"I won't get lost," Alvian replied, sitting cross-legged in the exact center of the room. He didn't look at her, his focus already turning inward, but he projected his voice to ensure she heard the absolute certainty in it. "I am the Administrator. I am just going down to the basement to check the breaker box."
"Just don't electrocute yourself," Valeria sighed, pushing off the doorframe. "I'll guard the door. Take all the time you need. But Alvian?"
He paused, glancing over his shoulder.
"Come back," she said simply.
Alvian offered a single, firm nod. He closed his eyes, his breathing slowing to an imperceptible rhythm. "System," he commanded internally. "Initiate deep-dive. Target: Foundational Code of the Earth Reality Engine. Bypass all user interfaces."
[Warning: Entering Developer Backend.]
[Sensory translation required to prevent cognitive collapse. Rendering environment...]
