Chapter 22: OBLIVION PROTOCOL

Axel's heart raced as he grabbed Maya's arm, pulling her into a sprint towards Lab 1.

"We need to destroy the Serum NOW!"

They burst into the lab, finding rows of cylindrical containers filled with glowing blue liquid - Oblivion Serum.

Maya quickly hacked into the lab's computer system while Axel smashed containers with his rifle butt.

"Deleting Serum production files... and triggering lab self-destruct sequence!" Maya shouted.

Axel continued destroying containers as Maya grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher to blast the remaining Serum off shelves.

Suddenly, lab doors sealed shut - automated voice announced:

"Lab self-destruct sequence initiated. Evacuate immediately."

Axel grabbed Maya's hand - they sprinted out of Lab 1 just as explosions rocked the facility behind them.

Outside, Elliot and Ryder waited anxiously.

"Did you destroy the Serum?" Elliot asked urgently.

Axel nodded, gasping for breath. "Yes... but we still need to stop Oblivion Protocol activation."

Maya checked her tablet - countdown timer still ticking...

**5 minutes remaining...**

Axel's team sprinted towards the central control room, determined to stop Oblivion Protocol.

They burst into the room, finding a massive screen displaying the countdown timer and a single chair in front of a control panel.

A figure sat in the chair - Architect.

Axel's eyes locked onto Architect's, fury burning within him.

"It's over. Your plan ends now."

Architect slowly turned around, revealing a shocking identity:

"Hello, Axel Vaughn. I'm your father... Elijah Vaughn."

Axel's world shattered. His mind reeling, he barely heard Maya whisper:

"Agent Kim traced Elijah's signals... he faked his own death years ago."

Elijah Vaughn smiled coldly.

"I created Umbra, Patriot, and Erebus to reshape the world. You, Axel, were meant to be my heir."

The countdown timer ticked ominously...

**2 minutes remaining...**

Axel's grip on his rifle tightened. "You're not my father. My father died protecting innocent lives.

Elijah Vaughn's smile faltered for a moment, before he regained composure.

"Sentimental weakness, Axel. Your mother was blind to my vision for a stronger world."

Axel's anger boiled over - he took a step closer to Elijah.

"You destroyed everything good in this world. Your vision ends now."

Elijah sneered, pressing a button on his control panel.

"Oblivion Protocol is irreversible... but I can still make you watch the world burn."

The massive screen behind him flickered to life, displaying live feeds from major cities worldwide - chaos erupting everywhere.

Maya grabbed Axel's arm, her voice urgent. 

"We need to destroy the control panel - NOW!"

Elliot and Ryder moved to flank Elijah, weapons drawn.

Axel focused solely on Elijah. 

"It's over. Surrender."

Elijah laughed maniacally. 

"Never. Countdown... 

**30 seconds remaining...**

Axel charged towards Elijah - the outcome hung precariously in the balance.

**CHAPTER 22: OBLIVION PROTOCOL**

Axel tackled Elijah to the ground, wrestling for control of the device in his hand.

Elijah's eyes blazed with fury as he tried to activate the final sequence.

Maya seized the moment, smashing the control panel with her rifle butt.

Elliot and Ryder pinned Elijah down, securing his arms and legs.

The massive screen behind them flickered wildly before freezing on a single message:

The room erupted into cheers as Axel stood up, victorious but shaken.

Elijah Vaughn glared up at him, defeated.

"You may have won this battle, Axel... but my legacy will rise again."

Axel's expression turned cold.

"Not if I have anything to say about it. You're going down for crimes against humanity."

As Phoenix Initiative agents arrived to take Elijah.into custody, Axel felt a mix of relief and lingering anger.

Maya approached him, concern etched on her face.

"Axel, you okay? That was your father..."

Axel nodded slowly, processing the revelation.

"It doesn't change what he did. He lost the right to be called my father a long time ago."

Elliot clapped Axel on the back. 

"You saved the world, Axel. That takes courage beyond anything."

Ryder added, 

"And we've got intel suggesting Elijah acted alone this time. 

No signs of other conspirators or sleeper cells."

Axel exhaled deeply, feeling weight lift off his shoulders.

"It's finally over. Umbra, Patriot, Erebus, Oblivion Protocol... all defeated."

As they walked out of the control room, Axel's comms device beeped - 

Agent Kim's voice came through, filled with emotion.

"Axel... your mother would be so proud. Mission accomplished."

Axel smiled softly, eyes..welling up with tears.

"Thanks, Agent Kim. Tell the team... Phoenix Initiative did it together."

Kim's voice cracked with emotion. 

"We'll celebrate tonight. You've earned it, Axel."

As they exited the facility, Axel saw the sunrise over Tokyo - a new beginning.

Maya walked beside him, her hand brushing against his.

"Want to grab coffee with me after the debrief? We could use some quiet time."

Axel smiled, feeling a spark of normalcy return.

"Coffee sounds perfect."

Elliot and Ryder nodded in approval, grinning.

"We've got the debrief covered. Go enjoy some downtime."

As they parted ways, Axel glanced back at the facility - Elijah Vaughn being led away in handcuffs.

A sense of closure washed over him. 

*The shadows had been vanquished. Light had prevailed.