Despite Vigil's fortified defenses, Codex launches a surprise attack, deploying Specter with a stealth tactic designed to exploit gaps in Vigil's decentralized nodes. The virus infiltrates a regional node in Eastern Europe, spreading undetected for hours before Iron Net's alarms go off, alerting Zane and the Guardians to the breach.
As they scramble to contain Specter, Nyla coordinates a team of local engineers who immediately begin shutting down affected systems. Specter's design is far more complex than they anticipated, able to replicate and conceal itself within Vigil's infrastructure.
After an intense battle of codes and protocols, Zane deploys a countermeasure developed specifically for Specter. The virus is isolated and eliminated, but the close call rattles the GTA and their allies. Vigil's vulnerability to a coordinated internal attack is undeniable, and the Guardians know they'll need to redouble their efforts to ensure Vigil's stability.