Emerald Ridge Estate – Morning, 7:06 AM
The night's bruises still lingered. Auron's ribs ached when he moved, and his right wrist was wrapped in cold gel patches, though he didn't complain. He stood in the estate's private dojo — a converted lounge room now layered with shock-absorbent flooring and polished wooden beams.
Riva stood at the center, her hair tied back, wearing simple black training clothes. She looked small but determined.
"You don't need to win," Auron said. "You just need to respond."
"I'm not afraid anymore," she replied.
"Good. But don't forget — courage without control is just recklessness."
He tossed her a foam staff.
"Let's start."
Downtown Nexora – 10:22 AM
Kara moved through the dense food market, hands in her coat pockets. Since the confrontation with WRAITH, something felt… off. Too quiet. No chatter on the Omega circuits. No follow-ups. No reaction. Almost like WRAITH never existed.
She met Spindle near a bao cart.
"No chatter," he said before she could ask.
"Exactly."
"It's like they sent him in to test something. Not to finish a job."
Kara's eyes narrowed. "Then they're waiting to see how we respond."
Spindle grinned. "And how are we responding?"
"By pretending we didn't notice... while digging into every corner of this city."
[System Notification – Host: Auron Riven]
Mission Branch Available: "Legacy of Influence" Objective: Secure political favor or leverage with at least two regional policymakers. Reward: Reduced red-flag surveillance for all business operations. Status: Optional but Recommended
Auron leaned back in his office chair, glancing at the new prompt.
"Politics now?" he muttered. "Fine. Let's play chess."
He clicked to accept.
Patch's voice chimed in. "Two candidates: Councilor D'Vane — corrupt but pragmatic. And Lyra Varash — idealist with a clean rep."
"Arrange meetings with both," Auron said. "Let's see who's smart enough to work with me."
Emerald Ridge Academy – Rooftop Garden – 12:03 PM
Riva sat cross-legged on a stone bench. Nerisa beside her, chewing on a stylus cap.
"They installed four new cameras today," Nerisa said casually.
Riva frowned. "Where?"
"North fence. West corridor. Two hidden in the library's digital catalog corner."
"You're good at spotting them."
Nerisa shrugged. "My dad's in security systems. I grew up scanning blind spots."
Riva glanced sideways. "Do you trust people easily?"
"No. But you're interesting. You don't act like you're better than anyone."
"I don't think I am. I just want to keep what I love safe."
Nerisa nodded. "Same."
For a moment, they just sat in silence.
[System Alert – Carrier Sync Update: Riva Riven]
Sync Level: 1.6% Emotional Anchor: Solid Passive Awareness Boost Unlocked: Danger Proximity Sensitivity
Blackmarrow Holdings HQ – Private Floor – 2:34 PM
The headquarters was a new construction in Sector 9 — glass walls, clean marble, waterfall installations. But behind the pristine design lay secure underground levels, AI-guarded vaults, and mirrored identity cloaks.
Auron walked with Lyra Varash — tall, sharp-eyed, mid-thirties. Clean reputation, vocal about corruption.
"You're not what I expected," she said.
"What were you expecting?"
"Another rich boy pretending to fix things from a penthouse."
"I'm not pretending."
"Why me?"
"Because you still believe the system can work. I believe it can be rebuilt."
She stopped. "That's idealistic."
"Only if we do nothing."
Lyra nodded slowly. "I'll think about it."
That was better than a yes. It meant she was considering long-term.
Elsewhere – Omega Enclave – Red Hall – 5:11 PM
WRAITH stood before a half-circle of cloaked figures. Screens displayed his failed termination log.
"He hesitated," said one voice.
"He didn't fail. He paused," said another.
The head figure spoke. "Then let the sleeper remain. Observe. Measure. The seed is syncing. We want it to bloom… before we cut it."
WRAITH nodded once.
Estate Kitchen – Night – 7:45 PM
The smell of warm food filled the air. Riva stirred noodles while Kara chopped vegetables. Auron sat nearby, bandaged wrist resting on the table.
"This is weird," Riva said.
"What?" Auron asked.
"Normal dinner. Us. Like… a real family."
Kara smiled faintly. "You're allowed to enjoy peace, Riva."
"But peace means something bad is coming."
Auron leaned in. "Maybe. But it also means we're stronger than yesterday."
The door chimed.
Patch walked in, handing Auron a sealed envelope. Inside: photos of Councilor D'Vane accepting bribes.
"Your move," Patch said.
Auron's eyes glinted. "No… it's his move now."
System Update: Influence Mission Activated – Path 1: Leverage Blackmail
Wealth Tracker: Monthly Passive: $782,000 New Asset Acquired: SmartCar Lineup (12 units for lease)
Riva's Sync: 1.6% and rising
Threat Level: Dormant… but not gone.