Kael's success in the Initiate's Crucible had earned him the formal induction into the Alpha Cohort and, more crucially, the immediate, dangerous proximity of Alpha Lyra.
He was no longer a shadow in the Sprawl; he was now a direct agent inside the enemy's operational core.
The Neural Suppressor on his chest provided the illusion of stability, muting the intense pain and the telltale glow of his deep Stabilizer core, but he felt perpetually off-balance, the power he needed most capped and distant.
His next assignment, given directly by Master Valerius, was Project Chimera.
His true mission was to use the cover of this research project to locate the Stasis Vault where the Syndicate believed the Veil-Breaker Prototype was stored.
Kael reported to the Central Data Spire's restricted research lab.
The lab was designed for intense academic focus: soft, indirect lighting, self-cleaning crystalline terminals, and walls lined with massive, humming conduits that fed the Academy's core data matrix.
Lyra was already there, meticulously arranging a complex array of schematic overlays. She wore her uniform with an air of professional hostility.
"Welcome, Transfer," Lyra greeted him without looking up. "The official designation of Project Chimera is the retrospective mapping of decommissioned Star systems.
We are searching for data on the Stabilizer Core Prototype—the legendary shield technology that stabilized the Veil after the crash."
Kael felt the familiar jolt of recognition. His memories—the Academy Echoes—told him that the original Stabilizer Core research and the catastrophic Veil-Breaker experiment were inextricably linked within the same ancient files.
He had to guide Lyra's research to the forbidden files without her realizing the change in target.
"Your role is stabilization and refinement," Lyra continued, finally turning to face him.
"The archives are vast, corrupted by centuries of residual Chaos Flux.
The sheer volume of false positives renders automated searching impossible. Your reported ability to achieve near-perfect stability is required to manually filter the data feeds.
Any error, any instability, and we lose years of progress. Do you understand, Kael?"
"I understand," Kael affirmed, adopting the formal, focused demeanor required of his cover. "The objective is efficiency and precision."
Lyra handed Kael a secure data terminal.
The screen immediately displayed a dizzying, complex stream of raw, unrefined data, mixing Guardian technical terms with Syndicate corruption markers.
"I have loaded the initial parameters: searching for keywords related to 'Deep-Star,' 'Containment Protocol,' and 'Genesis Core,'" Lyra explained.
"I need you to filter out all data containing the term 'Chaos Flux' and any file with a timestamp older than 180 years. Begin."
Kael sat at the console.
This was his opportunity. He had to subtly reprogram the database's search logic. He discreetly inserted the encrypted data chip Valerius had given him into the console's side port.
The chip contained a simple, targeted Logic Bomb—a Syndicate virus designed to alter the perceived meaning of specific database queries.
Code: Exploit the weakness of the System's Logic.
As the virus uploaded silently in the background, Kael began the grueling process of manual data filtering.
He channeled a tiny, continuous stream of his muffled Stabilizer energy into the keyboard interface, allowing him to instinctively sense and isolate the corrupted data packets.
His speed was phenomenal, but the low, continuous drain on his core was dangerously taxing, even with the Suppressor.
Meanwhile, the Logic Bomb performed its work: it secretly redefined the Academy's internal term "Stabilizer Core Prototype" to include the forbidden query "Stasis Vault Coordinates."
When Lyra later ran the final search for the core, the system would be forced to show him the location of the Syndicate's target.
Lyra monitored him closely, her suspicion palpable.
"Your filtering speed is unprecedented, Kael. However, I detect trace energy leakage. If you overextend your stability, the core matrix will register you as a destabilizing element."
"The system rewards efficiency, Alpha Lyra," Kael replied, not looking up.
"I am simply achieving the maximum output in the minimum timeframe. A principle often neglected by those focused solely on theoretical channeling."
The dig was deliberate—a necessary jab to maintain his 'cocky prodigy' cover, ensuring Lyra's focus remained on his demeanor rather than his data manipulation.
After nearly four hours, Kael completed the manual refinement and the virus finished its upload. He pushed the final, filtered data set back to Lyra's main terminal.
"Filtered and refined," Kael stated, standing up, the effort leaving him shaky.
Lyra quickly ran the final search algorithm on the clean data. The central holographic projector immediately pulsed, displaying hundreds of relevant files, but three stood out, prioritized by the compromised system.
File 1: Stabilizer Core History: Early Veil Stabilization Theory.
File 2: Directive 001: Operational History of the Cryo-Annex.
File 3: Deep-Star Access: Restricted Stasis Vault Coordinates.
Lyra gasped, her professional guard collapsing into shock.
"The Vault! The Stasis Vault! This is incredible. The system just prioritized the actual location over all theoretical files! This confirms the legends—the Prototype was sealed away!"
She immediately accessed File 3, which displayed a complex, three-dimensional topological map of the ship's reactor core, showing a deeply buried, reinforced chamber—the Vault.
The file also listed the access requirements: Genetic Sequence Lock and High-Yield Energy Siphon.
Kael had his coordinates. Mission objective achieved under the cover of a routine assignment.
Lyra, however, interpreted the data through the lens of the Order. "This Vault must contain the Prototype.
They sealed it with the Genetic Sequence Lock of the Original Guardian to prevent it from ever being misused."
She pointed out the final challenge: the High-Yield Energy Siphon requirement.
"The energy required to open this Vault is catastrophic.
The file states it requires a full, continuous Star-Dust siphon from the primary reactor—a feat that would trigger the entire island's emergency shutdown. The Order built an impossible barrier."
Kael used his knowledge—the Code that Lyra lacked—to push the mission forward.
"The Code forbids unnecessary power expenditure, Alpha Lyra," Kael countered. "The system is ancient.
It requires a controlled channel, not a full shutdown.
The Siphon is designed not to draw the full power, but to draw a Perfect, Stabilized Flare that mimics the reactor's peak output."
He looked directly at her. "The lock requires the signature of the Original Guardian, but the Siphon requires the skill of the Stabilizer.
Someone with a controlled core capable of channeling a singular, high-yield pulse."
Lyra stared at him, her suspicion returning full force, laced with dawning realization.
"You are describing abilities no student here possesses.
You are describing the legendary power of a fully realized Stabilizer."
"I am merely describing the logical solution to the problem presented by the data," Kael insisted, his voice level.
"We have the coordinates. We have the method. The next step is clear: we must engineer a transportable version of that High-Yield Energy Siphon."
Lyra nodded, her gaze leaving the terminal and settling entirely on Kael's unmoving figure.
Her eyes traveled briefly to the Neural Suppressor on his chest.
"You have given us the solution, Transfer,"
Lyra stated, her voice tight with decision. "And I suspect you are the only one capable of executing it. We will begin work on fabricating the Siphon Unit immediately.
You will be my partner in this project—until I determine whether you are the Order's greatest asset, or its single largest threat."
Kael felt a cold sense of triumph and dread. He had succeeded in infiltrating Lyra's inner circle and securing the location of the Veil-Breaker.
But now, he was tied directly to his rival, and the next step—building the Siphon—would force him to channel the very power he was trying to hide.