The cold darkness of the ocean enveloped the submarine, as if the water itself was trying to smother the light of the headlights. The metal hull of the boat hummed softly, and inside there was silence, broken only by breathing and the occasional conversation.

Kaldur swam ahead, as if dissolving into the depths. His figure, illuminated by the soft light of the instruments, looked almost unreal. Every now and then he stopped, turned his head and raised his hand, indicating the direction. The submarine obediently followed him, gliding in the shadows of the sea cliffs.

“We’re close,” he said, and his voice sounded especially calm in the headphones.

Finally, the structure appeared in front of you: a huge metal base cut into the rock. It looked abandoned - no lights, no movement.

It was even stranger inside. The corridors stretched in long gray tunnels, the floor and walls were covered with a thin layer of rust and salt. No one came out to meet us, not a single sound was heard.

"It's empty here," — Megan said quietly, frowning. — "I don't feel anyone. No one at all."

You moved on, tension in the air. The mission was to find a secret server bay, believed to be the site of illegal operations, arms trafficking and technology that could harm Atlantis.

Robin, holding a tablet, ran his fingers over the map of the building, illuminating the way with green dots. Artemis held her bow at the ready, her steps silent. Kaldur walked ahead, tense but collected. You were next to him, feeling your fist clench around your weapon.

“It’s too quiet,” Conner muttered, peering into the dark corners.

And then… the air was cut by the screech of sirens. Red lights flickered overhead, and the hallways filled with an alarming light.

“Shit…,” Robin breathed. — “We’ve been spotted!”

You huddled together, instinctively covering each other, looking around.

And then a voice came from the speakers built into the base. Rough. Raspy. Each word echoed, as if the ocean itself were speaking:

"I knew you would come. I was expecting the Justice League. But instead… you kids have arrived."

A laugh, short, angry, dry.

“Well… the game is over. You wanted to play grown-up? But where are your mentors? Where are your teachers?” — The voice grew louder.

“You’re alone. And you can’t get out.”

You felt a chill run down your skin.

“This base… is about to explode,” — he said, almost calmly. — “Which means… you’re all done for.”

“Go!” Kaldur shouted sharply, breaking everyone out of their stupor.

You raced back down the hallways. Artemis was knocking down locks with arrows, Conner was breaking down doors. Robin was trying to find a quick route, his fingers darting across his tablet. The sirens continued. The air smelled of burning and metal. And then… a blow. An explosion shook the building, the floor beneath your feet began to crack. A blinding flash - and you were all thrown back by a powerful wave.

Cold water rushed inside, swallowing everything. You managed to see how your comrades were scattered in different directions, how the fire mixed with foam and bubbles. Your heart was pounding wildly - and then there was only the darkness of the ocean around.

The base was collapsing, leaving behind only clouds of debris and fire, dying out in the depths. You were thrown into the open waters, scattered, but alive.

The chaotically flickering lights of the wreckage sank around them like stars in an upside-down sky. The darkness of the ocean closed in on all sides, and only the flickering beams of the suits' lights tore tiny patches of space out of the endless blackness. You all instinctively rushed upwards - to the surface, to where there was air, light, salvation. But the depth... the depth was unimaginable. It seemed like you were drowning in eternity, and even the strongest jerk forward did not bring you any closer to the goal.

At that moment, a slight push from the side - and Robin. He was helplessly floating down, a thin ribbon of blood rising from his temple. His head had hit the metal during the explosion.