🌑 Episode 39
Echoes of a Forgotten Past
The red warning lights faded into darkness as they rushed deeper into the hidden chamber.
Ariba couldn't look away from the screen.
Her name.
SUBJECT: ARIBA
It echoed inside her mind.
Ryan grabbed her arm gently.
"Ariba, we have to move."
But she didn't move.
"I need to know the truth."
Victor stepped forward.
"And if the truth destroys you?"
Ariba looked at him.
"Then at least I'll know who I really am."
Lena quickly returned to the terminal.
"I'll try to extract the data fast."
Her fingers flew across the keyboard.
Lines of encrypted files began unlocking.
Ryan stood guard near the door.
"We don't have much time."
Suddenly—
Another video file opened automatically.
The same lab.
But this time…
A familiar man appeared.
Ariba's breath stopped.
"…Dad?"
It was her father.
Wearing a lab coat.
Talking to other scientists.
Ryan whispered,
"He was part of this…"
Ariba shook her head.
"No… he wouldn't…"
The video played.
Her father's voice echoed clearly—
"We can't continue this experiment. She's not just a subject… she's my daughter."
Ariba's eyes filled with tears.
"He was trying to protect me…"
Victor nodded slowly.
"That means the Architect wanted to use you."
Lena suddenly froze.
"Guys… this is bad."
"What?" Ryan asked.
Lena turned the screen.
A countdown had started.
⏳ SELF-DESTRUCT INITIATED – 05:00
Ryan cursed.
"He's going to destroy everything!"
Victor grabbed Ariba's arm.
"No more time. We leave. Now."
But Ariba stood still.
"No."
Ryan shouted,
"Ariba!"
She looked back at them.
"If we leave now… we lose the truth forever."
Lena spoke quickly,
"I can copy some files… but it'll take time."
Victor looked at the countdown.
04:32… 04:31…
"We don't have time."
Ariba's voice turned firm.
"Then we make time."
For the first time—
She wasn't afraid.
Ryan looked at her… then nodded.
"Alright."
Victor sighed.
"You two are insane."
Then he loaded his weapon.
"But I guess I am too."
Lena smiled slightly and continued hacking.
The countdown kept ticking.
And far away—
The Architect watched silently.
"Let's see what you choose…"
"Truth…"
"…or survival."
To Be Continued…
💬 Comment & Earn Coins! 🪙
What should Ariba do?
A) Escape immediately
B) Stay and get the truth
C) Save only partial data
D) Find another way
👉 Comment your answer below! 💎