The storm had begun.
But a revolution without structure burns out faster than it ignites. Kael knew this. So did Zarif. That's why, for the first time since the world went dark, two banners were raised—one of the Ghost Rebellion, the other of the Children of Silence.
And between them, a table.
Not for peace.
For war.
---
Citadel of the Forgotten — 72 Hours Later
The chamber was quiet but tense. Around the stone table sat the nine rogue leaders, Kael, Astra, Rael Nomura, and a select few Ghost commanders.
The table wasn't just symbolic—it was the first official diplomatic meet between factions outside sponsor control.
Kael stood.
> "We've all fought alone. Been hunted. Discarded. Lied to. But Jian didn't count on something: that when the network died… the truth would speak louder."
He nodded to Astra, who activated a crude projection—spliced data from surviving HALIX caches, showing Jian's Blackout Protocol initiating mass manipulation systems across Europe, Asia, and sponsor vaults.
> "He doesn't want a war. He wants obedience."
> "So we give him neither."
---
Zarif Noori rose next.
> "I've seen empires fall. Not through armies—but through unity. The Citadel isn't built on power. It's built on will."
He turned to the table.
> "Then let it be written today: from the ashes of nations, a new order rises. One not of territory, but of rebellion."
He placed a scarred steel shard onto the center of the table—etched with the Citadel's symbol.
Kael followed. Placed his Ghost insignia beside it.
Others joined. One by one.
---
The Warborn Accord was forged.
A pact among the broken—but unyielding.
A declaration that Jian would no longer dictate the rules.
Ghost Rebellion Intelligence would link with the Citadel's analog comm grids.
Astra would teach HALIX resistance methods to the rogue Cells.
Rael would open maritime smuggling routes to reach Asia and Africa.
Zarif would send his shadow operatives to ignite insurrections in Jian's occupied cities.
---
But far away... Jian was listening.
Inside a hollowed-out Swiss vault—his new throne of silence—Jian watched a rogue drone's recording of the Accord.
> "So the broken ones crawl from their caves," he muttered.
His advisor entered. "Do we proceed with Phase Two?"
Jian didn't answer.
He simply activated a terminal labeled: RECLAMATION INITIATIVE.
The screen flickered—multiple icons. Each one, a captured Player long presumed gone. Brains hardwired. Personalities rewritten.
> "They want a war without rules?" Jian whispered. "Then I'll show them warriors without mercy."
---
Back at the Citadel
As night fell, Kael stood alone on the battlements.
Zarif joined him quietly.
> "You know this Accord puts a target on all of us," Zarif said.
Kael nodded. "Good."
He looked at the moon rising behind black clouds.
> "If Jian thinks we're just survivors… he hasn't seen us when we're united."
Zarif gave a small, approving smile.
> "Then let him come."
> "We're not ghosts anymore."
> "We're Warborn."
---
End of Chapter Ten
Next: Chapter Eleven — "Jian's First Strike",