CHAPTER 8 — THE MAN WHO CONTROLLED THE ARMY
The Warden's smile vanished for the first time.
"This is impossible."
"I erased that protocol."
The arena's central computer responded with a cold electronic voice.
"Primary genetic signature confirmed."
"Commander authorization: Ethan Kane."
Every armored soldier lowered their weapons.
Every surveillance camera rotated toward Ethan.
Massive blast doors unlocked throughout the prison.
The Warden lunged toward the control console.
His daughter fired a warning shot, forcing him back.
"You've lost."
But the Warden laughed.
"You still don't understand."
He pressed a hidden switch beneath the console.
A countdown appeared on every screen.
SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE ACTIVATED
30:00
The audience erupted into panic.
VIPs rushed for the exits.
The doors refused to open.
The Warden spread his arms.
"If I can't own Project Phoenix..."
"No one will."
Explosions echoed deep beneath the prison.
The walls began to crack.
Dust poured from the ceiling.
Ethan's wife grabbed his arm.
"We have to leave—now!"
But Ethan looked at the thousands of prisoners trapped behind locked cells.
"If we run..."
"They all die."
The Ghost stepped beside him.
"So what's the plan, Commander?"
For the first time, Ethan accepted the title.
He looked at the kneeling army.
Then calmly gave his first order.
"Open every cell."
"Protect every innocent."
"Leave no one behind."
The soldiers immediately obeyed.
Steel doors thundered open across the entire prison.
Hundreds of prisoners stumbled into the corridors, shocked by their sudden freedom.
The Warden quietly backed toward a hidden elevator.
No one noticed.
Until a small voice echoed through the smoke.
"Dad..."
Everyone turned.
A little boy, no older than eight, stood in the doorway.
He looked exactly like Ethan.
The Warden smiled at the child.
"Come with Grandpa."
The boy hesitated.
Then looked at Ethan.
"Dad..."
"Who is he?"
Ethan froze.
His wife whispered, her face pale with fear:
"I never told you..."
"He wasn't kidnapped."
"He was raised..."
"...by your father."
The countdown dropped to:
19:42
As the prison shook from another explosion, the Warden stepped into the elevator with the child.
The steel doors began to close.
Ethan sprinted forward—
But the elevator disappeared into the darkness.
Above the collapsing prison, one message flashed across every screen:
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"PROJECT PHOENIX HAS ENTERED ITS FINAL STAGE."
To Be Continued...
