A City Engulfed in Flames

Jakarta’s streets boiled under a blood-orange sunset. Graffiti of the rebellion’s phoenix symbol stained concrete walls, half-covered by Syndicate posters declaring “Order Through Obedience.” A Molotov cocktail arced through the air, shattering against an armored personnel carrier. Flames licked the sky as protesters—students, shopkeepers, street vendors—charged barricades manned by Nine Dragons enforcers in black riot gear. The air reeked of tear gas and burning tires.

Bintang yanking a child from the path of a rubber bullet. “Get to the alley! Now!”

Thalia over comms, voice crackling. “David’s en route with the Crown. Hold the square—it’s the only way to draw the Syndicate’s forces!”

Clarissa fires a smoke grenade. “Hold it? They’re slaughtering us!”

David through static, voice distorted. “I’m close. The Crown… it’s showing me their weak points.”

Protester screaming, pointing. “Drones! Drones overhead!”