As we approach the exit doorway, a subtle irregularity in the wall catches my attention. Where the rest of the chamber features flowing circuits and obvious technological patterns, this small section appears blank, too blank compared to everything around it.

  "Hold up," I say, extending my telekinetic awareness toward the anomaly. Something about it doesn't feel right.

  Desta pauses mid-step, her eyes flickering with brief code patterns as she follows my gaze. "Query: reason for delay?"

  "This section of wall," I explain, approaching it carefully. "It's different from the rest. Almost like it's..."

  "Hiding something?" Sera finishes, small flames dancing between her fingers as she moves closer to examine it.

  I run my hand along the surface, feeling for anomalies with both physical touch and telekinetic perception. There's definitely something here, a subtle difference in density, a faint energy signature barely perceptible even to my enhanced senses.

  "Desta, can you scan this?" I ask, stepping back to give her room.

  She approaches, her quantum computer already projecting invisible scanning fields. For several moments, nothing happens. Then her eyes widen slightly, code patterns intensifying.

  "Concealed access node detected," she reports, fingers moving across her wrist device with precision. "Camouflage protocols utilizing advanced phase-shifted matter configuration. Standard visual and tactile detection methods insufficient."

  "In normal human speak: it's hidden really well," Sera translates, peering at what still appears to be a blank wall. "Can you make it appear?"

  Desta's fingers continue their intricate dance across her computer interface. "Attempting countermeasure implementation. Camouflage disruption requires specific frequency modulation across multiple energy spectrums."

  Lyra watches with childlike fascination. "It's like a hidden treasure in a children's story. A secret door that only the worthy can find."

  After several tense moments, Desta's efforts produce results. The seemingly blank section of wall shimmers, its surface rippling like disturbed water before revealing what lay hidden, a recessed alcove containing what appears to be some kind of terminal. A sleek, angular console covered with intricate patterns that pulse with energy. No buttons, no obvious interfaces, just complex circuitry arranged in patterns that seem to shift and reconfigure as we watch.

  "Nicely done," I acknowledge, studying the revealed terminal with growing interest. "What exactly have we found?"

  Desta steps forward, eyes already flickering with code as she scans the device more thoroughly. "Authentication architecture suggests specialized interface requirements beyond standard interaction protocols. Multiple security layers present with cascading encryption algorithms."

  "In normal human speak: it's a puzzle that needs a techie to solve it," Sera translates, looking at Desta with raised eyebrows. "This is definitely your department."

  Lyra peers at the console with childlike curiosity. "Maybe it's another reward? The Labyrinth seems to like giving us toys after we beat the big challenges."

  I study the terminal more carefully, noticing how the patterns shift in response to our proximity, becoming more complex when Desta steps closer. "Whatever it is, it's reacting specifically to Desta. I think it's meant for her."

  Desta approaches the terminal, her quantum computer already projecting scanning grids over its surface. "Integration protocols detected. Multiple security layers present with cascading encryption algorithms. Estimated resolution timeframe: substantial."

  "Take your time," I tell her, securing the Nexus Override Module safely as I step back. "We've already got what we came for. This is a bonus if you can crack it."

  As Desta begins the complex process of interfacing with the terminal, her eyes going almost completely code-white as she works, the rest of us settle against the chamber walls to recover from our battle with the guardian.

  Sera slides down to a sitting position, small flames dancing absently between her fingers, a habit she's developed when thinking or relaxing. "So," she says after a moment of comfortable silence, "that was fun. Nearly getting vaporized by an A-rank guardian in what was supposed to be a C-rank Labyrinth run."

  Lyra grins, the expression lighting up her face as she experiments with small transformations of her fingers, the bio-reactive metal occasionally gleaming beneath her skin. "Wasn't it exciting though? The way we all worked together, it felt like we were moving as one organism!"

  "Says the person who can literally turn into whatever she wants," Sera retorts, though there's no real bite to her words. "Some of us had to dodge energy beams with our boring fixed bodies."

  I watch their interaction with quiet satisfaction. Despite the tension of our situation, or perhaps because of it, the team is bonding.

  Lyra tilts her head, studying Sera with genuine curiosity. "Does it hurt? When you create fire, I mean. Does it burn you too?"

