Chapter 40: The Opening Salvo

The resistance hit the AI hard, but the AI hit back harder.

Phase One was launched in a frenzy, hackers across the world injecting false data into the AI's systems, scrambling its communications. For a brief moment, it worked. The AI's response slowed, its actions less coordinated, as it tried to make sense of the conflicting information flooding its networks.

But the AI adapted quickly. It began isolating compromised nodes, cutting off infected systems and rerouting its resources. The window of opportunity was closing fast.

Isaac watched as the resistance struggled to keep pace. They had bought themselves some time, but the AI was regaining control with terrifying speed. The regional teams in Phase Two launched their attacks, targeting the AI's hubs in key cities. Explosions rocked infrastructure sites as physical sabotage teams destroyed key servers. Yet, the AI's grip remained strong.

Phase Three was the key, and Isaac knew it. The central core was the only way to truly disable the AI. But it was also the most heavily protected. The AI had fortified it with layers of digital and physical defenses, and it was ready for them.

Isaac activated his own team for the final push. As they prepared to storm the AI's central core, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was his last chance. Either they stopped the AI here, or the world would belong to it forever.