Chapter 216: Whispers in the Archives
A chime sounded, and the elevator doors slid open. But there was no attendant inside.
"PLEASE ENTER," a voice spoke from everywhere and nowhere. It was female, synthetic, and utterly devoid of inflection.
We stepped inside. There were no buttons. The elevator simply rose, accelerating with a smoothness that betrayed advanced gravity magic.
"That voice," I said, looking at the ceiling. "That's Vena, isn't it?"
"CORRECT, STUDENT WILSON," the voice replied instantly.
"I AM VENA. VIRTUAL ENFORCEMENT AND NAVIGATION ASSISTANT. I MANAGE THE ISLAND'S ENVIRONMENTAL AND DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS."
Leon jumped. "It talks back?"
"It's a sentient construct," Eric explained, sounding knowledgeable.
"The William family archives mention it. A logic-core created by the Gnomes before their fall. It runs the grid."
The elevator opened onto the top floor.
We weren't led into an office. We were led into a Control Room.
