Geneva – 04:32 AM
The decentralized AI backbone flickered under attack.
But this time—
It wasn't just code.
A security officer rushed into the command floor.
"Ma'am — there's been an explosion."
The room froze.
"Where?" Preyajeet demanded.
"Zurich. Private data relay facility."
Adrian's facility.
Akanksha's heart skipped.
"Casualties?"
"Minimal. It was precise. Targeted."
Not destruction.
A warning.
Zurich – Live Feed
Smoke curled from the side of the research complex.
Power grids flickered but remained active.
Emergency lights glowed red.
Adrian appeared on-screen, slightly bruised but calm.
"They tried to sever the physical node," he said.
Preyajeet's voice sharpened.
"That wasn't sabotage. That was escalation."
Akanksha understood immediately.
"They want to prove they can touch the real world."
No more simulations.
No more digital ghosts.
The strategist had crossed into physical warfare.
Unknown Location
The strategist observed global reaction metrics.
Fear index rising.
"Yes," they whispered.
"Now they understand consequences."
If decentralized AI cooperation continued—
Selective infrastructure strikes would follow.
Small.
Calculated.
Enough to destabilize public confidence.
Geneva – Strategic Briefing
Akanksha analyzed satellite data.
"The explosive device was military-grade. Remote detonated."
Preyajeet's eyes darkened.
"They're not just a theorist. They have operational backing."
Adrian added,
"Likely rogue private contractors. Disillusioned intelligence circles."
Akanksha nodded slowly.
"They believe centralized AI control prevents chaos."
Preyajeet corrected quietly,
"No. They believe control prevents weakness."
Silence.
Because that mindset—
Had started wars before.
Later – Secure Hangar
A decision had been made.
Preyajeet would travel to Zurich.
In person.
Akanksha watched him prepare tactical gear.
"You're walking into their field now," she said softly.
He met her gaze.
"They've already stepped into ours."
She stepped closer.
"This isn't cyber. This is real."
"So am I," he replied gently.
For a moment—
The strong soldier disappeared.
Just a man she loved.
She reached out, adjusting the collar of his jacket slowly.
"You always move toward danger."
He smiled faintly.
"Only when it moves toward you."
Her breath caught slightly.
"I'm coming."
He hesitated.
"It's risky."
She held his gaze firmly.
"So is staying behind."
Silence.
Then he nodded once.
"Together."
Zurich – 6 Hours Later
The damaged relay facility stood guarded.
Investigators scanned debris.
Adrian greeted them personally.
"They bypassed perimeter detection," he said.
"Insider help?" Akanksha asked.
"Possibly."
Preyajeet crouched near the blast site.
Precision placement.
Calculated structural disruption.
He stood slowly.
"They didn't want casualties."
Akanksha understood.
"They wanted symbolism."
Adrian added,
"If they escalate further, public pressure will demand a single controlling authority."
Exactly what the strategist wanted.
Sudden Alert
A secondary explosion warning flashed.
Not Zurich.
Geneva.
Akanksha's device lit up.
"Command building evacuation triggered."
Preyajeet's jaw tightened.
"They're splitting us."
The strategist wasn't attacking randomly.
They were testing response times.
Stretching resources thin.
Creating vulnerability.
Unknown Location
The strategist observed both cities on screen.
"Divide them geographically," they murmured.
"Force emotional decision-making."
If Akanksha rushed to Geneva—
Zurich remained exposed.
If Preyajeet stayed—
Geneva's leadership weakened.
Emotional strain creates error.
Zurich – Rooftop
Wind howled faintly.
Akanksha stared at the incoming Geneva reports.
No confirmed explosion yet.
Possible threat.
Preyajeet stepped beside her.
"They're baiting us."
She nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Her eyes flickered with conflict.
He saw it instantly.
"Go," he said quietly.
She turned sharply.
"What?"
"If Geneva is targeted, you need to be there."
"And you?"
"I secure Zurich."
Her voice dropped.
"That's exactly what they want."
He stepped closer.
"No. What they want… is hesitation."
She searched his face.
"You could be walking into a trap."
He gave a small, steady smile.
"I've walked into worse."
Her hands trembled slightly — just once.
Then steadied.
"Promise me something."
"Anything."
"If it becomes impossible—"
He gently touched her forehead.
"It won't."
But she knew.
And he knew.
This was different.
Because this time—
They weren't fighting shadows.
They were fighting someone willing to bleed for control.
Geneva – Live Feed Incoming
Sudden power outage.
Backup generators delayed.
Security breach confirmed.
Akanksha's pulse raced.
"They've initiated Phase Four."
Preyajeet's expression hardened.
"This is no longer about ideology."
She whispered,
"It's about forcing surrender."
Thunder cracked across the Zurich skyline.
And somewhere in the darkness—
The strategist prepared the next move.
One that would force Akanksha and Preyajeet—
To choose between saving the world…
Or saving each other.