In the void, time lost its reference point; only the ever-growing gray-white dot of light served as the sole measure of motion. Kane knelt on the cold hull of the "Nightingale," his bionic finger hovering over the launch button, his entire being like a frozen sculpture, only his optical eyes fixed intently ahead.
The distance was silently shrinking.
800 kilometers…700 kilometers…600 kilometers…
The dot of light gradually revealed more details. It was not a perfect sphere, but an **irregular polyhedron**, its surface flowing with a viscous, liquid-like gray-white energy, occasionally bursting forth with brief, dazzling flashes. Its size was indeed as Leah had estimated, comparable to a small frigate, exuding a chilling presence against the dark backdrop of space.
It had no thruster jets, no obvious source of power; it seemed to move solely through some unknown field effect, silent yet carrying an unstoppable sense of oppression. "The energy field intensity continues to rise, and the interference is intensifying. The scanner can no longer acquire valid data." Leah's voice crackled in the communication channel, accompanied by the hissing sound of static interference; the approaching object was clearly affecting communication quality. "The confirmation rate of its energy signature's homology with the 'Pandora Stone'… has risen to **17.8%**."
17.8%. This number was enough to rule out chance. This was a derivative of that stone, or rather, its more aggressive "core" that survived the devastating attack.
**"A familiar… imprint… returns…"**
A faint but clear fluctuation of consciousness swept directly through Kane's mind again, closer than ever before, carrying a cold scrutiny and…greed. It recognized Kane, the one who had once escaped its grasp and ultimately "helped" it complete some kind of transformation.
Kane gritted his teeth, forcibly dispelling the whispers attempting to invade his consciousness. His entire focus was on aiming and distance calculation. The prototype's effective range was only a few meters; he had to wait until the thing was practically face-to-face before launching an attack. This was an ultimate test of courage and patience.
500 kilometers…400 kilometers…300 kilometers…
The surface energy flow of that thing became more intense, its polyhedral shape seemingly slowly adjusting and changing, like a living being adapting to its environment. It even began to emit a weak gravitational field, disturbing the already fragile attitude of the "Nightingale."
"The ship's attitude is slightly affected, compensating with attitude thrusters," Leah reported, her voice more urgent. "Commander, its energy field…is beginning to show characteristics of **active scanning**! It's analyzing us!"
They couldn't wait any longer! Although the distance was still far beyond the firing range, being passively attacked would only make things worse!
"Leah! Transfer **70%** of the backup energy to the prototype at once! Prepare for overload launch!" Kane issued the risky order. Increasing the energy input might slightly increase the intensity and effective range of the resonant waves, but it would also cause the already unstable prototype to collapse at any moment.
"Understood! Energy input...70%...Complete! Prototype energy reading critical! Overload imminent!" Leah warned.
The prototype emitted a strained hum, the focusing module's light becoming abnormally bright, even flickering. Kane could feel a slight vibration in the mounting system.
200 km...150 km...100 km...