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Chapter 86: Fissures in the Alliance
Author: Temmyfrosh
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-19 15:55:26

The silence after the explosion was deafening, a blanket of shock and disarray settling over the scene. Dust clouded the air, and the acrid smell of burning circuits filled Ethan’s lungs as he coughed and waved a hand to clear his vision. Lila was already moving, helping Jared to his feet while scanning for any signs of incoming threats.

Ethan’s eyes darted around the room, his senses sharpened by the adrenaline coursing through him. Mara stood at the periphery, her face impassive but her body coiled like a spring. The recent revelations about her past alliances and shifting loyalties still lingered in his mind, a storm of mistrust and necessity battling within him.

“We don’t have time for this,” Lila said sharply, her voice cutting through the haze. “If we don’t move now, reinforcements will be here in minutes.”

Aisha, perched behind a half-destroyed console, struggled with her hacking device. “I need more time! This firewall’s reinforced with layers I didn’t expect. If I can’t get i
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