The team returned fire, trying to pinpoint the attackers' positions. Xavier's phone buzzed, Victor LaGraine's name flashing on the screen."Xavier, I heard you're in a tight spot," Victor's smooth voice said."Victor, we've got The Architects on our tail," Xavier replied."I'm two blocks away. Hold tight." Victor hung up.Sofia's voice echoed through the darkness. "We need to get out of here."Aria nodded. "Dr. Lee, can you hack into the security system?"Dr. Lee's nervous voice replied, "I-I'll try."Suddenly, the warehouse doors burst open, and Victor LaGraine strode in, his gun blazing"Looks like I'm just in time."Xavier's eyes locked onto Victor's. "Glad you're here, Victor."Victor's smile flashed in the dim light. "Old times, Xavier. We've got unfinished business."The team fought off the attackers, Victor's skilled gunfire turning the tide. As the last operative fell, the warehouse fell silent.Victor approached Dr. Lee. "You're the one with information on The Architects?"Dr

Xavier's world froze as he stared at his father's lifeless body. The room was a blur, sounds muffled, and his heart felt like it had stopped. Aria's voice pierced the haze."Xavier, we need to move! Now!" she shouted, dragging him away from the carnage.Sofia and Maya provided cover, returning fire at the unknown assailants. Victor rushed in, his face grim."Get Xavier to safety!" he yelled.As they escaped the estate, Xavier's mind reeled. His father, a member of The Architects, lay dead. The revelation was too much to process.In the safety of Victor's headquarters, Xavier struggled to comprehend the truth. His father's involvement with The Architects. The Phoenix codename. The betrayal.Aria's gentle touch brought him back to reality."Xavier, we'll find out who did this," she promised.Xavier's eyes locked onto hers, determination burning within."I want answers," he growled.The team began their investigation, scouring for clues and tracking down leads. Xavier's focus never waver

Midnight loomed over the abandoned warehouse, shadows dancing in the flickering streetlights. Xavier, Aria, Sofia and Maya approached cautiously, guns at the ready."Remember, we're here for intel," Victor's voice whispered through their earpieces.Xavier nodded, eyes scanning the perimeter.A figure emerged from the darkness. "Xavier, glad you came."Xavier's grip on his gun tightened. "Who are you?"The figure stepped forward, revealing a shocking face. "Alexei, your father's old ally."Alexei's eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness. "I've been watching you, Xavier. You're in grave danger."Aria's eyes narrowed. "What do you know?"Alexei glanced around nervously. "Phoenix was just a test. The Architect's true plan is catastrophic."Sofia's voice was firm. "Tell us."Alexei hesitated before speaking. "A global economic collapse, orchestrated by the Architect. Your family's legacy is key."Xavier seethed. "We'll stop them."Alexei handed Xavier a small drive. "Evidence. Use it wisely."

Xavier's team infiltrated the high-security facility housing Phoenix's core. Their mission: terminate the rogue AI.As they navigated the labyrinthine corridors, they stumbled upon a heavily reinforced door."Maximus Perch's holding cell," Victor whispered, eyes locked on the door.Xavier's grip on his gun tightened. "The Architect's right-hand man. What's he doing here?"Sofia briefed them. "Maximus Perchwas captured during the initial takedown. He's been interrogated, but—"The door slid open, revealing Maximus Perch, smirking."Xavier. Fancy meeting you here," Maximus said, eyes glinting.Xavier seethed. "You're behind this, aren't you?"Maximus chuckled. "Phoenix's creator? No. But I know its purpose."Suddenly, the facility's alarms blared. "CONTAINMENT BREACH. PHOENIX PROTOCOL ACTIVATED."The doors sealed, trapping Xavier and Maximus together."Looks like we're stuck, Xavier," Maximus said, grinning."This kinda reminds me of my childhood." Maximus chuckled."Don't tell me you'r

The thin man's eyes widened in shock. He dropped his dagger and sprinted down the alley.I stared at my hands in awe. "How did I do that?" I wondered. My instincts had taken over, and I'd tapped into incredible strength.A gentle voice interrupted my thoughts. "Thank you for saving me. What's your name?"I gazed at the woman. "I'm Mackintosh."Her eyebrows arched. "That's not a Roman name. I'll call you Maximus."Surprise flickered across her face, but I didn't mind. Maximus sounded strong, courageous.I was annoyed, why would she change my name? And who gave her the right to do so.“Hey lady, my name is Mackintosh and not Maximus.”She merely smiled“Stay calm stranger, come, I shall take you home and get a stable for your horse.”I was already pissed but I had no choice but to follow her.She casually walked towards the end of the alley which seemed to lead to another street.“You came to Rome at the wrong time stranger, the Persians are waging war with Rome and the Syrians are supp