MTLNOVEL Chapter 11: into the depths
Selene and Marcus cautiously descended into the lower levels of the research facility, each step echoing ominously through the hollow metal stairwell. The air grew colder, laced with a faint metallic tang that made Selene's stomach churn. Emergency lights flickered sporadically, casting jagged shadows on the walls, while the distant sound of groaning metal and faint growls amplified the unsettling atmosphere.
"This place feels like death," Marcus muttered, gripping his weapon tightly. His sharp eyes scanned every corner, his body on edge.
"Death would be merciful compared to whatever happened here," Selene replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Her instincts, sharpened by the system's enhancements, screamed danger.
They reached the final landing, greeted by a massive, reinforced door with its frame bent and twisted, as though something monstrously strong had forced its way through. Beyond it, the main lab awaited—a cavernous space filled with rows of shattered glass cylinders. Each was large enough to contain a human, and some still held murky fluid with grotesque remains floating inside. Distorted human shapes—twisted limbs, unnaturally elongated spines—floated lifelessly, as if abandoned mid-experiment.
"This wasn't just research," Marcus said grimly. "They were creating... something."
Selene nodded, unease prickling at her skin. Her eyes locked onto a nearby terminal still displaying fractured data logs:
"Project Rift Genesis... genetic augmentation... specimen instability..."
She reached for the console, her system flashing an alert.
> System Alert: Traces of rift energy detected. Accessing records...
In her mind, fragmented data played out like a warped memory—scientists in a frenzy, arguing about control protocols, a massive explosion of light from what seemed like a contained rift, and then darkness.
"Selene." Marcus's voice cut through the vision, his tone urgent. She turned to see him pointing toward a barricaded door on the far side of the room. "Do you hear that?"
Faint, panicked murmurs and the sound of someone sobbing came from behind the barricade. Without hesitation, they moved toward it, carefully shifting aside furniture and debris. Marcus signaled for Selene to stay back as he forced the door open with a grunt.
Inside, they found a group of survivors huddled together, their pale faces and trembling bodies showing signs of dehydration and fear. Among them was a man in a tattered lab coat, his glasses cracked and his hands shaking as he clutched a clipboard.
"You're... you're here to help?" one of the survivors stammered, their voice dry and cracked.
Selene stepped forward, her expression softening. "We're here to get you out. What happened here?"
The scientist shook his head, his voice trembling. "It was the Rift Genesis Project. We thought we could harness the energy leaking from the rift... stabilize it, maybe even weaponize it. But we didn't understand—"
A sudden, guttural roar interrupted him. The facility shuddered violently, throwing everyone off balance. Lights flickered wildly, and an unnatural shriek echoed through the air.
"The containment reactor," the scientist cried. "It's destabilizing! If it breaches, the entire sector will be obliterated!"
"Where is it?" Marcus demanded, pulling the man to his feet.
"Two floors down, but it's... it's guarded."
As if on cue, a thunderous crash echoed from the hallway they had just come from. Selene's heart pounded as she felt the air grow heavier, a suffocating presence announcing itself. Then she saw it—a massive figure lurching into view. It stood at least eight feet tall, its grotesque body a patchwork of exposed muscle, twisted metal implants, and glowing blue veins pulsing with rift energy. Its face—or what remained of it—was a nightmare of jagged teeth and hollow, glowing eyes.
> System Alert: Alpha Rift-Hound detected. High-threat level. Recommended action: Immediate termination.
"Of course it's never simple," Selene muttered, drawing her weapon.
"Selene, this is suicide," Marcus said, though he raised his rifle, his jaw set.
"No choice. Keep them safe. I'll handle it," Selene said, feeling a surge of adrenaline and heat as her system awakened her lust powers.
Her enhanced senses flared to life, and time seemed to slow. The creature charged with terrifying speed, but Selene moved faster, dodging its massive claws by a hair's breadth. She fired a volley of shots into its side, but the bullets barely slowed it.
"Damn it!" Marcus cursed, stepping in to cover her as the beast swung its massive arm, slamming into a nearby console and sending sparks flying.
Selene's system pulsed.
> System Update: Rift energy can be siphoned through touch. Engage carefully.
"Distract it!" she shouted, her voice firm.
As Marcus unleashed a barrage of fire to draw the creature's attention, Selene darted around it with inhuman speed. With a leap, she landed on its back, her hand pressing against its glowing veins. Energy surged through her, hot and electrifying, as the system drained the rift energy fueling the beast.
The creature howled in agony, thrashing wildly, but Selene held on, focusing on the system's guidance. With one final roar, the Alpha Rift-Hound collapsed, its body disintegrating into ash.
Selene stumbled to her feet, breathing heavily, her body trembling from the overload of power. Marcus was at her side in an instant.
"Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
"I'm fine," she said, though her voice was shaky. Her system buzzed with new energy, and a notification appeared in her mind:
> Rift energy absorbed: Abilities enhanced. Level up achieved.
Selene looked back at the survivors. "We have to move. Lead us to the reactor."
The scientist nodded, his fear giving way to determination. "This way."
They didn't have much time, but Selene's newfound power gave her hope. Whatever horrors awaited them, she knew one thing for sure—she wasn't going down without a fight.