Chapter 54: Bypassing Authority

In the dimly lit room once occupied by Riley, the air was thick with dust and the scent of neglect. It had been months since Riley's passing, and the room had remained untouched as a silent testament to his memory. Shadows danced on the walls, cast by the flickering lights overhead, creating an eerie, melancholic atmosphere.

One of the members of the shadow base, Liam, was tasked with cleaning and clearing out the room. As he moved through the space, his mind wandered, thinking about Riley. He had been a skilled fighter and a trusted comrade, someone who had given his all for the cause. The room was filled with remnants of Riley's life—old books, training gear, and personal trinkets that held little value to anyone but Riley himself.

Lost in thought, Liam nearly missed the small, strange device lying on the floor, half hidden beneath a pile of old clothes. He bent down and picked it up, turning it over in his hands. It was sleek and black, with a single button in the centre. The desi