The vault chambers were a maze of ruined brick and modern corporate technology.
Vikram passed through a research laboratory. The computer screens were flickering with data, displaying the genetic markers of the Rathod bloodline. The Vow had been analyzing his family for years, preparing for this exact day.
"They planned everything," Vikram muttered, his boots stepping over shattered glass.
"They did," Rhea's voice was fading fast. "Amar... Amar knew they would. That's why he hid the cipher in your boxing wraps. He knew you would train, that you would become strong enough to handle the feedback."
Suddenly, a massive surge of dark-photon energy pulsed through the cables on the floor.
Vikram was thrown against the wall as a wave of cold force swept through the room. The air shimmered, and the spatial refractive index warped, making the walls look as if they were melting into the darkness.
"Rhea? Rhea, do you copy?" Vikram static-called.
No response. The electromagnetic field had become too strong. He was on his own.
He stood up, shaking the frost from his arms, and pushed open the heavy metal doors at the end of the corridor.