zling red energy into the ground mere feet from where the group had been standing.

the drones could hear it. Beside her, Luis skidded into cover, his glass

his movements efficient and precise. Jonah was nowhere to be seen. The three humanoid dron

that just me?" Luis whispered, clutc

nd racing for a plan. "We need to disable

me just pull my anti-robo

id earlier you might be able to jam their signal

heoretically, yes. But that's if I can access their transm

m to focus. "Then let's get you t

idea," he muttered, but h

aunched a small EMP grenade toward the nearest drone. It detonated with a sharp crack, sending a wave of blue energy r

ut, ducking as a secon

d as he rolled to another position. "These u

tion. It fired, and he barely had time to leap behind anothe

crept along the edge of the clearing, stayin

ng the area with mechanical precision. "That one's guarding the structure. If we

t her mind. "Do I look like someo

yes," she

chete raised high. "Surprise, tin cans!" he bellowed, slicing at the second drone's leg. Spa

ra called ou

shoulder, dodging the drone's retaliat

bbing his arm and pulling h

louder, vibrating in Amira's chest like a second heartbeat. The third drone noti

d, stumbling as Amira ya

," she said, pantin

s shaking as he typed furiously. "This is insane.

king a glance over the boulder. The drone

seconds," L

ng, she stepped out from behind the boulder and hurled it at the drone. It clattered uselessly aga

triumphant sh

gnal jammer took effect. He adjusted his glasses, grinnin

r side, his shirt slightly singed but otherwise unscathed. "

avily. "Define 'neutralized.' Because

ed curtly. "We need to mov

lowed by the sound of grinding metal. Amira turned to see a hatch

all," Luis muttered. "Do we

ntrance. "The signal's origin is below grou

eath but grinning nonetheless. "Well, that

stepping into the ha

ide was cool and damp, carrying the faint scent of machinery and oil. The walls we

r vibes?" Jonah whispered, his voice

x said, his tone leavi

with every step. Amira's pulse quickened, a mix of fear and determination driving h

In the center stood a massive console, its surface covered in glowing red symbols. But

ce them, its visor reflecting the red glow of the chamb

you to t

a drone or a faceless enemy. This was someone-or som