Chapter 8: Into the Circuit

The hum of encrypted chatter filled the air inside The Circuit, a sprawling underground complex hidden beneath the neon heart of New Omo City. Holographic projections floated in the dimly lit space, displaying data streams, security feeds, and blueprints of the city's infrastructure. The air smelled of burnt circuits, cheap energy drinks, and tension—this was the playground of outcasts, rebels, and those who thrived in the shadows.

Lin Yuan stood at the center of it all, his gaze locked onto Rei, the infamous net-runner he had sought out. Her violet eyes shimmered beneath the glow of her visor, lines of code reflecting in her pupils like an endless cascade of digital rain. She cracked a half-smile, lounging in her chair with an air of practiced confidence.

"So," she drawled, her fingers tapping away at a sleek console. "You bring me the thing everyone in the city wants… and expect me to crack it wide open. Gotta say, Lin, you've got guts."

Lin Yuan leaned forward, placing the Core onto the table between them. Its soft blue glow pulsed in rhythmic waves, casting eerie shadows across the cluttered workspace. "Not just guts," he said, his voice low but resolute. "I have answers to find. And you're the only one who can help me."

Rei eyed the Core, tapping her lips thoughtfully. "This little thing is causing a hell of a lot of trouble, you know. Covenant's got bounties running sky-high for it. Half the mercs in the city would kill to have it in their hands."

Evelyn, standing nearby with her arms crossed, spoke up. "That's why we need to move fast. If the Covenant gets their hands on it again, it's over."

Rei sighed dramatically, spinning her chair around. "Alright, alright. Let's see what Daddy Lin left for his dear boy." She reached out, fingers hovering above the Core's surface, before making contact. Instantly, the workspace was bathed in cascading streams of ancient, indecipherable code.

Xu Wei leaned in, adjusting his glasses. "This language… it's not like anything I've seen before. It's not just encryption—it's something… organic."

Rei whistled, scrolling through the data with an increasing look of fascination. "This isn't just tech, guys. This is something way beyond human understanding. Your old man was playing with fire, Lin."

Lin Yuan's jaw tightened. "Then let's find out what he burned for."

As Rei worked, Evelyn kept a wary eye on the entrance. She knew that Lin Yuan's presence alone was enough to draw unwanted attention, and with the Covenant still hunting them, it was only a matter of time before their hiding spot was compromised.

Moments later, Rei sat back, cracking her knuckles. "Okay, I've got something. And… you're not gonna like it."

Lin Yuan exhaled. "Lay it on me."

Rei pulled up a holographic projection—a map of the city, but beneath the surface, a complex labyrinth of tunnels, abandoned research facilities, and hidden sanctuaries appeared. A single point blinked ominously in deep red.

"This," she pointed to the blinking dot, "is where the Architect is housed. Or… at least, where your dad thought it was."

Evelyn leaned closer, eyes narrowing. "The lower levels? That's impossible. No one's been down there in years. It's a death trap."

Rei shrugged. "Well, guess what? That's where the Covenant has been focusing their resources. They're gearing up for something big. And if I'm reading this right, the Architect's been… waking up."

Lin Yuan's stomach churned. "Then we have to get there first."

Xu Wei frowned. "It's not that simple. This area—if your father sealed it off, there's a reason. We could be walking into something even worse than the Covenant."

Lin Yuan ran a hand through his hair, weighing the risks. "We don't have a choice. If we don't act now, they'll activate the Architect before we can stop them."

Rei smirked. "Lucky for you, I've got just the thing. Security bypasses, tunnel blueprints, and… access to the old city's blackout zones. But it's not gonna be easy. You'll need more than just me tapping away at a console."

Evelyn nodded. "We need an infiltration team."

Lin Yuan looked at Rei, his voice firm. "You know people, right?"

Rei grinned. "I know the people. But they're gonna want something in return. The Circuit doesn't work for free, Lin. If we pull this off, you owe me—big time."

Lin Yuan nodded. "I'll pay whatever it takes."

Rei reached out her hand, and they shook on it. "Alright, pretty boy. Let's build ourselves a revolution."

Meanwhile, at Covenant Headquarters…

Victor Kain stood in the command center of the Covenant's operations, his sharp features illuminated by the soft glow of the enormous data screens that dominated the room. Rows of analysts and operatives scurried about, processing vast amounts of information, all converging on a single priority: Lin Yuan.

Dr. Helena Voss approached, her expression as unreadable as ever. "We've tracked him," she said simply, handing Victor a tablet. "He's moving through the Circuit. They're gathering allies."

Victor smirked. "Desperate. Predictable." He scrolled through the intelligence reports with measured interest. "Let them think they have the upper hand."

Helena's gaze lingered on him. "Sir, they have the Core. If they manage to unlock it—"

Victor cut her off with a raised hand. "They won't. Because we'll be waiting for them at the Obsidian Vault's final entrance."

Helena nodded. "I'll mobilize our units."

Victor turned, gazing out the massive window overlooking the city. "The Architect will belong to us, Helena. No matter how many lives it costs."

Back at The Circuit…

Rei was busy inputting commands into her console while Evelyn armed herself for the inevitable conflict. Xu Wei studied the blueprint nervously, and Lin Yuan stood in silent contemplation, staring at the Core.

"This started as revenge," Lin Yuan muttered under his breath. "But now… it's something bigger."

Evelyn looked up from checking her weapon. "You're not fighting for just yourself anymore, Lin. You're fighting for everyone the Covenant's oppressed."

Lin Yuan nodded slowly. "Then let's make it count."

Rei looked up with a grin. "Alright, team. We're in. But let me warn you… once we start this, there's no turning back. The Covenant will come at us with everything they've got."

Lin Yuan's eyes burned with determination. "Let them come."

The group gathered around the holographic map, their next steps clear. The final confrontation was drawing closer, and the weight of their mission pressed upon them.

They had one chance to stop the Covenant and uncover the truth hidden within the Architect. Failure was not an option.