As we proceed deeper into the Labyrinth, the temple architecture gradually gives way to something more mechanical. Stone walls become interspersed with metal panels, circuitry patterns growing more prominent with each chamber we pass through.

  "The environment's changing," Sera observes, running her fingers along a wall where wires now protrude from ancient stonework. "Getting more tech-heavy."

  "We should follow this trend," I suggest, noticing branching paths ahead. "If we're looking for a technological key, paths that lean into this theme might lead us closer to our goal."

  Lyra nods enthusiastically. "Good thinking! My assessment run changed themes based on which paths you chose. The Labyrinth responds to our decisions."

  We select the corridor with the most prominent technological features, the stone floor now entirely replaced by metal grating that clangs softly beneath our feet. The air carries a faint electrical charge that makes the hair on my arms stand up.

  "Probability of technological adversaries increases with environmental shift parameters," Desta observes, her quantum computer already running analysis protocols. "Optimal configuration suggests prioritizing system disruption capabilities."

  "In normal human speak: get ready to fight robots," Sera translates, though I notice she's become better at interpreting Desta's clinical speech patterns.

  The corridor opens into a chamber dominated by what appears to be ancient server banks, massive technological structures covered with blinking lights and exposed circuitry. The room hums with power, and floating in the center is what looks like a sleek energy rifle, floating in a pulsing energy field.

  "Loot drop," Sera says with a grin, starting forward.

  "Wait," I caution, extending my telekinetic awareness to scan the room. "It's too easy."

  As if triggered by my words, the server banks activate fully. Panels slide open along their surfaces, revealing concealed weapon systems that swivel toward us. From recessed areas in the floor, four quadrupedal robots rise, each about the size of a large dog, with multiple sensory arrays and what appear to be energy weapons mounted on their backs.

  "Security protocols activated," announces a mechanical voice from hidden speakers. "Unauthorized access detected. Neutralize intruders."

  The robots move with coordinated precision, spreading out to surround us while the fixed weapon systems power up with an ominous hum.

  Sera immediately takes charge. "Desta, those look hackable. Lyra, defensive position. I'll handle the turrets."

  I hang back, observing their tactics. This is precisely the kind of challenge they need to develop their coordination, dangerous enough to require full focus, but still within their capabilities without my intervention.

  The robots attack first, energy weapons firing in synchronized patterns designed to drive us into the fixed turrets' line of fire. Lyra reacts instantly, her entire body transforming into a crystalline shield structure that provides cover for Desta as the technopathic girl already begins interfacing with her quantum computer.

  "Access point detected," Desta reports, eyes flickering with code patterns. "Security firewall parameters require direct neural interface for override sequence initiation."

  "In normal human speak: she needs to touch one to hack it," Sera calls out, already launching into action. She sends a concentrated stream of flames at the nearest fixed turret, not aiming to destroy it but superheating the targeting mechanism enough to distort its aim.

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  The robots adjust their tactics, two focusing fire on Lyra's shield formation while the others circle to flank. Lyra shows impressive battlefield awareness, portions of her crystalline structure extending to cover multiple angles while maintaining her core protection for Desta.

  "I need an opening," Desta states, her pistol ready but secondary to her hacking preparations.

  Sera switches from flames to electricity, sending a powerful discharge that arcs between two of the robots, temporarily disrupting their systems. "There's your window!"

  Lyra immediately capitalizes on the opportunity, a portion of her crystalline form extending into a blade-like appendage that sweeps one of the stunned robots toward Desta. The technopathic girl places her hand directly on the robot's central processing unit, her wrist computer lights up and her eyes going completely code-white as she establishes a connection.

  "Neural interface established," she reports in a monotone voice. "Accessing primary control architecture. Security protocols identified. Implementing bypass sequence."

  The remaining robots intensify their attack, recognizing the threat. One manages to flank Lyra's defenses, energy weapon taking aim at Desta's exposed back.

  I tense, ready to intervene, but Sera beats me to it. With impressive reflexes, she switches from electricity to intense heat, creating a focused beam that severs the robot's main weapon before it can fire.

  "System compromised," Desta announces, satisfaction evident even in her clinical tone. "Implementing command override."

  The robot under her direct control suddenly changes allegiance, its weapons swiveling to target its former companions. With precise bursts of energy, it disables one of the remaining robots while Sera and Lyra coordinate to take down the last one.

  "Fixed weapons systems still operational," Lyra warns, portions of her crystalline structure showing stress fractures from sustained fire.

  "Not for long," Desta replies, eyes still glowing with code patterns. "Access to security mainframe established through subordinate node. Deactivation sequence initiated."

  The turrets power down immediately, their weapon systems retracting into the walls as Desta's hack takes effect. A moment later, the chamber's threatening hum fades to a gentle background noise, signaling the end of the combat encounter.

  Lyra reverts to her human form, looking slightly winded but otherwise unharmed. "That was intense," she says with an excited grin. "But we handled it!"

  "System integration demonstrated significant improvement from baseline metrics," Desta observes, the glow fading from her eyes as she disconnects from the robot's systems. "Tactical adaptation particularly effective."

  "In normal human speak: we're getting good at this," Sera translates, extinguishing the flames around her hands.

  I watch with quiet satisfaction. Their performance exceeded my expectations, each playing to their strengths while compensating for the others' vulnerabilities. Desta's hacking capabilities proved invaluable against technological adversaries, but it was the team's coordination that made it possible for her to deploy those skills effectively.

  Our attention turns back to the pulsing energy field.

  "Reward acquisition available," Desta observes, her typically neutral expression showing a hint of eagerness as she approaches the weapon.

  "Nice work," I acknowledge, genuinely impressed by how smoothly she executed the hack under pressure. "That's yours."

  Desta takes the energy rifle, her eyes flickering with analysis patterns. "Advanced targeting system detected. Quantum-linked firing mechanism. Significant upgrade from current equipment parameters."

  "In normal human speak: it's a really good gun," Sera translates, though we're all getting better at understanding Desta's technical language.

  "Let's keep moving," I suggest, noting how the chamber's exit has reconfigured to offer three potential paths. "Which way, Desta?"

  She studies her quantum computer for a moment. "Left corridor demonstrates highest technological density parameters according to scans."

  We proceed through the left passage, the environment becoming increasingly mechanical. The ancient temple aesthetic is almost entirely gone now, replaced by advanced technology that seems to grow more modern with each step. Walls of circuitry pulse with energy, floor panels light up beneath our feet, and holographic displays occasionally flicker to life as we pass.

  "The Labyrinth is definitely responding to our choices," I observe. "We're being guided toward a technological challenge."

  "Or a technological reward," Lyra suggests optimistically. "Like that energy rifle Desta got earlier."

  I nod in agreement. Whatever we get, I hope it's good.