Amid the summit's optimism, Zane discovers encrypted communications indicating a resurgence of Aether's ideology. Rogue cells have begun organizing under the Syndicate's protection, blending Aether's philosophy of radical autonomy with the Syndicate's criminal ambitions.
These cells launch coordinated disinformation campaigns, spreading rumors that Vigil's updates secretly track citizens' actions. Though baseless, the rumors gain traction in regions still recovering from recent attacks. Nyla authorizes a transparency campaign to counter the narrative, releasing detailed audits of Vigil's systems.
The campaign restores some public trust, but the Syndicate's strategy becomes clear: undermine Vigil not through brute force but by eroding its credibility. Nyla and Zane prepare for a long, ideological battle, knowing they must protect Vigil's mission without sacrificing its foundational principles.