The sting of Blackwood’s betrayal was swift and brutal. He wasn’t just a mole, he was a catalyst, actively accelerating The Architect’s doomsday plan: Operation Phoenix. The realization hit hard, their trap hadn’t exposed him soon enough. It had only given the enemy a head start.

“He’s feeding The Architect everything,” Leah said, her voice tight with rage. “Our strategy, our knowledge of Phase Two, even our financial counter strike plans. This could trigger Operation Phoenix early.”

“We have to stop him,” Jason said, fists clenched. “Before he transmits anything else.”

Amelia’s face hardened as she pulled up a new schematic on her tablet. “Maya, locate Blackwood. Predict his path.”...