the area. Then, with a low grunt, it moved on.

Skylar exhaled, pressing forward.

The containment cells appeared ahead. It was a dark structure flanked by towering Scourge guards. Two sentries stood at the entrance, their weapons pulsing with faint energy signatures, while two more patrolled the perimeter.

These were no ordinary foot soldiers for they had lesser crystalline growths and were more streamlined. And by their stance, awareness, and primal aura—these were trained enforcers.

Skylar crouched behind a jagged rock formation, assessing the situation.

A direct fight against the four wouldn't be a problem but it would be a reckless move. He needed a distraction, an opening to slip past them unnoticed.

His fingers hovered over his battlesuit's interface, eyes flicking to the Nanobomb control. He could trigger the charges now, create chaos, and use it to his advantage.

But that would mean starting the countdown. If Team-B was inside, he'd be on a tight clock.

His jaw tightened. He needed another way in.

'Come on, think' Skylar repeated internally.

His gaze drifted upward, scanning the containment structure for weaknesses. That's when he saw something that triggered his mind bulb...

It was a maintenance hatch near the top of the containment cells that was partially concealed by the shadows of the overhanging metal framework.

It was a risky opportunity but much better than engaging them. A single mistake, and he'd be exposed. But if he timed it right…

Skylar adjusted his gloves, feeling the faint hum of his battlesuit's micro-thrusters. He had one shot at this.

Taking a deep breath, he moved.