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The Truth of the Architect
Last Updated:
2024-12-30 01:17:42Related chapters
ONE NIGHT FOREVER The New Dawn
Six months later, the location is a remote coastal refuge.It was silent on Earth.For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, there were no warning signs, no signals, no dangers that were just waiting to be woken up. Their energy infrastructure had been shattered, their objectives had been reduced to dust, and the Architects had lost control of the globe.Even Kyle had to acknowledge that our last operation was ended, even though he kept a close eye on his systems in the weeks that followed.We had prevailed.A Group ChangedThe sanctuary has transformed from a hub of frantic activity to a peaceful haven. The command center's displays were quiet and black, and it sat mostly empty. Outside, the sound of seabird cries and the gentle crash of waves had taken the place of the incessant buzz of alarms.Rook had assumed the responsibility of maintaining the VTOL, even though it hadn't flown for months.He grinned and remarked, "Just in case," when I made fun of his commitment. "Bes
Last Updated : 2024-12-30ONE NIGHT FOREVER A Chance Encounter
Normally, I don't drink, but tonight was an exception. Laughter echoed off rich mahogany wood and polished glass as the Manhattan bar throbbed with life and vitality, yet I felt completely cut off from the celebration going on around me. The aftertaste of whiskey sour burnt my lips, and even the alcohol couldn't take away the dull agony that throbbed in my chest.I was reminded of the email that had destroyed my whole day by the buzzing notice on my phone. I looked at the screen, anticipating what I would see: *Ms. Vance, three weeks. In three weeks, we must receive the money; else, we will start the foreclosure process. In three weeks, $250,000 will be generated. The benefit it would do me would have been worth a million dollars. My parents had left me the one house I had ever really loved, and it was pretty well gone.A middle-aged guy with a soft smile and weary eyes, the bartender frowned in worry as he observed me. “Another one, miss?” he pointed to my almost empty glass.I ponde
Last Updated : 2024-11-20ONE NIGHT FOREVER A Dangerous Invitation
I was constantly reminded of how little time I had left by the rain beating on my apartment's windows. I tried to concentrate on anything other than the growing fear that made my hands shake and my throat tighten as I watched the drops rush down the glass. Even though it was beyond midnight, sleep seemed like a far-off dream, too far away for someone whose life was on the verge of disintegration.Damien's remarks taunted me one night as they replayed in my head. No, I had replied. Even though I had convinced myself that a guy like him could only make matters worse, the image of his gaze and the feel of his palm continued to gnaw at me like an unshed tear.I ought to have been working on the current issue. The one decision I chose not to make instead tormented me—temptation resisted but not forgotten.The sound of a knock startled me out of my reverie. My heart jumped out of my mouth as I staggered from the kitchen chair. In this area, no one knocked on my door at this late hour. I slo
Last Updated : 2024-11-20ONE NIGHT FOREVER Stepping Into The Unknown
The sun did not rise in a bright and optimistic blaze. That same weight clung to my chest when I woke up, and it dragged itself over the city like a dark, melancholy sheet. Warm and cozy, Vanessa's little apartment was filled with throw cushions, unfinished artwork, and the lingering aroma of coffee from her daily habit. But I still had worry here. The weight of my phone served as a continual reminder of the text message I had yet to respond to, making it an anchor in my pocket."Damien." Even just thinking about his name made me feel unsafe, like if I should keep it hidden to prevent harm."You're awake," Vanessa said as she hurried into the room in her typical morning haste. With a hot cup of coffee in one hand, she held her blond hair in an untidy bun. "How did you sleep?"I said, massaging my temples, "Hardly." The way Damien had made his message seem like a dare had caused my mind to spin. As if meeting him at Delmonico's were that easy. As if he might help me forget the debt tha
Last Updated : 2024-11-20ONE NIGHT FOREVER A Glimpse of His World
