Amid the Syndicate's aggression, encrypted communications hint at a resurgence of Aether's remnants, now fragmented but still influential. Zane intercepts a message that suggests Aether operatives are planning to sabotage Vigil's ongoing upgrades, aiming to turn public opinion against the system entirely.
The Guardians dispatch teams to monitor vulnerable hubs and fortify defenses, but the threat proves elusive. A small attack on a pilot hub in South America raises alarms, though quick action prevents widespread disruption. Nyla knows that Aether's ideology still lingers in the minds of many, and each attack risks reigniting old fears.
To counter this, Yara proposes a global campaign to highlight the resilience of Vigil Reinvented. Stories of successful recoveries and community-led innovations flood social media, shifting the narrative back in Vigil's favor. Though the campaign is effective, Nyla remains uneasy, aware that Aether's influence is far from extinguished.