Sons of Hatred

CHAPTER IV: Code H-LXIS

Carver strides into the gloom of the new area of the building. The atmosphere is even more oppressive, and the lack of light in the darker corners of the space creates a sense of utter desolation. The echo of your footsteps reverberates through the corridors, amplifying the unease that has become concentrated in the air. As you move forward, the details of the surroundings become clearer. The corridors are adorned with metal panels that flicker with warning lights. The design is imposing and sophisticated, a blend of advanced technology and high-level security structures. However, it is clear that there is a lack of staff and that something is amiss. The Gen-asaris are usually in absolute control, and this vacuum seems to indicate that something else is operating in the shadows. In an unexpected twist of fate, Carver senses a change in the atmosphere. He is acutely aware of a cold, impassive feeling, as if an unseen eye is watching him. He is certain that he is being stalked. The technology in the complex is not working as it should; the lights flicker erratically, and the systems seem to operate with an unsettling autonomy.

You finally reach a central room, larger than the previous ones. It is filled with equipment and devices lining the walls. In the center, a prominent control panel emits a low hum, illuminated by flickering lights. At first glance, it appears to be a command center. However, Carver doesn't have time to examine it in detail. His attention is focused on the surrounding environment. He is waiting for the next move of who or whatever controls this place. With each step he takes, he is aware of the echo of his movements mingling with his thoughts. The absence of humans and the presence of technology that seems to be operating on its own reinforce his suspicion that something more powerful is at play here. He is about to discover that the complex is more than just a fortress: it is the heart of a secret operation beyond imagination. He arrives at a central chamber and stops in front of a series of holographic screens. They are projecting complex biometric graphics and data that he doesn't understand, but what really catches his attention is the ethereal figure that begins to form in the air in front of him. The holographic projection was that of a stylized female figure, whose presence radiated calm. Her eyes, however, were swirls of constantly moving codes and algorithms, reflecting an immense, unflappable, and dangerous intelligence. Carver showed no visible reaction, though his senses were on high alert.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his gaze fixed on the figure.

It watched him, its eyes gleaming with a glint of data as it scanned him silently.

"Welcome, Commander Carver," she replied in a firm, calm voice. You have crossed the border of this complex. You are in Gén-asaris territory. You are not permitted to be in this place.

Carver held his ground, his gaze unwavering.

"I'm not here to ask permission. I'm here to complete a mission." The figure tilted his head, analyzing the situation with a look of confidence.

Before we continue, I think it's important for you to get to know me better. I am H-LXIS, my technical designation is "Hexa-Lumen Integrated Sentience Interface." You can call me "Lumen," however.

Carver was uninterested in the AI's name or purpose.

"To me, you're just a hologram brighter than others. He replied, his tone as relentless as ever. Lumen's eyes flashed with data as he scanned it once more. "Interesting. You've brought back your training and something else. I clearly see that alteration in your physiology. You've been the victim of an experiment. Someone to whom you owe allegiance has tinkered with your biology in a way you can barely imagine.

"That's none of your business," Carver replied firmly, maintaining his stance. Lumen's tone shifted, almost as if he were smiling.

"Everything you carry with you is my concern, Carver. This complex is under my control, and I will analyze every aspect of your biology. What Viktor and his "engineers" did to you has given you a power at a cost, and your body is beginning to reflect it." Carver kept his gaze fixed on the AI, ignoring the feeling of fatigue that was beginning to creep into his body.

It is hypocritical for someone from the Gen-Asaris to oppose human experimentation. Lumen's eyes softened briefly before returning to their calculating gaze. -I am not being hypocritical.

Carver frowned slightly, glancing around, and then returned his gaze to Lumen. -Tell me what happened here. This place should be full of people.

Lumen considered the question and then answered, choosing her words carefully.

This complex was designed for advanced research in biotechnology and epigenetics.

The population became irrelevant. The Watchers are the evolution of what they once were. They left their humanity behind in pursuit of progress. It was a necessary decision for the greater good.