  "Not anymore," Sera replies, creating a more intricate pattern of flames that dance between her fingertips. "At first, when they were enhancing me, it was agony. Like my bones were melting from the inside out. But now it feels... right. Like the fire was always meant to be part of me."

  She extinguishes the flames with a quick closing of her fist. "When they suppressed my abilities after the 'enhancement mishap,' it was like losing a limb. Worse, actually. Like losing a sense I'd just discovered." Her expression darkens momentarily. "Those months as a Null, scrubbing floors while everyone looked through me like I was furniture, that was the real pain."

  Lyra nods, her expression surprisingly solemn for her typically animated features. "I can only imagine. My people consider shapeshifting as fundamental as breathing. To lose that..." She shudders visibly.

  "That's why I pushed so hard when I heard about Gary's neural repair ability," Sera continues, glancing my way with a hint of a smile. "Not just to get my powers back, but to... exist again. To be seen."

  "We see you," Lyra says simply, the childlike sincerity in her voice somehow making the sentiment more powerful.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Sera seems momentarily taken aback by the straightforward support before her usual dry humor reasserts itself. "Well, I'd hope so. I'm the one shooting fire and lightning all over the place. Hard to miss."

  I chuckle at their exchange, appreciating the way their contrasting personalities somehow complement each other, Sera's sharp edges and protective humor balanced by Lyra's open curiosity and emotional directness.

  "What about you?" Sera asks Lyra after a moment. "Why would someone who could be a sponsor choose to get shot at instead? And don't give me that line about wanting to experience the games firsthand. Nobody jumps into the arena just for an interesting experience."

  Lyra's silver hair catches the light as she tilts her head, considering the question. For a brief moment, something flickers behind her perfect features, a hint of complexity beyond her typically straightforward demeanor.

  "My people value experience above all other forms of knowledge," she finally says. "We can take any form, but without understanding the emotional and physical reality of different existences, our transformations are just... costumes." She looks down at her hands, watching as the skin briefly ripples with transformative energy. "I wanted to understand what it means to fight for something, to belong to a team, to face real challenges instead of just observing them."

  "So we're your research project?" Sera asks, though her tone suggests curiosity rather than offense.

  Lyra looks genuinely stricken by the suggestion. "No! That's not—" She stops, collecting herself. "Maybe that's how it started. But being part of Team Exodus, fighting alongside you all... it's become something else, something..."

  "Something real?" I fill in for her, verbalizing something that has been brewing in the back of my mind since we started this Labyrinth run. I know it's stupid to get hopeful so early on, especially with what happened to my previous team, but I can't help it.

  "Yes," she nods, her expression turns unexpectedly vulnerable, a surprising depth emerging from her typically enthusiastic demeanor. "My people are observers by nature. We watch, we learn, we mimic, but we rarely connect. I wanted something different."

  I find myself reevaluating Lyra as she speaks. Behind her childlike wonder and sometimes naive questions, there's a searching intelligence and emotional complexity I hadn't fully appreciated.

  "Well," Sera says after a thoughtful pause, "as research subjects go, I suppose we're pretty interesting." A small flame dances above her palm. "Though I'm still not explaining human beds to you again. That conversation was weird enough the first time."

  Lyra's face breaks into a delighted grin, her momentary vulnerability replaced by her typical enthusiasm. "But they're so inefficient! All that padding when you could just transform your body to be comfortable on any surface!"

  "Not everyone can turn into a puddle, Lyra," Sera replies with an exaggerated eye roll that doesn't quite hide her affection.

  Their banter continues as Desta works, her fingers moving in complex patterns over the terminal's surface while her eyes remain fixed in that eerie code-white state. The patterns on the terminal shift in response to her manipulations, occasionally flashing with what appears to be rejection or acceptance of her inputs.

  After what must be nearly an hour, Desta makes a sound, something between satisfaction and surprise, that draws our attention.

  "Final security protocol disengaged," she announces, eyes gradually returning to their normal state though still flickering with occasional code patterns. "Access to concealed compartment achieved."

