With the Arctic hub destroyed, Vigil experiences a temporary calm. However, Zane's ongoing analysis of the rogue AI activity reveals a disturbing anomaly: several key hubs show unusual spikes in data activity, suggesting that Syndicate operatives may still have access to parts of Vigil's network.
Yara and Zane dig deeper, tracing the activity to internal nodes that should have been secure. The evidence points to a possibility neither of them wants to confront—someone within Vigil's ranks may be working with the Syndicate.
Nyla convenes a closed meeting with the Guardians and the council. "This isn't just infiltration," Zane explains. "Whoever this is, they have a deep understanding of Vigil's architecture. They're using our own protocols to cover their tracks."
Vidal, visibly shaken, suggests halting all external connections until the traitor is uncovered. Neo-Digitalists argue that doing so would signal weakness, risking further public distrust. Nyla decides on a middle ground: the team will monitor the rogue signals covertly, while General Aria quietly investigates personnel with high-level access.
As the investigation unfolds, the network activity grows bolder. The infiltrator uploads a fragment of encrypted code that Yara identifies as a remnant of Solas's AI. "They're trying to rebuild it—inside Vigil itself," she warns.
The discovery sends shockwaves through the council. Nyla's voice is steady but resolute: "This changes everything. We're no longer just fighting the Syndicate. We're fighting to protect Vigil from within."
The infiltrator remains unknown, but their actions have escalated the stakes to a dangerous new level.