The vibrations from the explosion still lingered beneath their feet.
Faint.
But strong enough to remind them that what had just been destroyed was no small thing.
A fine layer of dust fell from the tunnel ceiling.
The lights flickered for a moment.
Then stabilized again.
Daniel leaned against the wall.
His breath was heavy.
"We actually did it…"
Leonard Graves brushed off his shoulder.
"Don't count your victories too soon."
His tone remained casual.
But his eyes were sharp.
Watching.
Richard Blackwood stood a few steps away from the metal door that was now tightly shut.
His gaze did not shift.
As if he could still see what lay beyond it.
"Or we just triggered something bigger," he said softly.
Ethan did not reply.
He stood a little apart.
His eyes were closed.
Not from exhaustion.
But because he was listening.
Not to sounds.
But to a pulse.
The remnant of something not entirely destroyed.
He slowly opened his eyes.
"It's still there."
