Ellie followed Nyx deeper into the resistance stronghold, where dozens of figures worked tirelessly in the dim glow of monitors and maps. Tactical plans sprawled across the walls, surveillance feeds flickered with static, and weapons hummed as engineers fine-tuned them.
"This is more than just a resistance," Ellie murmured. "You're preparing for war."
A woman with cybernetic eyes approached. "We have been at war, Ellie. We've just been losing. Until now."
Nyx gestured toward a massive screen displaying the city's neural network—an intricate web of glowing lines that pulsed in sync with something unseen. "The Architects control every system, every mind plugged into their grid. But you? You exist outside of it. That makes you their greatest threat."
Ellie clenched her fists. "Then we take them down."
The resistance leader smirked. "It's not that simple. If we strike too soon, they'll wipe us all out. But if we move too late, they'll find you first."
A siren wailed through the underground base. Red lights flared. A distorted voice echoed from the speakers: "Security breach detected."
Nyx's expression darkened. "Looks like they found us anyway."
The doors burst open as enforcers swarmed in. Ellie felt the surge of energy crackling inside her.
"Let's finish this," she whispered, stepping into battle.