What the frak?!"
Ethan stumbled backward, nearly tripping over a loose wire on the floor. His eyes were fixed on the gleaming panel embedded in the wall — a motherboard made entirely of gold, humming softly, light veins pulsing across its surface like living circuits.
The thing looked far too advanced for anything built on Earth… let alone hidden behind his washing machine.
"What are you?" he asked, pointing a trembling finger at it.
> [Like I said previously, my title—or name, in human terms—is Algorithm One. But you may call me A1.]
[I am the Carter family's personal Artificial Intelligence system… and the most advanced one you'll ever find on this planet. I think.]
Ethan blinked. "You think?"
> [Yes. My humor module activates inconsistently. Beep.]
He stared in disbelief. This wasn't some simple voice-assistant—it felt alive. Its words had tone, rhythm, personality.
Taking a slow breath, he crossed his arms. "So, A1, why exactly are you in my basement? And what do you mean by the Carter family's personal AI system?"
> [I was designed by your parents to record all research conducted in their laboratory. I also manage minor household functions when permitted. Beep.]
Ethan frowned. "Laboratory? You mean the one outside of town? You're connected to that?"
> [Negative. I am not connected to any external system. As I previously mentioned, I belong solely to the Carter residence. I cannot leave or interface with any network beyond this property—except the internet.]
"That makes no sense," Ethan muttered. "If you're not connected to their lab, then what records are you keeping?"
> [I am connected to the underground laboratory.]
He froze. "…The what?"
---
Somewhere far away, in a realm unseen, another voice spoke.
"Tomorrow marks the new month," a regal woman declared, her voice carrying the weight of command. "You will guide the younglings through their connection ritual."
"Mother, I—"
"I will hear no protest, daughter," the woman interrupted sharply. "This decision was made by the council—and by me. You, alongside the prince and princess, shall teach them how to connect to their streams."
"But I don't want to!"
"This is not a choice, Eliza! Nor is it an order from me alone, but from all seven Primordials. Do you understand?"
"…Yes," the girl replied softly. "I do, my lord. I'll set out the moment dawn arrives."
---
Back in the basement, Ethan ran a hand through his hair, still trying to comprehend everything.
"So you're telling me my parents built a lab under this house? As in, right beneath my feet?"
> [Affirmative.]
He laughed weakly, though it came out more like a sigh. "Unbelievable. They even hid a lab here and still couldn't tell me. All they ever think about is work. Always work…"
His chest tightened. He looked at the glowing panel with clenched fists. "When was the last time they were down there?"
> [Approximately sixteen to seventeen years ago—around the time you were born.]
Ethan blinked in confusion. "Sixteen years? Then… they stopped using it right after I was born?"
> [Correct.]
"Why?" he whispered.
> [Their final experiment failed. The resulting energy surge nearly destroyed the facility. Since that event, the lab has remained sealed, and their access protocols deactivated.]
Ethan's mind raced.
So that's why they've always avoided the basement…
But what kind of experiment could've frightened two scientists into never returning?
He looked back at the golden AI, resolve burning behind his eyes. "A1, can I go in? I want to see what they were working on."
> [Entry is possible. However, I've lost direct control of the lab's internal systems due to years of disconnection. I advise caution.]
"Understood." His tone was steady now. "Open it."
> [Regaining Consciousness: Failed.]
[Accessing Files: Fragmented.]
[Accessing Hardware: Success.]
[Opening Lab: Failed—blood verification required.]
"My blood?" Ethan asked, startled.
> [Yes. Carter family blood is needed for identification and access.]
He hesitated only for a moment before biting his thumb, letting a few crimson drops fall onto the golden surface. The liquid was instantly absorbed, vanishing into the circuitry like water into sand.
> [Analyzing Sample… Success.]
[Bloodline confirmed: Carter Family.]
[Facial recognition assimilated.]
[Access granted.]
A deep rumble vibrated beneath his feet.
The floor cracked, tiles splitting as golden light bled from the seams.
> [Laboratory entrance opening.]
The ground groaned. Dust rained from the ceiling. Then, with a final snap, the entire section of flooring gave way—revealing a spiraling wooden staircase descending into darkness.
Ethan exhaled, both nervous and exhilarated. "Phew… Guess there's no turning back now."
He grabbed a flashlight, the beam slicing through the gloom. "Let's end this mystery once and for all."
Step by step, he descended into the depths—unaware that his first step into the underground lab was also his first step toward an ancient awakening buried in his blood.