The team stood outside an abandoned factory, miles from the city.
Jax adjusted his backpack. "Sooo… why are we standing in front of a creepy old building?"
Lillian pressed a button on her wrist device.
BEEP.
The ground rumbled.
A hidden metal hatch slid open, revealing a high-tech elevator descending deep underground.
Jax's eyes widened. "Oh. That's why."
Lillian stepped forward. "This tunnel leads directly into Paradox HQ."
Alex cracked his knuckles. "Then let's move."
They entered the elevator.
The doors hissed shut.
The descent began.
Inside Paradox HQ
The elevator stopped with a soft chime.
The doors slid open, revealing cold steel hallways, dimly lit by flickering lights.
Evelyn smirked. "Wow. Real evil lair vibes."
Jax frowned. "Where are the guards?"
As if on cue—
ALERT. INTRUDERS DETECTED.
Red alarm lights flashed.
Jax groaned. "Why do I even ask?"
Footsteps echoed.
Armed guards stormed in.
Lillian pulled out a pulse grenade and threw it.
BOOM.
An EMP wave knocked out their weapons.
Alex blinked forward, dodging bullets in frozen time.
Evelyn and Jax took cover, firing back.
The fight had begun.
The Mainframe
They ran through endless corridors.
Lillian led the way. "Mainframe's up ahead!"
But before they could reach it—
A figure dropped from the ceiling.
Ryker.
He smirked. "Miss me?"
Alex growled. "You again?"
Ryker cracked his knuckles. "Round two, Timelock."
Then—he attacked.