28. The Hidden Legion

Smoke drifted like ghosts through the ruined command outpost. Ash painted the sky. Elara stood at the edge of the shattered satellite relay, boots crunching on scorched metal.

Damien approached from the opposite ridge, wiping sweat and soot from his brow. "It's done. Mairee's global neural link is down. We've cut their control."

"But the war's not over," Elara murmured. She turned, her eyes searching the horizon. "This only draws out their next weapon."

Nova's voice crackled over the comms: "We have something. A survivor from Sector 14. Claims to have intel on Project Legion."

Damien's brow furrowed. "Project what?"

"Meet us in the ruins of Kerev Hold," Nova replied. "You'll want to hear this."

The ruins of Kerev Hold were buried beneath years of silence and battle debris. Inside a hidden sub-level, Nova and Lyne stood with a gaunt man—eyes sunken, face burned, uniform shredded.