Crowned by Code - Chapter 4: The Countdown ~ (10/11) The Heart of the Conflict

The convoy pressed forward, navigating through Erevania’s congested aerial lanes. Despite the looming crisis, life in the city still moved, its people oblivious to the unseen war playing out in cyberspace and behind closed doors.

Darius watched as civilians hurried into stores, securing supplies, their anxious glances revealing the underlying fear that had already begun to take hold. They might not know the full scale of the threat, but they could feel it simmering beneath the surface.

Elior muttered under his breath, eyes scanning every movement around them. "We’re moving into a battlefield, but half the people don’t even know they’re in danger yet."

Darius nodded. "They’ll know soon enough."

The journey to the government facility was tense, every second marked by the weight of the ticking clock.

Darius and Elior, accompanied by a small squad of mobile soldiers and drones, soared above Erevania’s neon-lit skyline in their armored hover transport. Below them, the city pulsed with restless energy—streets packed with anxious civilians, vehicles weaving between towering structures, and rogue broadcasts flickering across hijacked billboards.

Their craft skimmed just above the designated aerial traffic lanes, its repulsor engines humming as it cut through the crowded airspace. Other hovercraft zipped past them, some carrying desperate civilians trying to flee key districts, others belonging to law enforcement patrols working to contain growing unrest.

In the distance, the glow of Haven Point’s fortified perimeter came into view, its automated defense drones hovering like sentinels, scanning for unauthorized activity.

“Stay sharp, everyone,” Elior barked, his voice cutting through the comms. “We’re not here for sightseeing.”

A soldier in the convoy chimed in, her tone laced with nervous energy. “Sir, do you really think the automated defenses will hold us off that long? I’ve heard the government facilities have some serious tech.”

Elior’s tone softened but remained firm. “That’s why we’re here. We outthink and outmaneuver the tech. Stick to the plan, and we’ll make it through.”

Darius glanced at Elior, appreciating the veteran’s ability to inspire calm amidst chaos. “Athena, any changes in the schematics or security protocols we should know about?”

Athena’s voice chimed in with precision. “No updates. Proceed as planned. However, there is an elevated probability of external interference based on recent activity in Viktor’s networks.”

Another soldier muttered under his breath, “External interference? That’s comforting.”

Darius caught the comment and responded quickly, his voice firm. “This isn’t just another mission. This is for the future of Erevania. Trust in your skills, and trust each other.”

The soldier straightened in his seat. “Yes, sir.”

The looming structure of the government facility finally came into view, its steel and glass façade standing resilient against the night sky.

Elior pointed to a side entrance, partially hidden by construction materials. "That’s our way in. Stay quiet and follow my lead."

Darius took a breath, steadying himself. This is it. No turning back now.

Darius addressed the team before they moved. “Remember, this isn’t just about shutting down a system. It’s about protecting everyone out there. Let’s do this.”

With that, the team moved into position.

Elior, carrying a compact tactical kit, broke the silence. “Athena’s been feeding me schematics of the facility. If Viktor’s sleeper cells have embedded themselves there, it’s likely within the server hub. That’s the linchpin.”

Darius nodded, his thoughts racing. “We neutralize it, we cut the head off this operation. But if the facility’s compromised, what kind of resistance are we walking into?”

Elior’s expression hardened. “Worst-case scenario? Saboteurs equipped with counter-surveillance tech and enough firepower to stall us. Best case? They rely solely on automated defenses.”

“We plan for the worst,” Darius said, gripping the comm unit at his ear. “Athena, status update.”

Athena’s voice, steady and precise, responded instantly. “No significant human activity detected in your immediate vicinity. Automated systems are active. Threat assessment: moderate. Recommending stealth until the node’s location is confirmed.”

Darius glanced at Elior. “Stealth it is.”

As they approached the facility, its imposing structure loomed large. Layers of reinforced steel and glowing security checkpoints stood between them and their target. Elior signaled for Darius to halt and gestured toward an access hatch partially obscured by debris.

“There it is,” Elior whispered. “Minimal security. We move quietly and stay out of sight.”

The team slipped inside, their footsteps muffled against the metallic floor. Athena guided them through the labyrinth of corridors, her instructions delivered with mechanical precision. The deeper they went, the stronger the hum of servers grew, a pulsing reminder of their mission.