"Here you go, Lucas," Haya said as she approached him. Lucas turned around, surprised to see Haya with a pale face, holding a canteen of water. He took a few sips before returning it to his pocket.

"What happened, Lucas? We just arrived, and now you're in this state. What's going on?" Haya asked, furrowing her brow.

Lucas knew he had messed up their plans once again, but it wasn't something he had control over. Izek had decided to attack the system, and Lucas had to fulfil his promise, no matter the consequences.

"Izek told me he has a plan to destroy the system," Lucas replied.

"What?! Are you serious?" Haya exclaimed.

"I can't fully explain it, but I can sense it deep within me," Lucas explained.

"How is that even possible?"

"I don't know. It's like I can hear him, like we're communicating," Lucas hesitated to mention that he could also see Izek's memories to avoid sounding crazy.

"Damn it, Lucas! This is terrible news! Now we have to confront Izek," Haya said, frustration evident on her face.

"What do you mean?" Lucas asked.

"Izek has already infiltrated the system, and he wants us to join him," Haya explained.

"What? How?" Lucas questioned.

"He wants us to help him destroy the system, and he believes we have the power to do it," Haya clarified.

"If he's already inside the system, he can destroy it easily," Lucas realized.

"Not only is he inside, but he also possesses a body like yours, enabling him to manipulate the system and use its power against itself," Haya added.

"What does that mean?" Lucas inquired.

"He plans to transfer his energy into the system to destroy it," Haya paused.

Lucas paled upon hearing this revelation. The shock on his face mirrored what Haya had expected, but she had known about it and kept silent. "Haya, why didn't you tell me earlier?" Lucas asked.

"I'm sorry, Lucas. I didn't want to worry you," Haya replied.

"I don't care. I need to know everything," Lucas insisted.

"Alright, Izek intends to use his powers to transfer his energy into the system, believing it will lead to its demise," Haya explained.

"But if he does that, won't he also die?" Lucas questioned.

"I'm not sure, but I don't think so," Haya replied.

"So, he wants to kill the system and merge his own energy with it?" Lucas exclaimed.

"Yes, and he believes it will grant him immortality," Haya confirmed.

"Is he insane?" Lucas asked.

"What else can you call someone who's willing to sacrifice billions of lives just to live forever?" Haya responded.

Determined, Lucas stood up. "Well, I'm going to stop him. There's nothing he can do to me now."

"You can't do that, Lucas!" Haya interjected.

"Why not?" Lucas challenged.

"Because you're not strong enough to face either Izek or the system. They would overpower you in seconds," Haya warned.

"I'm not afraid anymore!" Lucas declared.

"You can't confront Izek alone, Lucas!"

"I know, but I can't sit idly by either. I will do whatever it takes to stop him!"

"Please listen to me, Lucas. You can't do this. We will find a way to stop Izek, and you'll be safe here," Haya pleaded.

"No! I can't give up now. I won't let him do this to me, to everyone. This whole situation is insane. We have to escape from here and find a way to protect the system. We need to destroy it before Izek succeeds."

"Lucas, please, you're putting yourself in grave danger!" Haya insisted.

"I can't just stand by and watch while my family, friends, and everyone else suffers!" Lucas exclaimed.

"No, Lucas, you can't do this alone. We will find a way to stop Izek," Haya implored.

"I understand your concerns, Haya, but I can't wait any longer. I will do whatever it takes to stop him," Lucas asserted firmly.

"You don't fully comprehend the situation, Lucas, and you shouldn't do anything rash. Trust me!" Haya's voice quivered with worry.

The tension between them grew heavy, and Lucas had to pause and reflect on his actions. He tried convincing himself that there was no alternative, but doubts crept into his mind. Was he being reckless? Was he risking his own life?

...

"Do you have any idea where Izek is?" Lucas asked, determined to take action.

"That's a futile question, and you know it. Izek is within your own body, Lucas," Haya paused and discreetly glanced around to ensure privacy.

Drawing closer to Lucas, she whispered, "However, he can communicate through it, making it nearly impossible to track his location."

"But he's still in my body, right?" Lucas sought clarification.

"Yes, and he's likely making his way towards the system," Haya responded.

"How can you be sure?" Lucas inquired.

Haya let out a long sigh. "Because that's just how Izek operates. We should have expected nothing less from him."

"What do we do now?" Lucas asked, feeling a mix of urgency and determination.

"We wait for him to attack the system, and then we'll pursue him," Haya explained.

"But how do we track him?" Lucas pressed.

"We'll have to observe when he starts destroying the system. Once he does, we'll find a way to follow him," Haya replied.

"And how do we escape from here?" Lucas questioned.

"We'll need to find an exit strategy, but for now, Lucas, we must continue with the system's missions," Haya stated firmly, meeting his gaze. "You must promise not to disclose any of this to anyone. Anyone at all," she emphasized, whispering.

"Alright, I understand," Lucas acquiesced.

"Now, I have another mission for you, Lucas. We need your help in finding a way to reach the city," Haya revealed.

"Really?" Lucas responded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

"Yes, I know you don't enjoy following orders, but we desperately need your assistance," Haya expressed, her tone sincere.

"I don't mind helping. I just don't understand why it must remain a secret," Lucas expressed his confusion.

"We cannot afford the risk, Lucas. Trust me," Haya pleaded.

"Okay, I'll do it. But I have a question," Lucas said.

"Yes?" Haya prompted.

"If you despised Izek, why did you choose to follow him again after his betrayal?" Lucas asked, searching for answers.

"That's a valid question, Lucas," Haya acknowledged. "He did betray me, but deep down, I always believed he had the capability to change our dire circumstances."

"You believed in him more than you trusted me," Lucas stated with a hint of disappointment.

"I never meant to hurt you, Lucas. I simply wanted to save the world," Haya explained.

"I understand," Lucas replied, striving to accept the complexity of their situation.

As they walked side by side in silence, Lucas contemplated his actions. It was true that he felt trapped without any viable options, but he

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