Crowned by Code - Chapter 2: A Prisoner's Past ~ (1/8) The Weight of the Past

The hum of artificial lights filled the sterile chamber, accompanied by the faint, rhythmic pulse of automated surveillance systems embedded within the walls. The reinforced door behind him sealed with a low hiss, its electromagnetic locks engaging automatically—no keyholes, no manual overrides, only Athena’s ever-watchful eye deciding when it would open again.

For over a decade, his world had been confined to the cold, unyielding walls of Veloris Correctional Complex—Erevania’s most advanced high-security prison. It was a facility where human oversight was a formality, and true control belonged to the AI-driven Warden System. Every corridor was patrolled by silent surveillance drones, every cell reinforced with adaptive containment shielding, and every movement of its inmates meticulously tracked by predictive monitoring algorithms.

Even in confinement, he had never been alone. Athena was always watching. The AI-controlled security calculated risks, regulated inmate behavior, and ensured that even thoughts of escape were an exercise in futility. No prisoner had ever broken out of Veloris Correctional Complex.

And now, without warning, that world had shifted.

The guards had dragged him from his cell without explanation, their usual indifference replaced with nervous glances.

As he was escorted through the administrative wing, a holographic news feed projected onto the sterile white walls of the corridor. The authoritative voice of an Erevanian News Network anchor filled the air.

"Viktor Sarren, CEO of Sarren Industries, reassured investors today, dismissing claims of economic instability. 'Erevania’s growth is built on strong foundations,' he stated. 'Despite Athena’s latest decision, our industries remain the backbone of this nation. Leadership changes, but stability must be preserved.'"

Darius smirked. "Of course. Gotta keep the shareholders calm, right, Viktor?" He muttered under his breath.

The guards’ faces remained impassive, but their movements were sharper, more rigid than usual. Darius caught the quick exchange of glances, the subtle tightening of their grips on their weapons. They weren’t just escorting a prisoner today—they were delivering something they didn’t understand.

Even they knew what this meant.

Viktor wasn’t just some wealthy corporate executive—he was a power broker, a kingmaker. And if Athena’s decision threatened his control, he wouldn’t sit idle.

And now, he was here.

The screen flickered, and Athena’s ethereal figure emerged. "Darius, before you can lead Erevania, the nation must understand the man you were and the man you aim to become."

He exhaled sharply, rubbing the tension from his wrists where the restraints had been just moments ago. “The past isn’t exactly a selling point, Athena. They’ll see a thief, a hacker, a liar. Nothing more.”

Athena’s glow pulsed slightly. "Then show them more."

Darius frowned, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. Redemption. She made it sound so damn simple.

“You cannot lead a nation from behind a mask. Transparency will be your first act of redemption.”

Darius leaned back, his eyes tracing the cracks in the ceiling. “Fine. But let’s get one thing straight—this isn’t some redemption arc. I don’t do hero stories.”