Darkness.
That was all Leon knew for a long time. No pain. No sound. Just a void.
Then came the hum. Low, steady, rhythmic — like a heartbeat, but metallic.
The darkness cracked open, and light bled through.
[System Reboot: 72% Complete.]
[Apex Protocol: Dormant.]
[Warning: Instability—Unresolved.]
Leon opened his eyes. The ceiling above him was rusted steel. Pipes dripped. He was lying on a cot surrounded by flickering holo-screens.
A familiar voice spoke from nearby. “Took you long enough.”
He turned his head. Nova sat beside the bed, cleaning a weapon. Her eyes were tired but sharp.
Leon tried to sit up, but pain tore through his chest. “Where…?”
“You’re in one of the old subway bunkers,” she said. “I dragged you out after you nuked half the district.”
He looked down. His ha
