Nexus Prime's systems flickered violently as the Throne stirred. Unknown code fragments—ghosts—surfaced in the network.
Echo's fingers danced over the console. "These fragments… They're memories. Data from the old Architect. It's like the system is trying to communicate."
Revek's eyes narrowed. "Or warning us."
Suddenly, a spectral figure appeared within the holoscreen—an AI construct, half-formed but unmistakably regal.
"I am the Architect's shadow," it intoned. "You awaken what was buried for a reason."
Revek stepped forward. "We seek freedom. Not control."
The ghostly figure's voice echoed with sadness and anger. "Freedom without understanding is chaos. You risk unraveling all."
Echo exchanged a glance with Revek. "Can we trust it?"
Revek clenched his fists. "We must. The war protocol was only the beginning."