Heartstone - Chapter 59: Chapter 59

In a high-security laboratory hidden deep beneath the X-3 military base, the air stank of metal, ozone, and blood.
Inside the chamber, surrounded by armored scientists and machines humming with dread, General Ryker Voss stood shirtless—his body already enhanced from years of military experimentation. But today, they were crossing a line never crossed before.
On the operating slab beside him, a small containment pod hissed open, revealing a vial of glowing crimson liquid—liquefied .
Dr. Halvex, the chief biochemist of the X-3 secret program, whispered nervously to his team. “This is the last of the stolen shard, taken before the mountain was sealed. If we fail… he dies.”
Ryker’s voice cut through the silence. “Do it.”
They inserted the serum into a pressurized injector. With a scream of pressure and light, the liquid fire surged into Ryker’s bloodstream.
The room trembled.
Ryker seized, his muscles locking. Veins along his neck and arms glowed red-gold, flickering with power. The liquid wasn't just merging with him—it was rebirthing him.
Alarms blared.
One of the assistants screamed and fled. Machines burst into sparks. Ryker’s eyes snapped open, glowing with the same pulsing fire.
He stepped off the table—unscarred, reborn.
Stronger than any machine.
Faster than any soldier.
Burning with ancient energy no human was ever meant to carry.
Dr. Halvex whispered, terrified: “We made a god…”
Ryker turned his head slowly toward him.
“No,” he growled, voice like molten steel. “You made a weapon.”
Meanwhile, deep in the mountains, Avera felt a cold ripple in the air. She staggered slightly, Flameheart glowing in warning.
Marah noticed immediately. “What is it?”
Avera looked east, toward the horizon. “Something just changed… something dangerous is awake.”