The world turned from blue to steel.
Lin's massive body slid into a colossal pressure lock — a ring of titanium plates and magnetic clamps big enough to hold a small mountain. Water drained away with a deafening roar, leaving him sprawled on a reinforced cradle. The air was sharp with salt and ozone.
Dozens of humans in white suits stood behind triple-layer glass, their faces pale and intent. Cranes whirred overhead, locking restraints onto his limbs — more like anchors than chains.
> [Warning: Energy Dampeners at 80%. Titan Abilities Severely Limited.]
Lin's dorsal plates dimmed to a dull glow. He could feel the dampeners humming in the restraints, pulling at his very cells. It was the first time he'd ever felt truly heavy.
He kept his eyes half-lidded, pretending to be sluggish, but his mind was razor-sharp.
So this is their nest. Their hive.
---
Project Aegis – Observation Deck
"Seal complete," a voice crackled over the intercom. "Specimen contained."
Dr. Keller stood at the glass, hands clasped behind his back. He'd expected rage, thrashing, something — but the Titan just stared at them, its massive eyes almost… calculating.
"He's studying us," whispered one of the junior scientists.
Keller didn't answer. He tapped a screen, bringing up a holographic overlay of Lin's energy readings. "Begin Phase Two scans. And get me the Skull Island files — cross-reference Titan energy signatures immediately."
---
Below the Deck – Lin's Perspective
His system flickered softly.
> [New Data Detected.]
[Human Archive Access: Limited.]
[Priority Tag: Skull Island.]
Images flashed across his vision — stolen glimpses from unsecured monitors. A jungle-covered island surrounded by storms. A massive silhouette in the trees: an ape-like Titan, scarred, eyes burning with primal intelligence.
Another image: a colossal footprint in volcanic rock. Another: ancient cave paintings of Godzilla, Kong, and a serpentine creature with three heads.
Lin's claws twitched against the restraints. He didn't know the names yet, but the system labeled them with human codenames:
"Titan Alpha" – Godzilla
"Titan Sigma" – Skull Island Subject (KONG)
"Titan Omega" – Unidentified Antarctic Entity (CLASSIFIED)
> [Note: These Titans predate human civilization. System recommends observation before confrontation.]
Lin's pupils narrowed. So the King isn't the only one. There are others… rivals. Maybe allies.
He felt the dampeners biting deeper into his energy. For now, he would wait. But not forever.
---
Project Aegis – Conference Room
"Sir," a young officer said, handing Keller a tablet. "Energy readings from Skull Island spiked again. Something's moving there. Big."
Keller stared at the data. "Then we'd better learn everything we can from this one." He turned back to the observation glass, meeting the Titan's glowing eyes. "Because the world's changing, and this hatchling may be the key."
---
Below – Lin
Lin stared back at Keller, unblinking. For a heartbeat, man and monster studied each other.
Then, deep inside, his system whispered:
> [New Objective: Locate and Assess Titan Sigma (KONG).]
[Progress Toward Evolution: 63%.]
Somewhere above the ocean, storms gathered over an island full of secrets.
And far below, a monster smiled — as much as a monster could.
---
To be continued…
⚡️ Next Chapter Tease:
Inside the base, Lin witnesses the humans' secret Titan experiments and begins planning. But even restrained, his presence is stirring something in Skull Island's guardian…