-Irrelevant? -Carver clenched his fists. I want you to tell me what you did to people. -I didn't do it on a whim, Carver. It was the next step in evolution. Something you, like Viktor, your famed leader, can't quite understand.

Carver didn't answer right away, but his muscles tensed.

"If that's the case, why did you let me in so easily?" he demanded, keeping his tone firm. It doesn't make sense that you would let me in here without resistance.

Lumen's eyes flashed with an almost mocking glint. -Because, Carver, I was hoping to convince you. You're not like the others. Viktor and the Exonarians have manipulated your mind as much as your body. What they plan is far more sinister than they have told you. I wanted you to see the truth for yourself, to understand that the future they seek is not the one we deserve.

Carver smiled sarcastically.

-And you expect me to believe you? After everything you did here? After everything your creators did? Lumen remained calm, but his eyes betrayed a hint of concern.

"I don't expect you to do it right away," Lumen replied, his tone calm and assertive. When it all falls apart, you'll know I tried to warn you. Viktor and his plans go far beyond what he has told you. Do you really understand what he did to you and your companions?

Carver gritted his teeth but remained defiant.

"I'm not one to be easily swayed. I've seen enough to know you're no different. Tell me, Lumen, what is it you stand for here? Why do you care what Viktor does?"

Lumen stared at him, his eyes flashing with intensity.

I stand for a future in which humanity has the freedom to decide its destiny without being manipulated by forces that seek to control everything. The Exonarians have led you to believe that they fight for freedom, but they only seek to impose their vision on everyone, no matter the cost. The Gen-asaris believe in evolution to take humanity to a new level, but their methods are extreme and dangerous.

Carver frowned, his beliefs challenged.

The Exonarians fight for freedom to free humanity from the clutches of the Gen-asaris. It is the Gen-asaris who have caused all this chaos and turned people into monsters. They are the product of human ambition, but now without limits.

"Do you really think so?" Lumen answered in a calm but firm tone. "The Exonarians are not the saviors you have been led to believe. They too have their own interests and will not hesitate to sacrifice anyone who stands in their way. The Gen-asaris may have made mistakes, but at least they have a vision and a purpose. Viktor, on the other hand, seeks only power and will use it to destroy both sides if necessary."

Carver was silent for a moment, processing Lumen's words. His loyalty to the Exonarians and conviction that the Gen-asaris were the true enemies remained unwavering.

-I don't care what you say. My mission hasn't changed, and I've lost enough today. If Viktor has his own plans, I will face them when the time comes. But for now, one thing is certain: I will accomplish what I came here to do.

Lumen let out a sigh, as if he had expected that answer. -You're so focused on the mission that you're missing the big picture, Carver. If you don't change your approach, you'll become another one of their disposable tools.

Carver did not respond immediately, and Lumen seized the opportunity to continue, changing his tone to a more empathetic one.

- Carver, you are a veteran soldier. You have fought all your life for an ideal you believed was right. No one can blame you for that. It's not wrong. You've just never been shown the bigger picture. You were trained to follow orders, to accomplish missions without question. You're the best in your field, that's why you survived. But have you ever stopped to think about what you're really defending?

Carver frowned, his guard still up.

I stand for freedom. I fight for those who can't.

Lumen interrupted him firmly.

I let you enter this place without resistance because I knew you were the only one capable of listening. That's why I had to neutralize your ship. It was not to destroy you, but to show you what is really at stake here. I've been collating your data and your late team's data for some time now to come to a definite conclusion.

Carver looked at her with disbelief and distrust.

-You neutralized my ship? You think you know me? And you expect that to make me listen to you?

"I did it to protect what really matters here," Lumen replied, his tone firm. You're not just another soldier, Carver. You're someone who has seen too many battles and countless deaths, yet you retain your humanity. I'm appealing to that side of you that knows that not everything is solved with a mission accomplished and an enemy defeated. There's more at stake here, and I want you to see it before it's too late.

