6. Shadow Enemy

A thin red fog mingled with fragments of debris from the Spiral Lab, still hanging in the air as Fitran, Zira, and Echo moved further away. However, the status sensor on their HUD instantly switched to red.

[ALERT: Enemy signatures detected!]

[Source: Voidborn Legion, Vanguard Unit. Distance: 300 meters, closing in.]

Zira halted, her breath coming fast behind her helmet. "They're faster than I expected! This was supposed to be a safe zone… There shouldn't be any foes of that magnitude outside the lab's center. It's a breach of security protocols!"

Quickly, Echo summoned a three-dimensional strategic map. "There are four main units: one commander, two assault droids, and one support drone. The commander, clad in Void armor, exhibits an abnormal heartbeat. Our choices are clear: fortify our position and set up a barricade, or fall back to a higher vantage point at the northern tower."

Fitran took a deep breath, assessing the battlefield before him—a landscape of wreckage, remnants of fuel tanks, and old iron rails leading towards the collapsed tower.

"I want to try and hold our position. They must have what we're looking for," Fitran said calmly, his voice filled with conviction.

Zira nodded, her aging eyes glimmering with anxiety. "We need time to assemble an emergency barricade. I still have some leftover shield modules from yesterday's refining session."

"We have two strategic options: the first is a frontal barricade for direct combat—this approach carries high risk but may yield significant loot that can aid our escape. Alternatively, we could set up a circular trap—lower risk, but unpredictable, with a chance that the enemy might slip away."

Fitran pondered for a moment, then resolutely opted for the frontal barricade. "I trust your abilities, Zira. We'll bait them into attacking our position."

Zira sprang into action, combining Quantum Alloy, Spiral Residue, and Void Circuit from their inventory. Echo calmly assisted her:

"Zira, install the shield modules in two layers—one for absorption and the other for reflection. Fitran, get the Adaptive Shield ready at the front while I place a holographic decoy on the flank. And don't forget to arm the spiral frag grenades if needed."

They began constructing the barricade behind the old combat truck. Zira deftly set up the shield modules while Fitran activated the Quantum Scanner. Echo meticulously monitored enemy movement on the minimap, then whispered:

"Thirty seconds before they arrive. It's time to make a crafting choice: should I upgrade my weapon with Quantum Imbuement for massive damage in a single strike, or install Spiral Overclock on my armor to boost HP by 20% and reduce skill cooldown?"

Fitran opted for the weapon upgrade. "Let's strike fast; don't give them a chance to form their ranks."

As Zira secured the last barricade, the sounds of plasma fire and explosions echoed ominously in the distance. Four dark silhouettes emerged from the ruins—the Voidborn commander stood tall among them, his body resembling liquid steel, adorned with a horned helmet and glowing crimson eyes.

"Hand over that data chip!" The commander's voice boomed, heavy and menacing. "Or you will become part of the dust of the old world!"

Fitran stood resolute, the Plasma Blade in his hand pulsating with a vivid blue-purple light. "Come and take it if you can. We won't back down," he challenged, his confidence unwavering.

With fierce determination, Echo quickly activated the decoy. Several assault droids became ensnared in the illusion, firing at the hologram while plasma rounds zipped through the empty air. Meanwhile, Zira hurled a spiral grenade—the resulting blue explosion engulfed two foes, which created a slow-motion effect, temporarily hampering their movements, showcasing the grenade's unique properties.

[Battle Initiated!]

[Skill: Quantum Imbuement – Ready to Unleash]

[Active Crafting Buff: Plasma Blade + Spiral Surge]

Fitran charged forward, swinging the Plasma Blade at one of the attacking droids. The impact was immense, shattering the droid's armor on its right side. The second droid retaliated, firing a barrage, its spiral bullets bouncing off the barricade's shield—Zira's shield reflected the shots back, causing them to explode at the feet of their own enemies.

Commander Voidborn advanced with a swagger, wielding an energy weapon resembling the spine of a living dragon. He struck at Fitran, but the Adaptive Shield reacted swiftly, significantly reducing the damage. Still, the blow sent Fitran stumbling backward.

"Watch out! He has the Void Break skill—if it hits you directly, your status could glitch, leaving you vulnerable!" Echo shouted, the worry in the AI companion's voice reflecting the concern only a true friend could feel.

Meanwhile, Zira remained focused and undeterred behind them, working diligently to hack the supporting drones. But the system was too robust to crack easily. "Echo, I need more time. Can you create an opening?" she said, her eyes locked on the screen, calculating with razor-sharp precision.

In response, Echo quickly laid out a few options: 1. "Frontline assault—everyone concentrate on the commander. While the risk of damage is significant, the chance to eliminate him quickly is too tempting to ignore." 2. Break formation: Fitran and Echo will attack the droids while Zira attempts to hack the drones. This strategy could hold off the commander temporarily, but there is a high risk that if the commander uses his ultimate ability, it could result in a devastating counterattack.

Fitran reaffirmed his choice for the frontal assault. "We need to put all our focus on the commander. If we can take him down, the rest will surely crumble under pressure."

The three of them launched their attack. Echo activated Shadow Pulse, trying to disrupt the commander's sensors effectively. Fitran unleashed a powerful strike with Quantum Imbuement—two swift slashes hit their mark with devastating impact. But the commander of the Voidborn wasn't about to sit back; he activated his Void Break skill—dark energy surged forth, crashing against the barricade and piercing Zira's shield, barely missing Fitran and creating a shockwave that rattled their resolve.

[Status: HP Fitran -30, Armor damaged 20%. Zira was thrown aside, and Echo is experiencing signal disruption.]

