The lower districts of Neo-Erebus were a stark contrast to the glittering spires above. The streets were crowded with merchants, workers, and drifters, all bustling under the harsh glow of neon signs. Smog clung to the air, mixing with the scent of grease and decay. This was the Syndicate’s domain, where power ruled and survival was a daily battle.

  Hayden moved through the chaos, his hood pulled low over his face. The Codex chimed softly in his mind, offering guidance:

  “Target: Informant. Location: Sector 12, Mechanic’s Alley. Priority: Establish connections.”

  Mechanic’s Alley was a narrow, grimy corridor lined with workshops and repair stalls. Sparks flew from half-broken machines as technicians labored over outdated tech. Hayden spotted his target at the far end—a thin man with wiry hair and cybernetic enhancements. His eyes darted nervously as he spoke with a customer.

  “Victor?” Hayden asked, stepping forward.

  The man froze, then turned to him with a wary look. “Who’s asking?”

  “A friend,” Hayden said, keeping his voice steady. “I heard you know things—things that might help me find someone.”

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  Victor’s gaze flicked to the street behind Hayden, checking for signs of danger. “Information isn’t free,” he said, his voice low. “Especially not in this part of the city.”

  Hayden nodded. “I’m not looking for charity.” He reached into his pocket and produced one of the Syndicate data drives he had stolen from the convoy. “How about this? Syndicate intel. Might be worth something to the right buyer.”

  Victor’s eyes widened as he took the drive, turning it over in his hands. “This could get me killed,” he muttered, but there was a hint of greed in his voice.

  “Or it could make you rich,” Hayden countered. “Depends on how smart you are.”

  Victor hesitated, then slipped the drive into his jacket. “Alright,” he said. “What do you want to know?”

  “I’m looking for someone,” Hayden said. “Kyra. She works for the Syndicate, high up enough to make big moves.”

  Victor’s expression darkened at the name. “Kyra? Yeah, I’ve heard of her. She’s one of Dregan’s lieutenants. Dangerous. If you’re planning to cross her, you’d better think twice.”

  Hayden clenched his fists. “Where can I find her?”

  Victor shook his head. “I don’t know exactly. She moves around a lot. But Dregan’s main operation is in the upper districts. That’s where she’s most likely to be.”

  “How do I get there?”

  Victor let out a bitter laugh. “You don’t. Not unless you’ve got a death wish. The upper districts are locked down tighter than a vault. Syndicate enforcers, biometric scanners, surveillance everywhere. You’d need an army—or a miracle—to get in.”

  Hayden smirked. “Good thing I’ve got both.”

  Victor gave him a skeptical look but said nothing. As Hayden turned to leave, the Codex chimed:

  ?Objective Updated: Access the Upper Districts. Acquire resources and allies to breach Syndicate defenses.

  Hayden stepped back into the crowded streets, his mind racing. The path to Kyra was clearer now, but it was also more dangerous than ever.

  “We’ll get there,” the Codex assured him. “Each step brings us closer to your goal—and your ultimate power.”