The heavy archive doors slid open.
No alarms sounded.
No security drones moved to intercept.
Instead, the Genesis Core announced calmly,
"Supreme authorization confirmed."
A single figure stepped through the entrance.
He appeared to be in his early seventies.
His silver hair was neatly combed.
He wore a dark overcoat and carried no weapon.
Yet every person in the room instinctively tensed.
His eyes settled on Eleanor.
"It has been a long time."
Eleanor's grip tightened on her cane.
"Adrian."
Michael stared in disbelief.
"It really is you..."
Dr. Adrian Kessler smiled faintly.
"I see my death was... greatly exaggerated."
Anthony stepped in front of Evelyn.
"Don't come any closer."
Kessler stopped.
"I didn't come here to fight."
The Black Circle leader lowered his head
