The Syndicate launches a major attack on Vigil's communication networks, targeting regions where public trust is already low. Using advanced AI tools, they exploit small vulnerabilities in Vigil's decentralized nodes to spread disinformation and disrupt local governance.
Zane, Yara, and the Guardians coordinate a counterattack, deploying ClearGrid to isolate compromised nodes and prevent the attack from spreading. Nyla addresses the affected communities, reassuring them that Vigil's defenses are adapting and urging patience as repairs begin.
While the immediate threat is contained, the attack reveals weaknesses in Vigil's decentralized structure. Vidal warns that without greater global coordination, Vigil may be unable to fend off increasingly sophisticated assaults. The Neo-Digitalists, however, argue that decentralization is Vigil's greatest strength, even amid challenges.