Chapter 11: The Energy Unleashed

“I’ll go first,” Kai declared, their eyes blazing with raw energy. “Just stay behind me.”

Without waiting for a response, Kai surged forward, unleashing a torrent of crackling energy towards the security forces blocking their exit. Bolts of pure power slammed into the guards, sending them reeling. The air crackled and the smell of ozone filled the loading bay.

The security team, caught off guard by the sheer force of Kai’s assault, returned fire, but their energy weapons and projectiles were often deflected or absorbed by the volatile energy shield that flickered around Kai. It was a chaotic display of power, raw and untamed, but undeniably effective in clearing a path.

Elias, Sarah, and Brody stayed close behind Kai, using the momentary openings to advance. Elias’s Veridian Sight allowed him to track the movements of any remaining threats, guiding them through the energy-laced chaos. Brody provided cover fire, while Sarah kept a watchful eye on their flanks. Aris, his face pale but resolute, stayed close to Elias, clutching a data drive he had managed to retrieve from the lab.

The sheer output of energy was visibly draining Kai. Their movements became less fluid, their energy shield wavered, and beads of sweat glistened on their forehead. “It’s… taking a lot out of me,” Kai gasped, but they pressed on, their determination unwavering.

They reached the main loading bay doors, still heavily guarded. Kai unleashed one final, massive energy blast, overloading the door’s locking mechanism and forcing the remaining security personnel to scatter for cover.

“Now!” Kai yelled, collapsing against the doorframe, exhausted.

Elias, Sarah, and Brody surged through the opening. They found themselves in a large exterior loading area, a few vehicles parked haphazardly.

“This way!” Aris urged, pointing towards a maintenance vehicle near the perimeter fence. “I know how to override its security.”

As they sprinted towards the vehicle, more security forces emerged from the facility, weapons raised. Kai, despite their exhaustion, managed to unleash a few more bursts of energy, creating a temporary barrier.

“Go!” Kai urged, their voice weak. “I’ll try to hold them off.”

Elias hesitated, but Brody grabbed his arm. “We can’t leave them, but we won’t help anyone if we all go down. Let’s secure a vehicle.”

Aris hotwired the maintenance vehicle, its engine sputtering to life. They piled inside, Kai collapsing in the back seat, their energy completely depleted.

As they sped away from Blackwood Creek Annex, the sounds of gunfire and energy blasts faded behind them. They had escaped, but they knew their fight was far from over. They had a new ally in Kai, a potential source of vital information in Aris, and the chilling truth about Project Chimera hanging over them.