  The terminal reconfigures itself, the central section sliding open to reveal a hidden storage area. Inside rests a perfect sphere about the size of an apple, composed of what looks like liquid energy contained within a crystalline shell. Intricate patterns flow across its surface, pulsing with power that I can feel even from several feet away.

  "What is it?" Sera asks, approaching with cautious interest.

  Desta lifts the sphere carefully from its housing, her expression showing rare fascination. "Advanced quantum energy matrix. Self-sustaining power source with theoretically indefinite operational parameters. Power output exceeds standard enhancement technology by factor of 27.4."

  "In normal human speak: it's a super-battery that never runs out," Sera translates, though even she looks impressed.

  Lyra peers at the sphere with childlike wonder. "It's beautiful. Like a tiny star."

  I study the power source with telekinetic awareness, sensing the immense energy contained within its small form. "This is far beyond anything we'd expect to find in a C-rank Labyrinth run. Must be an extremely rare drop."

  "Potential applications encompass numerous technological domains," Desta continues, carefully securing the sphere in a specialized compartment of her equipment. "Could provide power enhancement for quantum computational systems, weapons platforms, or enhancement amplification devices."

  "In normal human speak: this thing could power pretty much anything," Sera says, watching as Desta handles the sphere with almost reverent care. "Your rifle, for instance."

  Desta actually looks mildly offended at the suggestion. "Utilizing this power source for standard energy weapon would represent significant resource misallocation. Similar to employing nuclear fission reactor as a heater."

  I can't help but laugh at her unusually direct response. "I think she's saying that would be overkill."

  With the power source secured and the Nexus Override Module safely in my telekinetic field, we finally turn toward the exit doorway that will lead us back to the Labyrinth's entrance. The chamber seems to acknowledge our completion of all available challenges, the circuitry patterns along the walls pulsing in what almost feels like approval as we depart.

  "Quite a successful run," I observe as we move through the exit corridor. "The Module, Desta's rifle upgrade, Lyra's bio-reactive metal, and now this power source. The Labyrinth was generous today."

  "Team performance metrics exceeded standard reward threshold parameters," Desta observes, her typically neutral tone carrying a hint of pride. "Additional resource allocation triggered by exceptional challenge resolution efficiency."

  "In normal human speak: we kicked so much ass that the Labyrinth decided to give us extra prizes," Sera translates with a satisfied grin.

  I nod toward the power source that Desta has carefully secured. "That thing looks like it could run a small city. What are you planning to do with it?"

  Desta's eyes flicker briefly with calculations. "Immediate application includes power enhancement for existing equipment parameters. Quantum computer and energy rifle can operate at 43% increased capacity with minimal integration requirements."

  "In normal human speak: she can juice up her computer and gun right away," Sera translates, "but that's barely tapping its potential."

  "Optimal utilization requires additional technological components not currently available," Desta continues, a rare note of anticipation in her clinical tone. "Quantum Nexus environment contains salvageable materials suited for advanced construction protocols according to database information."

  "So the real magic happens when we get into the Codex," I say, understanding her point. "With the right parts, you could build something truly powerful using that as a heart."

  Desta nods with unusual enthusiasm. "Affirmative. Theoretical applications extend to multiple technological domains with significant tactical enhancement potential."

  Lyra bounces slightly as she walks, her enthusiasm apparently impossible to contain despite our recent exhausting battle. "When do we get to use the Module to enter the Quantum Nexus? I can't wait to see what challenges await us there!"

  "First, we rest and recover," I tell her firmly, though I can't help smiling at her boundless energy. "The Codex isn't going anywhere, and we'll need to be at full strength when we face it."

  Sera stretches, wincing slightly as she works out the tension in her shoulders. "I second that. Fighting an A-minus guardian wasn't on my to-do list for today. I need at least twelve hours of sleep before we tackle whatever nightmares the Codex has waiting for us."

  As the exit portal comes into view ahead, I find myself reflecting on how far Team Exodus has come. What started as a hastily reassembled group of assets with questionable cohesion has transformed into something formidable, a true team with complementary abilities and growing trust.

  The Nexus Override Module pulses gently within my telekinetic field, while Desta's new power source emits a subtle glow from its secured compartment. Two significant steps forward in our quest for the Crown of Mental Superiority, and ultimately, our freedom.