Chapter Two: Before the Trap Closes

Zhou collapsed. Su Lan’s livestream swept across the wallet ledger, and the victim list went simultaneously to police and major media outlets. The 430 million could no longer vanish quietly. The Clocktower commander approached Lin. “National Cybersecurity Special Statute. Surrender your terminal.” A Helix operator raised his weapon. “He stole corporate property. We have priority jurisdiction.” The voice in the speakers chuckled. “Gentlemen, the fire-control system beneath your feet is now locked.” All three factions wanted Lin. None could allow another to take him. Lin raised his hands as though cornered. “Zero, can they see what you tell me?” “They can detect only our communications fingerprint.”