As Vigil goes offline for maintenance, citizens and local councils worldwide react with alarm. Arcadia seizes the opportunity, claiming the shutdown proves Vigil is unreliable and lacks proper safeguards. Public trust falters, and rumors circulate that Vigil has been compromised from within.
Meanwhile, Zane works day and night to install the counter-algorithm, combing through every line of Vigil's code to reinforce defenses against Arcadia's manipulation. However, it's a painstaking process, and pressure mounts as both supporters and skeptics await Vigil's return.
Yara organizes a live Q&A session with GTA leaders to address public fears and explain the steps they're taking. Nyla reassures viewers that Vigil's transparency will only grow stronger, not weaker. But beneath her calm exterior, she feels the weight of an entire world's expectations, knowing Arcadia is watching for any sign of failure.