The stabilizers emitted a soft hum as they synchronized with the Plane's fluctuating energy, anchoring the team to the shifting environment. Ashton worked swiftly, adjusting the field emitters while Underhill monitored the energy flow.
"Stabilizers are active," Underhill reported, glancing at Darling. "We should have a brief window of stability."
Darling winced, his breathing labored. "Good. Let's... see if we can get a reading on the core disturbance."
Ashton shot him a concerned look. "Doc, you really don't look so hot. Maybe sit this one out?"
"No," Darling said firmly, pushing past the pain. "We didn't come this far to stop now."
Underhill gave him a brief nod, respecting his determination but keeping a wary eye on his condition. She adjusted her visor and activated the long-range scanner. Almost immediately, the readings spiked.
"I'm picking up an energy source at the center of the structure," she said. "It's erratic but incredibly powerful. Whatever it is, it's destabilizing the Plane."
Darling leaned on Ashton for support as he studied the data on his wrist console. "It looks... artificial. Like it was placed here intentionally."
"Placed by who?" Ashton asked, scanning the surroundings. "I don't see anyone but us."
"Maybe not who," Underhill said thoughtfully. "But what. The Plane isn't exactly uninhabited. Entities exist here that defy normal comprehension."
Before anyone could respond, a deep, resonant pulse rippled through the structure, causing the stabilizers to flicker.
"What the hell was that?" Ashton muttered, gripping her weapon tightly.
"An energy discharge," Underhill said, frantically adjusting the stabilizers. "If it happens again, the field might collapse."
Darling gritted his teeth, forcing himself upright. "We need to neutralize the source before it tears the Plane apart." He turned to Underhill. "Can you isolate it?"
Underhill hesitated, then nodded. "I think so, but I'll need a direct interface. That means getting closer to the core."
"Then we go," Darling said, determination clear despite his weakened state. "Ashton, stay on point. Underhill, prepare the interface. Let's end this."
The team moved forward, each step echoing through the vast expanse of the Plane. With every pulse from the core, the ground beneath them shifted, threatening to collapse entirely.
Darling knew they were running out of time—and that whatever lay ahead might be more than they could handle.