The Disconnected City

[New capabilities: access idle edge computing within five kilometers; establish up to 128 authorized subnodes; view anonymized network congestion map.] [Warning: Greater clearance produces greater visibility.] As the last sentence faded, a black sedan stopped outside the repair shop. Two people in charcoal uniforms stepped out, silver Obsidian insignias pinned to their chests. The leading man offered a card: Zhou Ke, Asset Security Division. “Mr. Lin, a retired device went missing, and its last location was in this area.” His gaze passed Lin and settled on the silver case behind the counter. “Routine inquiry.” Beneath the table, Zhao closed a fist. He knew the uniform. Asset Security claimed to recover equipment.