The air in the Research Sector was thick with tension as the shimmering portal flickered and finally stabilized. With a burst of light, Darling and his team emerged from the Astral Plane, their suits scorched and marked by the harrowing ordeal.
"Medical team, stand by!" Marshall's voice cut through the commotion as personnel rushed forward to assist.
Darling waved off the nearest medic, though his face was pale, and his breathing labored. "I'm fine," he said hoarsely, though the blood staining his side told a different story.
Underhill shot him a glare. "You're not fine. Sit down and let them treat you."
Reluctantly, Darling allowed himself to be guided to a nearby bench. He winced as the medic began tending to his wound.
Trench entered the room, his expression unreadable as he approached the team. "Report."
"We stabilized the core," Underhill said, stepping forward. "But it wasn't easy. There was... an entity. It claimed responsibility for placing the core and warned us that the balance remains fragile."
Trench's eyes narrowed. "An entity?"
Darling nodded weakly. "It was unlike anything we've encountered before. Intelligent, powerful, and... aware of our presence. It stabilized the core at my request, but it made it clear that this is far from over."
Marshall crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. "So, what now? If this thing's still out there, what's stopping it from destabilizing the Plane again?"
"We need to understand it," Darling said, his voice gaining strength. "Study its patterns, its motives. This wasn't a random disturbance. There's something larger at play."
Trench regarded him for a moment before speaking. "You've done well, Darling. Get some rest. We'll debrief in the morning."
As the team dispersed, Darling leaned back, exhaustion finally overtaking him. Despite the victory, he couldn't shake the feeling that they had merely delayed the inevitable.
Somewhere beyond the Astral Plane, something was watching.
And waiting.