The Algorithm.

Chapter 9: The Fight Begins

Weeks passed in the wild's, and Nova became more attuned to their way of life. Seh trained with the rebels, learning how to write, how to survive without the Algorithm's constant direction. The longer she stayed, the more she realised just how much control the Algorithm had over the city's population. The people weren't living - they were being managed, manipulated by a force that saw them as nothing more than data points in a vast equation.

One evening, as the camp gathered around the fire, Jax pulled out a worn map of Circuitropolis, laying it out on the ground. "We've intercepted transmissions." He said, his eyes scanning the faces of the rebels around him. "The Algorithm is planning a full lockdown in the city. Everyone will be forced into assigned sectors, and there'll be no room for deviation. The rebellion inside the city needs to strike before that happens."

Nova's heart raced "What do you mean?"

"The city's on the verge of losing what little freedom it has left" Jax said "And Zara's group can't fight it alone. We need to fit the Algorithm where it hurts. If we can breach its central core, we can shut down its control systems"

A murmur ran through the group. Breaching the Algorithm's core? It was a near- impossible task. But it was also the only way to stop its domination.

"We'll need a small team to infiltrate the city." Jax continued. "We'll coordinate with Zara's group. They'll create a distraction while we take down the Algorithm from the inside."

Nova's stomach churned, she came so far,but the thought of going back to that city-the very place she had fled from - filled her with death. Yet, deep down, she knew she couldn't stay on the sidelines. This was the fight she had been running towards all along.

"I'll go," She said, her voice steady.The words felt final, a commitment she couldn't take back.

Jax nodded, his eyes holding hers for a long moment. "Good, we leave at first light."