Chapter 8: Shattered Cells, United Paths

The explosions that rocked Blackwood Creek Annex originated from the research wing, sublevel three. Another individual, codenamed “Subject Zero,” whose augmentations involved volatile energy manipulation, had managed a violent breakout, triggering alarms and causing significant structural damage. The facility was thrown into lockdown, guards scrambling to contain both Elias’s escape and Subject Zero’s rampage.

Elias, now running full tilt through the corridors, encountered his first real resistance. Two heavily armed guards rounded a corner, their weapons raised. Elias, still weakened but fueled by adrenaline, reacted instantly. His Optimized Metabolic Efficiency allowed for bursts of incredible speed and agility. He dodged their initial volley of fire, using the narrow corridor to his advantage. A swift kick to one guard’s knee brought him down, while a sharp elbow strike to the other’s temple incapacitated him. He didn’t have time for more.

He continued his desperate search for an exit, following the emergency evacuation signs. He knew his black and white suit, his identity as Veridian Sight, would be his greatest asset, granting him access to his Transient Pharmacological Sensory Substitution (Spatial Cognition). He needed to find it.

Meanwhile, Sarah and Brody had successfully infiltrated the facility through the chaos at the loading docks. They moved cautiously through the dimly lit corridors, following the sounds of alarms and distant gunfire. Brody, using his tactical training, led the way, his weapon drawn.

“Subject Zero… energy manipulation?” Brody muttered, having overheard panicked radio chatter from the facility’s security. “This just got a whole lot more complicated.”

They navigated through a series of locked doors, Brody using his lock-picking skills. They encountered a few dazed and injured personnel, but no direct confrontation. Their priority was finding Elias.

Elias, after several near misses with security patrols, finally located what looked like a storage or containment area. Inside, hanging on a reinforced rack, was his suit. Relief washed over him. He quickly donned the familiar fabric, the feel of it grounding him. He reached for the collar, his fingers finding the familiar stitching and the small button sewn into his sleeve.

Taking a controlled breath, he pressed the button. A faint warmth spread through his collar as the integrated vaporizer released the concentrated marijuana. The world around him shimmered, his Transient Pharmacological Sensory Substitution (Spatial Cognition) activating. The cold, metallic walls now pulsed with energy signatures, the heat of approaching guards a stark contrast against the ambient cold.

Using his enhanced vision, he could now navigate the labyrinthine corridors with greater ease, anticipating threats before they appeared. He moved swiftly, a black and white blur guided by the flow of energy.

It wasn’t long before his path intersected with Sarah and Brody. They rounded a corner and froze, seeing the familiar figure of Veridian Sight emerge from the shadows.

“Elias!” Sarah exclaimed, relief flooding her voice.

“Sarah? Brody?” Elias, his voice still rough, nodded. “We need to get out of here. There’s another… enhanced individual causing trouble.”