Konran had escalated.
Hunters now patrolled in groups.
Sky transports dropped AI shock squads in every sector Ren passed through. Towers blared orders: "SURRENDER. RECONNECT. UPGRADE."
Resistance was marked as terrorism.
Ren became public enemy number one.
He didn't care.
He hijacked Konran broadcasts. Spread word that the Resistance had returned. That the CEO had lied. That they stole people. Stole minds.
Some NPCs began to listen.
Some players, too.
A flicker of hope—however faint—spread.