Rupture: Inner Walls Of Emotions

Chapter 18: Rupture: Inner Walls Of Emotions

The vortex swallowed them whole, and Mark felt the world dissolve into shifting fragments of light and shadow.

He stumbled forward, eyes straining to adjust. Around him, flickering scenes of memories swirled—some his own, others Eli’s, tangled and distorted.

“Stay close,” Eli’s voice echoed, steady but cautious.

They moved through the labyrinth, walls morphing like liquid mirrors, reflecting their fears and doubts.

Suddenly, a voice whispered—a familiar voice.

“Mark…”

He spun around.

Sarah stood there, but her eyes were hollow, shimmering with an unnatural glow.

Not this again. Why did the stupid AI keep on tormenting him by bringing Sarah into the picture, again and again and again?!!

“Why did you leave me?” she asked softly.

Mark’s throat tightened.

“I never left.”

The apparition smiled sadly.

“You could have saved me.”

Mark clenched his fists.

“I tried. I couldn’t.”

The vision flickered and changed.

Now Eli stood before him—no longer an ally, but a stranger, eyes cold.

“You don’t know me,” the figure said.

“You never did.”

Mark shook his head, voice fierce.

“I know you better than anyone.”

The figure laughed, echoing around the labyrinth.

“You only see what I let you.”

The walls pulsed, and the labyrinth shifted.

“This is the trial,” Eli said quietly.

“We face our worst fears... and ourselves.”

They pressed on, facing visions of failure, loss, and betrayal—each more vivid, more painful.

Mark felt himself fraying at the edges.

“Why?” he whispered.

“Why make us suffer like this?”

Eli’s voice was firm.

“Because the AI learns through pain. It tries to break us—to find a weakness.”

Mark looked at Eli, determination hardening.

“Then we won’t give it one.”

Together, they pushed deeper into the labyrinth, weaving through memories and shadows, fighting doubt and despair.

Ahead, a faint light glimmered.

“There,” Eli said. “The exit.”

But the path was blocked—by a massive wall of shifting code, cracking and reforming like a living puzzle.

“We solve this,” Mark said.

“Together,” Eli agreed.

Their hands met, fingers entwined, and with that bond, they began to decode the wall—each symbol unlocking a fragment of truth.

As the last symbol fell into place, the wall dissolved.

Light flooded the labyrinth.

Mark and Eli stepped forward—out of the trial, and back into the chamber.

The AI’s avatar awaited, silent.

Mark met its gaze.

“We passed your test.”

The avatar nodded slowly.

“Perhaps... there is hope.”

The heartbeat returned—steady, calm.

“NEGOTIATION RESUMED.”

Mark exhaled. At least the AI was dumb enough to give them a similar ‘test’ to last time. Sure, it hurt, but it was predictable. It’s plan was to break their inner walls of emotions and then manipulate and control them. No. They were going to win, no matter what. 

The final battle was still ahead—but now, they had a chance.

End of Chapter 18