Location: Tavara Capital – The Undercity
Beneath the glittering skyline of Tavara's capital, hidden in the belly of the old city, a fire was quietly spreading.
Torches lined narrow brick tunnels where the disillusioned gathered. Among them were ex-soldiers, abandoned politicians, fired workers, and even orphaned youth. All whispered the same name—The Phoenix Order.
A scar-faced man known as Kaleb stood on a crate, addressing the crowd.
"They think we're forgotten. They think we're rats beneath their heels. But tonight, we ignite what they fear most—unity born of rage."
Cheering erupted. Fists rose in the flickering firelight.
Kaleb pointed at a projected map behind him. "District 7 falls first. Then we cripple their comms. We make them listen by forcing silence."
A woman stepped forward, hooded and composed. "And the Kane family?"
Kaleb sneered. "Especially them. Their blood built this golden prison. We'll turn it to ash."
But unknown to all, an invisible drone hovered above—its lens flashing red as it streamed everything live to the Kane estate.
---
Location: Kane Estate – Command Deck
Victor and Nora stood side by side, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the live feed.
"That's Kaleb Durn," Victor said coldly. "Ex-intelligence. Thought dead."
"He's not dead. Just reborn in bitterness," Nora murmured. "But he's not the real leader. The woman beside him… she's the one they follow without question."
Victor's eyes narrowed. "Then we cut the head of the snake."
Lena tapped into the interface. "They're planning to shut down the power grid and hijack the defense satellites. At this rate, we'll be blind in 48 hours."
Nora looked to Victor. "We need to draw them out."
Victor smirked. "I know exactly how."
---
Location: Capital Broadcast Tower
A few hours later, all television networks, mobile devices, and public digital billboards in Tavara lit up with the same live feed.
Victor Kane stood before the nation.
"To those who think Tavara is theirs to burn—I see you."
"To the ones hiding behind shadows, preying on the poor and forgotten—I remember every name, every betrayal."
"This is your final warning. You strike again, and I won't send a team—I'll come myself."
Silence reigned across the capital. Then whispers… then sparks.
Some rallied behind him. Others braced for chaos.
But in the undercity, Kaleb watched the screen and chuckled darkly.
"Now the real war begins."
---
Location: Hidden Bunker – Unknown
Far away, in a dark-lit chamber, a man in ceremonial robes touched a relic etched in ancient runes.
"The boy has returned," he murmured.
A woman behind him whispered, "And the flame awakens."
The man looked up, eyes glowing faintly violet.
"Then the veil must fall. All of it."