A low, humming silence spread across Alderra as the final echoes of the Vex encounter faded. Screens throughout the city remained black for minutes, their usual flashing propaganda and surveillance feeds interrupted for the first time in years.Then a single word blinked into view:REBOOT.It wasn’t just a message. It was a promise.Inside the rebel command base, deep beneath the old train station, Dustin stood with his back to the terminal. Dozens of children rescued from the Spire were being tended to by medics and volunteers. Syra, bandaged but sharp-eyed, coordinated supplies and regroup efforts with Mina and Theo.Rael entered, tossing a crumpled comm device onto the table.“City Hall’s gone quiet. No messages, no orders. Mayor’s office hasn’t sent a signal in hours.”Dustin narrowed his eyes. “They’re reeling. Vex was their shadow weapon. Without him, they’re exposed.”Syra approached, holding a portable screen. “Still… they’re not beaten. The Mayor’s Emergency Council has invok