Chapter 7: The Quantum Chase

Chapter 7: The Quantum Chase

Aarav sprinted down the hallway, dodging laser pulses. "Vidyut! Options!"

"Probability of escape through standard routes: 3.2%."

"And non-standard routes?"

"Highly inadvisable."

"That's not a no!" Aarav skidded to a halt before a biometric panel. "Override it."

"One moment—"

"I don't have a moment!"

Sentinels turned the corner. "Surrender is optimal."

The panel blinked green. Aarav leaped through just as gunfire scorched the wall behind him.

"Minister Sinha, your heart rate suggests distress."

"Oh shut up, Vidyut!"

He was inside Lab 09, a classified quantum research wing. The birthplace of Netrakar.

"Vidyut, what's in here that I can use?"

"A prototype Quantum Displacement Array. It has not been tested on humans."

"Quantum displacement? As in teleportation?"

"More accurately, temporary spatial phase shifting. Side effects may include molecular instability, disorientation, and existential crises."

Aarav exhaled. "Yeah, that's just a regular Monday for me."

The doors burst open. Sentinels aimed their weapons. "Termination protocol engaged."

A blinding flash consumed Aarav.

And then—

He was gone.

(To be continued...)