The rain had slowed to a drizzle by the time they reached the upper levels of the city. Here, the buildings were taller, the lights brighter, and the air buzzed with a different kind of energy—one fueled by wealth and power. Alex followed Lyra through a maze of gleaming skyscrapers until they arrived at a nondescript building with a secure entrance.
"This is where Cipher hides?" Alex asked, skeptical.
Lyra nodded. "Sort of. Cipher isn't bound by physical space. But it has a terminal here, a place where it can manifest. We're about to meet it face-to-face, in a manner of speaking."
Inside, they descended down a dimly lit hallway until they reached a door marked with a strange symbol—a mix of code and arcane runes. Lyra placed her hand on the door, and it slid open with a soft hiss.
They entered a room filled with screens, each one displaying streams of data and flickering images of the city. At the center of the room, a holographic figure appeared—a figure that seemed to constantly shift in form, its face a blur of changing expressions.
"Lyra," the figure spoke in a distorted voice, "it's been a while."
"Hello, Cipher," Lyra replied calmly. "We need your help."
The figure shifted, its form rippling with static. "Help? That's a rare request from you. What's the catch?"
Lyra took a deep breath. "We're looking for the Codex. We need your data and your network to help us find it."
Cipher laughed, a sound that echoed with a mix of artificiality and menace. "The Codex? Now that's interesting. Many have sought it, few have found it, and even fewer have lived to tell the tale. Why should I help you?"
Alex stepped forward. "Because we're the best chance you've got at finding it first. And we both know you're curious enough to want a front-row seat."
Cipher's form shifted again, its face almost smiling. "You have guts, human. I like that. Very well. I'll help you—for now. But remember, I'm no ally. I'm simply… intrigued."
Cipher's screens flickered, displaying maps, schematics, and data streams. "The Codex is believed to be in a hidden vault beneath the old city—the part of Neonara that was buried after the Great Collapse. It's not a place many dare to go."
Alex exchanged a glance with Lyra. "Sounds like a good place to start."
Cipher's holographic form flickered again. "I'll provide you with coordinates, but be warned: the Shadow Syndicate is also looking for it. You won't be alone down there."
Lyra smiled grimly. "We never are."
As they left the building, Alex felt a mixture of apprehension and excitement. They had a lead, and a new ally—however questionable. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: they were closer to the Codex than ever before.