The desert station's generator hummed with a rhythm that had become the soundtrack of their desperation.
Axel stood at the window, watching the sun rise over the endless sands. The orange glow painted the horizon, a stark contrast to the darkness that had consumed their lives. Eighty-eight chapters. Eighty-eight battles. And still, Elias Vance was out there, playing his deadly game.
"We need to talk," Vance said, his voice low. "I've been going through the data we recovered from the Obsidian Vault. There's something you need to see."
Axel turned, his eyes tired. "What is it?"
"My father. He left a message. A recording." Vance's voice was strained. "It's addressed to me."
Axel moved closer. "Play it."
Vance pressed a button on his laptop, and Elias Vance's voice filled the room.
"My
