Chapter 40: Extraction!
Daniel stumbled back from the Central Hub console, his good right hand still tingling from initiating the "System Purge Protocol."
The red emergency lights bathing the Spire's apex chamber flickered and died, replaced by the calm, steady white glow of the energy lines.
[System Purge Protocol Initiated: Labyrinth Restructuring Commenced.]
[Primary Objectives for Phase Two Achieved.]
[Calculating Final Assessment Metrics for Sector Gamma & Spire Incursion...]
[Extraction Portal Generating...]
"Extraction, huh? Sounds delightful," Daniel muttered.
He glanced at his Nexus Interface. His health was regenerating slowly.
A section of the far wall glittered, then dissolved into a swirling vortex of golden light, identical to the teleportation portals on Platform Alpha.
This was his ride out. He gave one last look at the silent, deactivated hulk of the Omega Hub Guardian.
Assimilating that monster had been a jackpot, gifting him [Kinetic Overdrive] and the A-grade [Omega Barrier].