Edwin Lunar Chapter 92: The Last Defense

Read chapter 92 of Edwin Lunar by MananTayal on NovelPedia.

The Original Orion Headquarters shook violently as another crimson blast struck its shields. Warning alarms echoed through every corridor. Ancient systems that had remained dormant for decades were suddenly fighting for survival. Outside the station, the Watcher continued its advance. The colossal being moved through space with terrifying calmness. Every step distorted reality around it. Crimson energy flowed from its body like living fire, and the giant eye within the fracture continued watching everything. Edwin stood near the command center window, unable to look away. This was unlike any enemy he had ever faced. The Void creatures had been dangerous. The Dominion conflicts had been difficult. Even the Builder threats had seemed overwhelming. But this felt different. This felt ancient. As though they were witnessing a war that had begun long before their civilization existed. A third blast slammed into the station. The floor trembled beneath their feet. Several holographic displays flickered. One of the defense platforms outside exploded into fragments. Carl grabbed a nearby railing. "I would like to officially announce that I hate this mission." "Noted," Iris replied without looking up from her console. Groader stood at the center of the command room issuing commands through the ancient Orion systems. His movements were fast and precise. For the first time Edwin truly understood why Groader had once led the Original Orion. He wasn't panicking. He wasn't hesitating. He was adapting. Every second. Every decision. Every command. Like a veteran who had spent his entire life fighting impossible battles. "The outer shield is down to sixty percent," Iris reported. "Redirect power from sectors seven through twelve," Groader answered immediately. "What about life support reserves?" "We won't need them if that thing gets inside." Nobody argued. A series of defense cannons emerged from hidden compartments across the station. Golden energy charged within their barrels. Moments later they fired. Massive beams of light streaked through space and struck the Watcher directly. The explosion illuminated the darkness. For a brief moment Carl looked hopeful. Then the smoke cleared. The Watcher remained completely unharmed. The room fell silent. Even Groader frowned. "That should have done something." Lucien gripped the handle of his weapon. "Can it be killed?" Nobody answered immediately. That alone was concerning. Eventually Groader spoke. "Everything can be killed." Carl pointed at the window. "It doesn't look convinced." Another blast hit the station. This time the shields dropped below fifty percent. Warning messages filled every display. Edwin's ring suddenly began glowing brighter. The silver light spread across his hand. The same thing happened to the scarf hidden inside his jacket. Warm energy pulsed through the fabric. At first he thought it was reacting to the Watcher. Then he realized something else. The energy wasn't coming from outside. It was coming from deeper inside the station. "Groader." The warrior looked toward him. "I think something's activating." The ring glowed again. Groader's eyes widened. Without hesitation he moved toward a sealed doorway at the far end of the chamber. The ancient door had remained inactive since their arrival. Now golden symbols illuminated its surface. Recognition flashed across Groader's face. "No way." "What is it?" Humming asked. Groader almost smiled. "One of Wingard's emergency protocols." The door slowly opened. Beyond it stretched a corridor nobody had noticed before. Golden lights activated one after another. The hidden passage seemed untouched by time. Groader immediately started walking. "Come with me." The others exchanged glances before following. The corridor descended deeper into the headquarters. Far below the command levels. Far below the living quarters. Far below the research sectors. Eventually they reached a circular chamber. Everyone froze. At the center of the room floated a