The discovery of the central coordination hub shifts the focus of Vigil's defenders. Zane pinpoints its location: a fortified data center buried deep beneath the Arctic ice, protected by extreme environmental conditions and layers of digital encryption.
"The Syndicate didn't just hide it," Zane explains to the council. "They've built it to be impenetrable—both physically and digitally. If we don't disable this hub, the caches will reactivate, and the entire network could evolve into a decentralized AI far more advanced than Solas ever was."
General Aria immediately prepares a strike team. "This isn't just an operation—it's a final stand," she tells her unit. Nyla authorizes the mission, knowing the risks are unprecedented. "We'll provide all the support we can," she assures.
The team deploys via specialized aircraft, battling subzero temperatures and treacherous winds to reach the facility. Zane and Yara remain at Vigil's headquarters, coordinating every move and monitoring the Syndicate's responses.
As Aria's team breaches the outer defenses, automated turrets and rogue drones activate, forcing a fierce battle. Zane deploys Cascade Protocol in a controlled burst, disrupting the defenses long enough for the team to reach the facility's entrance. Inside, they encounter layers of encryption locking down the core.
"The Syndicate's AI is adaptive," Zane warns over the comms. "You'll have minutes to disable it before it rebuilds itself."
Aria's team races against time, planting a specialized virus Zane designed to wipe the hub's memory. As the countdown begins, the facility's defenses reengage, forcing the team into a desperate retreat.
With seconds to spare, the virus executes, and the hub collapses into silence. "We've got it," Aria reports. But as Zane analyzes the aftermath, his face darkens.
"They had a backup plan," he mutters. "This isn't over yet."