Day 8 - Crucible Initiative Facility - 3:47 AM
WAIL—WAIL—WAIL.
The alarm tore Yoo from shallow sleep.
Not the morning chime.
Not a drill.
Emergency lockdown.
His eyes opened — gold and silver patterns catching the red emergency lights. Through the walls, he heard boots hammering against concrete. Shouting. The distinct snap–hiss of barrier arrays activating.
Someone was attacking the facility.
For me?
His door opened before he could stand.
Han. Tactical gear. Blade already drawn. Her expression gave nothing away, but her knuckles were white around the sword grip.
"Get in your combat gear, Now."
Yoo didn't ask questions. He pulled on the reinforced clothing she tossed onto his bed — dark fabric that felt heavier than it looked. Spatial-resistant weave, if the faint shimmer was any indication.
"The Syndicate?" he asked while lacing boots.
Han's jaw tightened. "Six confirmed. Gold minimum. Maybe Platinum command."
The Syndicate.
