Clash of Shadows

Sparks flew as Kael's fist collided with Dax's jaw, the force reverberating through the steel-walled chamber. Neon light flickered wildly, casting fractured shadows that danced like ghosts on the walls.

"You betrayed everything we stood for," Kael growled, blocking a vicious counterstrike.

Dax's eyes burned with cold fury. "You were weak. I chose power."

Aeris's fingers flew over the keyboard, sweat dripping into the console as the decryption neared completion. "Kael, keep him busy! I'm almost through!"

Dax lunged again, faster this time — a blur of calculated aggression. Kael dodged, narrowly avoiding a blade glinting under the flickering lights.

Their battle was a deadly dance—each move precise, brutal, and fueled by past wounds and shattered trust.

Aeris's breath hitched as the progress bar edged to 90%. "Five seconds…"

With a roar, Kael slammed Dax against a server rack, buying Aeris the precious seconds she needed.

The final keystroke echoed like a gunshot.

"Done."

The core blinked green — NeuroNet's control severed.

Dax stared, disbelief flickering across his face.

Kael tightened his grip, voice cold as steel. "Game over."

Outside, the city's neon glow pulsed like a heartbeat — a new dawn breaking through the digital darkness.