This is part of an original serialized fiction project written and edited by the author. All story elements and characters are fictional.

The Esmeralda building was eerily silent. The lights flickered on and off, as if the structure itself was reacting to the events unfolding within its walls. Teodora, Leo, Lucía, and Gregorio were gathered in the old woman’s small apartment, reviewing one final plan as the clock ticked toward the inevitable.

On the table sat a notebook filled with sketches and rough maps, surrounded by makeshift tools and old devices Gregorio had pulled from his bag.

“This is the moment,” Gregorio said firmly, pointing to the map. “If Méndez wants full access to the Echo Chamber system, he’ll have to reach the central point — the main pedestal inside the Chamber.”

Teodora nodded.
“And we know he can’t do that without the fragment. For now, it’s safe.”

Lucía crossed her arms, eyeing Gregorio with a trace of suspicion.
“Then why does it feel like that’s not going to be enough?”

Gregorio gave her a faint, bitter smile.
“Because it won’t be. If Méndez can’t get to the fragment, he’ll try to destabilize the system from another entry point.”

Leo pointed at the map, specifically at the underground sections of the building.
“You mean the tunnels?”

“Exactly,” Gregorio said. “But this time, he won’t just try to shut it down. He’ll aim to cause a controlled collapse.”

Lucía’s eyes widened.
“A collapse? You mean he’d blow up the building?”

Gregorio nodded grimly.
“If he can’t control the artifact or the system, destroying them would be his next move.”

The room fell silent, Gregorio’s words hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Teodora broke the stillness.

“Then we need to act first. If we can block access to the pedestal and the tunnels, we might buy enough time to stop any sabotage.”

Leo studied the map, frowning.
“But how do we block all of that? The building’s too big.”

Gregorio pointed to several locations on the map.
“We can use the original sealing systems. The Custodians left mechanisms in place to isolate sections of the building in emergencies. They weren’t meant to be used long-term — but they should hold long enough.”

Lucía leaned over the map, examining it closely.
“Where are these mechanisms?”

Gregorio indicated three key spots: the main basement, the boiler room, and a hidden control chamber near the attic.

“If we activate all three, the system will lock down. But there’s a catch.”

Teodora raised an eyebrow.
“What kind of catch?”

Gregorio sighed.
“Someone has to stay at each location to make sure the seal holds.”

Leo and Lucía exchanged a look, immediately understanding what that meant.

“So, we have to split up?” Lucía asked.

“It’s the only way,” Teodora replied, her voice firm. “We can’t let Méndez or his men get access.”

As the group prepared to carry out the plan, the air was thick with tension. Gregorio checked the ancient sealing mechanisms, ensuring they were still operational. Leo and Lucía gathered tools and flashlights, while Teodora coordinated their tasks.

“Gregorio and I will handle the basement,” Teodora said, looking at the siblings. “You two will go to the boiler room.”