T'vak moved to a console, its fingers gliding over the controls with precision. The holographic map shifted, zooming in on a seemingly innocuous maintenance shaft.
"This leads directly to the lower levels of the Citadel," T'vak explained. "From there, we can access the central lift to the Emperor's chamber."
Markus Volkov frowned, skepticism clear in his expression. "Sounds too easy."
T'vak's laughter was hollow, devoid of humor. "Oh, it's not easy. The shaft is guarded by autonomous security drones. The lift is surrounded by the Emperor's elite guards. And even if we make it past all that—the Emperor himself is unlike anything you've faced before."
Ethan Reyes crossed his arms, his usual confidence dimmed. "We've faced worse odds."
T'vak's glowing eyes regarded him with something that resembled pity. "No," it said softly. "You haven't."
The team spent the next few hours preparing for the assault. T'vak provided detailed schematics of the Citadel, insights on patrol rotations, and security codes that might still work. In return, Emma Forrest shared her knowledge of WoodDust—its properties, its potential, and the delicate balance it maintained in the fabric of life itself.
As the others finalized preparations, T'vak approached Emma privately, its voice a low murmur meant only for her.
"I sense it in you," it said, its eyes locked onto hers. "The WoodDust. It's part of you, isn't it?"
Emma hesitated, then gave a slight nod. "Yes."
"Then you are the only one who can face him," T'vak said, voice grave. "The others… they will not survive his presence."
Emma's expression hardened. "I won't sacrifice my team."
"You may not have a choice," T'vak replied. "The Emperor's power is beyond comprehension. He has transcended the limitations of physical form. To face him is to face a god."
"I don't believe in gods," Emma said evenly. "Only in life, and its right to exist."
T'vak studied her for a long moment, then nodded. "Then perhaps you are what we need. A force of nature to challenge a force of will."
As they prepared to leave the safety of the resistance hideout, each member of the team understood the reality of what lay ahead. They were about to confront not just an emperor, but an entire world forged in his image.
The odds were impossible. The danger immeasurable.
Yet they moved forward, driven by the knowledge that they were Earth's last hope—perhaps the last hope for life itself in a universe the K'tharr sought to remake in their cold, perfect vision.
Meanwhile, deep within the Nexus Citadel, Emperor Magzorha waited. His consciousness extended through every fiber of Khatia, sensing the disturbance within his domain.
They were coming.
He had always known.
And he was ready.