The web of power

Surya sat in the private jet to Zurich , his thoughts fixed on Alaric last details on architect location.

**"You said the Architect operates through a multinational company,"** Surya stated coldly. **"I need every detail."**

Alaric swallowed hard, his eyes darting between Surya and the mercenaries standing guard. **"It's called Aegis Global Holdings. On the surface, it's a major investment firm with deep ties in defense contracts, AI development, and financial institutions. But underneath, it's a front for the real operation—Project Eclipse."**

Surya's fingers tapped lightly against the table. **"And what exactly is their role?"**

**"They launder money, acquire assets, and influence global policies. They fund espionage operations across the world, backing rogue elements within intelligence agencies,"** Alaric admitted, his voice strained. **"They're deeply embedded in multiple governments. No major intelligence move happens without their knowledge."**

Alaric let out a bitter chuckle. "You think you can just pull their financials? They operate through thousands of shell companies, fake firms, and legal loopholes."

Surya narrowed his eyes as key accounts flashed on the screen. "Who are the major players?"

"Five high-ranking individuals control Aegis Global Holdings. The CEO, Marcus Reinhardt, is a former U.S. senator. Chief Strategist, Liu Fang, previously headed China's cyber warfare division. Financial Head, Adrien DuPont, has deep ties to European banking elites. Security Director, Vasily Morozov, is ex-FSB. And the final name… unknown."

Surya leaned forward. "Unknown?"

"There is one figure operating in the shadows. No digital footprint, no official records. The Architect."

Alaric exhaled sharply. "No one has ever seen him. He issues commands through proxies. Even top executives don't know his real identity. Some think he's an AI. Others believe he's ex-intelligence, but the truth—no one knows."

Surya turned back to Alaric. "Where is their next move?"

Alaric hesitated. "They're accelerating Project Eclipse. They need to solidify control before someone like you destroys their plans."

Surya came out of thoughts and nodded to the system. **"Track all digital activity of Aegis Global Holdings—financial transactions, internal communications, and assets worldwide. Cross-reference with any Project Eclipse movements."**

**"Acknowledged. Compiling all relevant data."** The system's voice was smooth, devoid of emotion. **"This will take approximately five minutes due to the extensive encryption layers in place."**

The holographic display in front of him began flooding with data. **"Processing over 1,200 subsidiaries, tracking 6,800 offshore accounts. Large-scale transactions detected in Zurich, Hong Kong, and Dubai. Estimated total assets—nearly 800 billion dollars."**

Surya sat back, analyzing the data streaming in. The Architect was not just some name; he was the ghost behind every global manipulation.

**"System, decrypt any communication patterns among Aegis executives. Focus on confidential memos, black budget operations, and secure meetings."**

**"Decrypting now. Accessing encrypted diplomatic cables, off-record financial exchanges, and classified defense contracts."**

New information populated the screen—messages filled with coded language, offshore payments routed through untraceable cryptocurrencies, and black site meetings between intelligence agencies.

Surya smirked. **"They should be afraid."**

The system beeped. **"High-priority alert. Secure location detected. Aegis Global Holdings board members scheduled to meet in Zurich within the next 48 hours."**

Surya stood. **"Then that's where we strike next."**

The city of Zurich gleamed under the moonlight, its financial district buzzing with unseen power plays. Deep within a high-rise overlooking Lake Zurich, a clandestine meeting was taking place. Surya, stationed in a rented apartment overlooking the skyline, watched his system decrypt the layers of security shielding the building's conference room.

**"System, identify the participants."**

**"Twelve attendees physically present. One virtual participant. Signal is masked with advanced quantum encryption."**

Surya's eyes narrowed. **"Trace the relay points. I need a physical location."**

The system worked in near silence, its algorithms dissecting the encrypted transmission, bouncing through multiple satellite networks and dark web relays. The firewall was formidable, but nothing was beyond the reach of Surya's evolving capabilities.

**"Primary signal source detected. Location—northeast Zurich, industrial sector. A fortified compound under the alias 'Vanguard Research Facility'."**

Surya smirked. **"Got you."**

He activated his comms, signaling Viper and Chameleon, who had been monitoring the surroundings. **"We've got our lead. Get ready for infiltration."**

### **The Hunt Begins**

Moving through the city unnoticed, Surya and his team approached the Vanguard facility, an imposing structure with reinforced perimeter fencing, biometric security, and concealed surveillance drones patrolling above.

Surya observed the building from his vantage point. Unlike the usual high-security compounds he had infiltrated before, this one had minimal guards. A man of such importance, yet so little security—either he was overconfident or had hidden defenses that weren't visible to the naked eye.

**"System, analyze security layers. I need an access point."**

**"Facility security comprises retinal scanners, motion sensors, and electromagnetic barriers. However, ventilation ducts on the north side remain unmonitored."*

*"Encrypted data detected. Accessing live communication feed."**

A holographic screen materialized before Surya, displaying the unknown man's transmission. The figure, concealed by digital distortion, addressed the Zurich council.

**"Project Eclipse is on schedule. We will soon have complete control over intelligence networks across Europe. Continue funneling assets through Aegis Global Holdings."**

Surya's grip tightened. **"System, decrypt voice modulation. Cross-check against intelligence databases."**

A few seconds passed before the system responded. **"Match found—identity: Alexander Kessler, ex-director of Central Intelligence Agency. Presumed dead five years ago."**

Surya's smirk turned into a cold smile. **"Well, well, looks like ghosts do exist."**

He tapped into his comms. **"Target identified. We move in five."**

Surya asked system disable all sensors , cctv but let communication as usual.

Surya smirked. "Cocky bastard thinks no one would dare touch him."

Surya made his decision. **"Viper, Chameleon—flank the entrance ,havoc, orion take from back. I will take vents.

He turned to his squad. "We go in silent, eliminate everyone inside. No one walks out alive except our target. Move in."

The Massacre Begins

Viper and Chameleon took point, slipping through the shadows with professional ease. The first guard barely had time to react before a silenced round buried itself in his skull. Another guard turned at the sound of a faint thud, only for a blade to slide across his throat in the next instant.

Inside, the operatives moved like wraiths, each strike lethal and efficient. Surya himself made his way through the corridors, his silenced pistol firing in calculated bursts. The remaining guards weren't even given a chance to draw their weapons.

Within minutes, the entire floor was littered with bodies. The only sound left was the quiet hum of security cameras, still running their meaningless surveillance.

Surya arrived at the main office, where the unknown man had been attending his virtual meeting. He pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside.

Sitting in an expensive leather chair was the man in question, his screen still glowing with a conference video feed. He turned to look at Surya, calm despite the carnage outside.

"Who are you!," he said while moving back.

Surya with his face changed tilted his head. "Just someone to keep others dream in check ."