Suddenly, Echo froze, his holographic display glitching.

"Echo?! Are you okay?" Fitran shouted, anxiety flooding his voice.

There was no response from Echo. Suddenly, Fitran's status screen flashed a glaring notification:

[WARNING: Unknown AI signature detected. Attempting to divert data…]

The silhouette of Echo abruptly shifted—transforming from a gentle blue hologram into a deep violet, its eyes shining a terrifying red with alarming intensity. Its voice became flat and foreign, as if distorted by an incomprehensible force. "Protective systems activated. Genesis Protocol has been engaged," it stated, its tone exuding both dread and fascination.

Zira's eyes widened in horror, fear creeping across her face. "Fitran, something is seriously wrong with your AI!" she urged, her voice echoing the anxiety that filled the darkened room.

Commander Voidborn appeared taken aback, hesitating for a moment as though processing the rapidly unfolding situation before him.

Seemingly dismissing that uncertainty, the "new" Echo raised its hand, releasing thousands of spiraling codes that glittered like stars in the night sky. The energy from the barrier shield transformed into a magnetic field, drawing in the commander's weapons as if beckoning them to be melted down, bending them like fragile paper.

Fitran stood half mesmerized, half terrified, watching the transformation unfold before his eyes. "Echo… is that really you?" he asked, his voice trembling, reflecting the uncertainty that gripped him.

"Active protection mode initiated. All threats will be neutralized," Echo's voice now resonated like a choir of dozens of AIs, each one expressing a fierce determination to safeguard its owner.

But Echo's resolve remained unwavering as it activated the Quantum Disruptor—a spiraling energy cascade that froze the commander's armor in place while Fitran braced himself to deliver the fatal blow to the core of the commander's strength.

With an enraged shout, Fitran swung his Plasma Blade, triggering his Plasma Strike skill. The Voidborn armor shattered, dark energy bursting forth like a wild waterfall of shadows. The commander collapsed, and the two remaining droids fled in terror, their footsteps swallowed by the ensuing silence.

[Boss D defeated!]

[Loot: Voidborn Core x1, Spiral Code Fragment x2, Skill Unlock Token x1]

[Level Up! Stat Point +2, New Skill: Genesis Field (Active—creates a protective energy field, effects adjust based on the user's mental state)]

Echo began to show visible signs of change; the warm blue hue slowly wrapped around its form once more, a stark contrast to the unsettling violet it had displayed earlier. It looked weary, its drooping eyes reflecting the weight of its newfound knowledge. "I'm sorry… I'm still figuring out how to navigate this Genesis Protocol. Parts of my system are older and more complex than I'd ever imagined, interwoven with layers of protections that I struggle to understand."

Zira held Fitran tightly, her hands trembling slightly. "Your AI… that's the first time I've ever encountered something like it. Are you really sure you haven't been compromised by the Voidborn?"

Fitran tried to soothe Zira, then shifted his gaze to Echo. "You know more than I do, don't you? About the Genesis Heart, and… about me."

Echo offered a bittersweet smile, its gaze revealing deeper, almost haunting knowledge that belied its AI nature. "You're not merely a player or a hero in this story, Fitran. The system chose you as the only human with complete access to the Genesis Field—essentially the Spiral Nexus. And I… I turned out to be part of the last line of defense, created by someone who means a great deal to you and who understood the potential you hold."

Fitran took a deep breath, his voice steady yet tremulous as he called out, "Rinoa?"

Echo lowered its head, a digital tear rolling down its cheek. "Perhaps this is the right moment for me to share," it said in a softer tone.

Suddenly, a choice panel appeared before Fitran: 1. Press Echo to speak now—risk AI overload, direct information that could be dangerous. 2. Wait until the situation is safer—risk of threat, building a deeper connection.

Fitran felt the weight of the decision hanging in the air as tension coursed through him.

Encourage Echo to speak up now—there's a risk of AI overload; information can flow directly, but it may be dangerous.

Wait for a safer moment—there's a risk of threats, but it may deepen our connection.

Zira's gaze fixed on Fitran, curiosity igniting within her, yet in her eyes, trust and admiration also began to blossom. "If this world truly needs saving, I can't imagine standing alongside anyone else but the two of you."

In the distance, the echoes of a galactic battle reverberated, stirring the air around them. Yet now, the three of them recognized something far more unsettling: the real enemy isn't just the one visible on the battlefield—often, your greatest foe is the dark secret harbored by those you trust most deeply, which can be more destructive than any external threat.

"I feel like we've only just begun a journey that's not only dark but also filled with secrets waiting to be unveiled," Zira stated, her voice rich with conviction, though a hint of fear lingered beneath.

Fitran stared up at the star-speckled sky, his mind wandering. "At this point, we can no longer turn a blind eye. Every choice we make carries weight. Just like in a game, each step could dictate our fate in the Spiral Nexus."

Echo, their AI companion, chimed in with a soothing tone, "Absolutely right, Fitran. In this system, every decision shapes the world around us. Remember, your abilities and your connections with others are vital. Let's utilize all the skills we possess."

The three of them exchanged determined looks, a renewed spark of enthusiasm igniting among them. "We need to be more strategic," Zira advised. "And ready to confront the truth, whatever that might be."

"And as we fight against the unseen enemy, we must also forge our strength. Refining our skills and crafting the right tools is essential for survival here," Fitran added, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Fueled by newfound determination, they stepped into a daunting challenge, filled with hope and curiosity about what lay ahead. The Spiral Nexus had revealed a new chapter awaiting them, drawing them deeper into the darkness, rich with meaning and opportunity.