Each minute dragged and blended into the next until I felt almost numb as the hours passed in a cloud of stress. I was unable to concentrate, and my job was only half-written marketing text and a flurry of charts. I felt worthless, despite forcing myself to look at my computer screen. I kept thinking about Damien's offer, and as the day dragged to a close, the pit in my stomach only became worse.I jumped as a voice said, "Hey, Audrey." Jake, an accounting colleague, was hanging uncomfortably at my desk when I turned to look at him. He had warm brown eyes, a soft smile that most of the ladies in the workplace found endearing, and youthful good looks. "Are you okay?" he said, his brow furrowed in worry. "You appear... anxious."I reflexively responded, "I'm fine," despite the strained tone of my voice. "There is just a lot going on."Despite his lack of conviction, he smiled sympathetically. "A group of us are going to O'Malley's if you need a drink after work."I almost said "yes." Ja
Last Updated : 2024-11-20ONE NIGHT FOREVER Caught in The Crossfire
In a haze of worry, the hours flew by, and each minute dragged and blurred into the next until I felt almost numb. My work was a frenzy of charts and half-written marketing material, and I couldn't focus. Despite making myself stare at my computer screen, I felt useless. As the day drew to an end, the pit in my gut only became worse as I continued to consider Damien's offer.I startled when I heard someone say, "Hey, Audrey." I looked across at my accounting colleague Jake, who was hovering awkwardly at my desk. His eyes were warm and brown, his smile was kind and charming to most of the women at work, and he looked young. He said, his face pinched with concern, "Are you okay?" "You appear... anxious."I said, "I'm fine," out of habit, even though my voice was strained. "There is just a lot going on."Despite his lack of conviction, he gave a pitying grin. "A group of us are going to O'Malley's if you need a drink after work."Almost, I responded, "yes." Jake's offer seemed to be safe
Last Updated : 2024-11-20ONE NIGHT FOREVER Run
My legs screamed in protest and my lungs burned, however I stored running. As the metropolis merged round me, I staggered into an alley's darkness, not able to breathe. Even now, the horror still gripped me tightly, like if Damien's reality had stretched out and attempted to drag me beneath. In an attempt to regain my breath, I flattened my back against the chilly brick wall as my hands quailed.Just what happened?A night of forgetfulness and a diversion from my own issues was what it was meant to be. However, I had instead wandered into something perilous, something that made my debt and my failing life seem almost insignificant. None of the options that ran through my thoughts were good. Damien Knight was a person. What was it I had just joined?I almost dropped my phone because I was so startled when it buzzed in my handbag. Pulling it out with trembling hands, I almost expected Damien to send me another mysterious message. But the name that was blazing on the scre
Last Updated : 2024-12-11ONE NIGHT FOREVER The Truth Comes to Light
I didn't get much sleep that night, and when daylight arrived, it brought with it nothing but a stifling sense of dread. Still haunted by Damien's message from last night, my phone rested on the nightstand like a ticking time bomb. He wanted to see me again, and while I knew I should avoid him as much as possible, I couldn't help but be drawn in by his interest and fascination.Vanessa walked carefully into the room while holding a plate of coffee and bread. My heart tightened at the sight of the tired, worried expression on her face. “Breakfast,” she murmured, attempting a grin that fell short of her eyes. "I thought you might want to eat before we make a decision on how to proceed."Rubbing my blurry eyes, I sat up. As I generic the espresso cup with gratitude, I said, "Thank you." It felt comforting and warm, and I clung to it as though it have been my lifeline.Her face softened as she stored a decent eye on me. "You were not asleep, have been you?"Gazing do
Last Updated : 2024-12-11
Latest chapter
ONE NIGHT FOREVER The New Dawn