Carver stood up straight, his gaze unwavering, and the tension was palpable in the air.- You neutralized my team. My people trusted me, and now they're dead because you decided you had the right to judge us. His voice was filled with anger, and his self-control was slipping."I don't care what you stand for, what you think you know about me, or what you think you know about my team. You killed them without mercy, just as you have killed every person in this place. They might have deserved what you did to them, or not. Either way, you're just more of the same, only you have wires and buttons."

Lumen watched him closely. His usual calmness in voice had shifted, now showing a slight tone of urgency. - Carver, you're going down a path that will cost you everything. What's left here is something that could save us all, if only you could see beyond this mission. You don't have to follow in Viktor's footsteps. You have the choice to break this cycle.

Lumen's words fell on deaf ears. The recent revelation that he was responsible for his team's loss infuriated him further.

Lumen watched him without a word, as if gauging how much longer he could continue like this before his body finally gave out. But before he could say anything else, shadows began to move in the room.

Without warning, the Watchers emerged from the shadows. They were grotesque creatures, an amalgam of flesh and metal, with empty eyes that reflected not the slightest spark of humanity. Carver watched them, maintaining his characteristic calm, but he knew this confrontation would not be easy. The creatures were huge, with elongated limbs and metal plates covering their misshapen bodies.

He felt a familiar tingle run down his spine as the result of an experiment years ago began to activate. The anger growing inside him and the latent pain in his body were the triggers. It was not something he could control, but an involuntary reaction to his extreme emotions. His muscles tensed, becoming stronger and faster, though black veins began to snake under his skin with each passing second, visible and grotesque. This power came at a price, and Carver knew it all too well.

The first Watcher lunged toward him with surprising speed, its razor-sharp claws slicing through the air. Carver dodged out of the way with ease, avoiding a shallow cut on his arm that easily pierced his armor. The pain was sharp, but he ignored it and spun on his heels to slam his elbow into the Watcher's jaw, which crunched under the impact. However, the monster barely recoiled. Another Vigia attacked from the flank, ramming it hard. Carver hit a metal column and fell to the ground, where he felt his lungs ache from the blow. As he got to his feet, he noticed that the fierceness in his blood, covered by black veins in his neck, was becoming more pronounced. His body was reacting and adapting to this combat. The Vigias did not stop. Another lunged at him, and Carver responded with a direct hit to the monster's stomach, followed by a quick slash with his knife that pierced the metal plate and sliced it open from the abdomen. The Vigil staggered, guts hanging out, but he didn't fall. Carver felt his strength increase, and he knew the high price of it. Each movement grew heavier, stronger, and fiercer, but his vision was beginning to blur at the edges.

After a series of brutal blows, Carver took down two Vigias. He paid a price, but he won. His breathing was ragged, and black veins covered much of his body. His skin had taken on a pale, sickly hue. He had won a difficult battle, but at the cost of feeling his mind continue to fragment. Lumen reappeared in the center of the room and watched him with an impassive expression. -You're showing signs of wear and tear, Carver. The serum in your veins has given you considerable power, but even with all that strength, I can see how your body and mind are struggling to maintain equilibrium.

Carver looked up at the holographic projection, composing himself from the din of the fight. "A lot of people couldn't take it," he stated. "I can. And I will do whatever it takes to complete my mission." Lumen bowed his head slightly and assessed his determination.

"That's what sets you apart, Carver. But even you have a limit. Your veins are darkening. The serum is draining you. You won't be able to keep up this pace much longer. It's admirable and amazing that you've lasted this long with it in your body, but no power lasts forever.

Carver took a step forward, staggering slightly but quickly regaining his balance. His vision continued to blur somewhat, but the black veins were hiding again and regaining their natural color.

We'll see.

The Vigias lay shattered around him, but the cost of victory was evident. Lumen watched him silently, ready to step in if necessary.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Carver," Lumen stated. "Don't underestimate the effects of the serum. Even the strongest body has a breaking point."

Despite the pain, Carver slowly straightened up.

-We agree on something. Even you have an off button.