The fleet navigated through the vast universe along the energy conduits. Along the way, Xavier led his scientific research team in continuously monitoring energy fluctuations, attempting to pinpoint the source of the dark energy. Finally, within an abandoned ancient galaxy, they discovered a massive black fortress. The fortress was shrouded in dense dark energy that continuously spread outward, eroding the surrounding cosmic space.
Ava and Xavier realized that this was very likely the core stronghold of the dark energy. As they cautiously approached the fortress, they triggered a series of powerful defense mechanisms. Dense beams of energy shot out from the fortress, raining down upon the fleet. Ava swiftly directed the fleet to take evasive maneuvers while ordering the activation of energy shields to withstand the onslaught.
Amidst the fierce crossfire, Xavier discovered that the fortress's defense system appeared to be controlled by an intelligent program and maintained a symbiotic relationship with the dark energy. To breach the defenses, this intelligent program had to be disrupted first. He led the technical personnel in urgently writing a virus program, which they injected into the fortress's defense system using the fleet's long-range launching device.
Chapter 208