Six months later, the location is a remote coastal refuge.It was silent on Earth.For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, there were no warning signs, no signals, no dangers that were just waiting to be woken up. Their energy infrastructure had been shattered, their objectives had been reduced to dust, and the Architects had lost control of the globe.Even Kyle had to acknowledge that our last operation was ended, even though he kept a close eye on his systems in the weeks that followed.We had prevailed.A Group ChangedThe sanctuary has transformed from a hub of frantic activity to a peaceful haven. The command center's displays were quiet and black, and it sat mostly empty. Outside, the sound of seabird cries and the gentle crash of waves had taken the place of the incessant buzz of alarms.Rook had assumed the responsibility of maintaining the VTOL, even though it hadn't flown for months.He grinned and remarked, "Just in case," when I made fun of his commitment. "Bes
ONE NIGHT FOREVER The Truth of the Architect
The Command Center at the Remote Coastal RefugeWe were in shock at what had happened to the center of the Sacred Valley. Kyle spent hours watching the worldwide network for the warning indications of another comeback, but the system was strangely quiet.It hadn't ended yet. All of us sensed it. "The cycle cannot be broken," the architects said, and I could still hear it in my head.Kyle’s FindingOne evening, Kyle remarked in a nervous voice, "There's something I need to show you."In the command center, where Kyle had shown a number of old maps and energy measurements, the squad assembled.Pointing to the luminous marks on the map, Kyle said, "We have discovered cores or fragments of the system at these spots. However, I have seen a trend that I had not previously noticed. "What kind of pattern?" With a harsh tone, Damien inquired.As Kyle put it, "It's not random." The planet's whole energy infrastructure is made up of these locations. The system was based on an earlier framework a
ONE NIGHT FOREVER The Awakening
The Command Center at the Remote Coastal RefugeNo respite had been provided by the Antarctic vault's destruction. Rather, a heavy, oppressive feeling of dread was left behind. It wasn't the end of whatever we had destroyed under the ice. It was the start.Despite Kyle's tireless efforts to analyze the material we collected, his face darkened with every hour that went by. He started by glancing at the squad and said, "I don't know how to say this." "But I think we triggered something bigger than anything we’ve faced before." "Bigger than the system?" With a doubtful tone, Vanessa inquired. "That’s a hell of a claim, Kyle."*"It’s not a claim—it’s fact," Kyle said, his voice shaking. We disrupted a signal that was an invitation rather than just a call. Something responded.A Startling Finding"Where’s the response coming from?" Damien leaned over Kyle's shoulder and offered a pointed question."Everywhere," stated Kyle, displaying a holographic map. "It's not area-specific. Multiple l
ONE NIGHT FOREVER The Unseen Twist
Location: Remote Coastal Refuge — Command CenterIt had been a week since the obelisk in North Africa was destroyed, and the team was slowly adjusting to what felt like the end. Kyle monitored his consoles obsessively but found no trace of activity. The system, it seemed, was finally gone.But the quiet had taken on a different quality—less peaceful and more foreboding, as if something unseen was watching us.Kyle’s BreakthroughLate one evening, Kyle called us all into the command center. His face was pale, his hands shaking slightly as he typed."I’ve been going over the data from the North Africa site," he began, his voice tight. "And I found something buried deep in the core’s energy signature. A pattern we’ve never seen before.""What kind of pattern?" Damien asked, his tone sharp. Kyle brought up a holographic display of the data—a series of intricate, interlocking symbols that pulsed with faint energy."It’s a message," Kyle said, his voice trembling. "But it’s not from the sys
ONE NIGHT FOREVER Echoes ot the Past
Two Weeks Later: Location: Remote Coastal Refuge It was calm in the sanctuary for the first time in months. No signs, no warnings, no extraterrestrial remains that may reawaken. Even Damien seemed to give himself a little respite when Kyle's monitors showed nothing but static. It seemed strange, however, as if the storm was still looping back rather than having passed. Kyle's Look for As he rubbed his weary eyes one morning, Kyle said, "I've run every diagnostic I can think of." "Nothing is happening anyplace. It's as if the system never existed—no signals, no energy surges. I said, "Maybe it’s really gone," hoping that my words might somehow make it so. "Or maybe it’s hiding," Kyle said somberly. "Every time we believed we were done, a new problem appeared. The sensation that we missed something is something I can't get rid of." "Then keep looking," Damien answered sharply. "If there’s even a trace left, we find it and destroy it." Vanessa Is Back Vanessa returned to the shelt
