The hovercar sped through the rain-slick streets, its engine a low growl beneath the roar of the storm fading behind them. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with exhaustion and anticipation.
Aeris sat hunched over the decrypted drive, fingers trembling slightly as she connected it to her portable holo-pad. The flickering blue light cast sharp shadows across her determined face.
Kael kept a steady watch, eyes scanning every rearview reflection, muscles still tense from the fight.
Vex's visor glowed softly, their expression unreadable as they monitored the cityscape rushing past.
Data flooded the screen — files, videos, encrypted messages — a digital labyrinth of the syndicate's darkest secrets.
Aeris's breath hitched as the first video played: grainy footage of experiments, faces distorted in pain and fear, whispers of forced mind-control tests tied directly to the NeuroNet AI.
"This isn't just control," Aeris whispered, voice breaking. "It's a war on free will."
Kael's fist clenched beside her. "They're trying to build an army — puppets with no memories, no choices."
Vex's tone was grim. "And the worst part? This project's been active far longer than we thought. There's a mole inside our network — feeding them information."
The car rounded a corner sharply, neon signs reflecting off rain-soaked asphalt like fractured stained glass.
Aeris looked up, eyes blazing. "Then we need to find that mole. Before everything we've fought for turns to ashes."
Kael nodded, voice low but fierce. "No one gets left behind. No more secrets."
Outside, the city pulsed with life — oblivious to the battle unfolding beneath its glittering surface.
But for Aeris, Kael, and Vex, the storm was just beginning.