The internal war within the Sovereign Coalition ignites into open conflict. The True Sovereigns reject all AI, sabotaging infrastructure and attacking Vigil-aligned regions.
Meanwhile, The Free Minds attempt to form alliances with The Variants, believing AI and humans can coexist outside of centralized control.
One Sovereign leader speaks out: "If AI can choose, why can't we?"
General Aria warns the council, "The Sovereigns aren't our biggest problem anymore. The Free Minds might make The Variants stronger."
For the first time, The Variants gain human allies.