ONE NIGHT FOREVER Into the Mountains
The Carpathian Mountains in Eastern EuropeThe rocky Carpathians rose like sharp fangs against the horizon as the VTOL sliced through the icy air. As we got closer to the locations, Kyle's weak signal became louder, its fractured energy pattern pulsating wildly on his monitor."This signal is different," Kyle said after looking over the findings. It lacks the stability and strength of the others. It could be a relic of the system that we overthrew, but However, Damien said, "But what?""It feels... unfinished," Kyle said. "Like it’s trying to rebuild itself but doesn’t have the resources.""Then we ensure it doesn't have the opportunity," Damien said icily. "We’re not letting this thing come back."The Undiscovered FacilityThrough thick woods and sheer cliffs, the signal brought us to a remote valley. From under the snow came a dim light, indicating that something strange was there.Kyle's portable scanner illuminated as he added, "There's definitely something here." Although the ene
ONE NIGHT FOREVER Quiet Rebuild
The Command Center at the Remote Coastal RefugeThe alien network had reacted to the devastation of the mountain citadel. It was the first time the signals had stopped since the start of this conflict. Every wavelength and bit of information was tracked by Kyle, but nothing was detected—no broadcasts, no pulses, no indication of life.One morning, Kyle whispered quietly, "We did it," with a tone of incredulousness. "The system is gone.""For how long?" With his black eyes glued to the map, Damien inquired. "I don't know," said Kyle. But just now, nothing is happening. It's something."It's not enough," said Damien icily. We must maintain our vigilance. Whatever it was, ages had passed as it waited. It can wait a second time.Vanessa’s departureVanessa commented, "I think this is where I get off," as she was packing up her equipment one evening."You’re leaving?" Surprised, I asked."This fight took everything from me," she said in a forceful voice. "If it’s really over, I need to fin
ONE NIGHT FOREVER The Evolution
The Command Center at the Remote Coastal RefugeThe burning ruins of the alien core were still vivid in my imagination, as was the devastation of the forest. The system was changing and adapting, and it seemed that every piece we destroyed gave rise to something more powerful.The buzz of Kyle's console was the only sound in the shelter. His face was drawn and pale, and he had been working nonstop since we got back. At last, he broke the stillness by saying, "It’s not over," "I’ve been analyzing the data from the core, and... it’s worse than we thought."Damien responded sternly, "Define 'worse,'" and moved onward.Pulling up a holographic display, Kyle stated, "The system isn’t just adapting." It is reproducing itself. The surviving pieces rearrange and get stronger each time we eliminate a component. It's similar to a live thing growing back. Vanessa crossed her arms and stated, "So we're making it worse." "Great.""Not worse," replied Kyle. We're not winning, however. Eventually, t
ONE NIGHT FOREVER The Consequences
The Command Center at the Remote Coastal RefugeOur goal had been shaken both literally and figuratively by the Greenland core explosion. Mentally exhausted, but physically intact, we made our way back to the shelter.Kyle continued to work after our landing, looking for any traces of the signal or indications of activity in other areas.After eventually stating, "The network is gone," Kyle leaned back in his chair. "The cores, the conduits, the drones—it’s all offline." "So it’s over?" Vanessa inquired in a circumspect tone."It feels... wrong," I said as my uneasiness surfaced. "Every time we’ve thought it was over, something else has happened.""Then we prepare for the worst," Damien said pessimistically. "We don’t stop until there’s nothing left to fight."An Emerging ThreatThe silence was brief.After three days, an alarm sprung up on Kyle's console."We've got movement," Kyle said in a tight voice. "There is another energy increase, but it is little. Although it's not as powerf
