Warm sunlight streamed through the small window of the Guardian Shelter.For a brief moment...It felt like an ordinary morning.The smell of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the kitchen.Ethan slowly opened his eyes.He had slept better than he had in months.For the first time since the System awakened...He felt at peace.Until—DING!Good Morning, Host.Time Remaining Until the Apocalypse:44 Hours 27 MinutesThe peaceful feeling instantly disappeared."So... it wasn't a dream."After washing up, Ethan walked into the kitchen.Sophia was already there.She wore a simple white sweater instead of her combat outfit.Her long black hair was tied into a loose ponytail.She was quietly frying eggs.Humming a soft tune.Ethan froze."You cook too?"Sophia looked over her shoulder.A small smile appeared."I had to learn.""My father wasn't exactly a good chef."Ethan laughed

Morning arrived quietly. For the first time in years... The Guardian Shelter felt like a real home. The aroma of fried eggs and toasted bread drifted through the underground corridors. Grace was already in the kitchen. Emily sat on the counter, happily swinging her little legs. Sophia helped prepare breakfast. Ethan rubbed his eyes as he walked into the dining room. He stopped. "...Did I oversleep?" Grace laughed. "No." "You've simply been working too hard." She placed a hot cup of coffee before him. "Sit." "I'll take care of breakfast." Ethan smiled. "Thank you." As everyone ate together... Emily suddenly looked around. "Big Brother Ethan." "Can I have my own room?" Ethan chuckled. "Of course." "You can even paint it whatever color you like." Emily's eyes sparkled. "Really?" "Really." She jumped off her chair and hugged Ethan tightly. "You're the best!" Sophia watched the scene with a gentle smile. For a brief moment...

Chapter twenty-five The warehouse fell silent.Everyone was staring at Ethan.On the security monitor, Lily stood outside in the rain.Her hair was soaked, her clothes clung to her body, and her face was pale.She looked nothing like the confident woman who had humiliated Ethan at the hospital.Sophia quietly lowered her spear."Are you going to let her in?"Ethan stared at the screen.For a moment, memories flooded his mind.Lily laughing with Victor.Lily ignoring him in the rain.Lily walking away while he lay helpless on the ground.He closed his eyes."I'll talk to her."Sophia's expression didn't change."Do you still love her?"Ethan opened his eyes."No."The answer came without hesitation."I just want to know why she's here."Sophia nodded."Then go.""But don't let your past destroy your future."Ethan opened the warehouse door.Lily immediately looked up."Ethan.

Chapter twenty- seven Ethan remained motionless in front of the surveillance monitor.On the screen, Lily stood alone in the bathroom, staring at the message she had received.Find out where Ethan keeps the Guardian Core.The message had already disappeared from her phone.But Ethan had seen everything.Beside him, Sophia folded her arms."So she's working for Black Eclipse."Ethan nodded."Apparently.""Are you going to confront her?""No."Sophia raised an eyebrow."Why?""Because we don't know who is controlling her."Ethan turned away from the monitor."And if I confront her now, whoever is behind her will know that we've discovered them."Sophia stared at him for a moment.Then she smiled."You're learning."Ethan laughed softly."Learning what?""How to think like a Guardian."Ethan walked toward the main control room.The Guardian Core floated above its pedestal, surrounded b

Chapter 29: The warehouse fell into complete silence.Ethan stood in front of the main security monitor, staring at the dozens of red dots surrounding the property.One after another, more appeared.Five.Ten.Twenty.Then thirty.Black vehicles were positioned on every road leading toward the warehouse.Some men stood outside with weapons.Others remained inside the vehicles.They weren't rushing.They weren't shooting.They were simply waiting.That frightened Ethan more than an immediate attack would have.Sophia stood beside him, her eyes fixed on the screen."They're not here to storm the shelter."Ethan nodded."I know.""They're waiting for something."Lily stood several feet behind them.Her face had gone pale."They're waiting for me."Ethan turned toward her."What?"Lily swallowed."They told me that if I found the Guardian Core, I should contact them.""But..