The Jade Dragon Speaks … For the First Time

A hidden digital network—no physical location. The screen flickers to life, revealing a shadowed figure seated in silence. The digital distortion warps their features, leaving only a vague silhouette.

The transmission crackled to life, a cascade of binary code scrolling down the edges of the screen. The atmosphere in the secured conference room grew heavy, thick with the weight of something inevitable. Mei Ling sat rigidly in her chair, her nails digging into the armrest. Across from her, Yun Feng and Dr. Sheng Xiu exchanged a glance. Zara Malik, ever the composed strategist, merely crossed her arms and leaned back, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

A voice, distorted but unwavering, filled the room.

"The Nine Dragons are no longer needed."

Silence followed, deafening in its implications.

Mei Ling's eyes narrowed, her voice steady but sharp. "Who are you?"

The figure tilted its head slightly. The digital distortion flared for a brief moment before settling once more.