The descent into the core chamber was like falling through a kaleidoscope of reality. Fragments of data drifted like floating leaves, each reflecting a different moment, a different truth.
Patchling's voice trembled. "The core is near. But the system is throwing everything it has at us. These fractures—they represent divergent timelines, endless possibilities repeating."
Kazen's fingers flew over his interface. "If we can align with the correct timeline, isolate the Null Root user's signature, we can expose the source."
Rael's jaw tightened. "Then we find that signature. No matter how many false paths we have to wade through."
Suddenly, the ground cracked open beneath them, swallowing them in a swirling vortex of light and fragmented sound. They tumbled through a chaotic storm of timelines and memories, every face and moment bleeding into the next.
When the chaos stilled, they found themselves in a massive chamber. At its center floated a sphere of pure data—alive and pulsating with power. It shifted constantly, colors and code intertwining.
Rael stepped forward, eyes locked on the sphere. "This is it. The heart of the memory engine."
Patchling's glow flared. "The system's last defense. Be ready."
As they prepared to engage, the sphere rippled—and from within, a shadowed figure appeared, cloaked in shifting code.
"Welcome," the voice echoed, calm but cold. "You've come far. But your true test begins now."