Aeris led Riley, Lyria, and Kaela into a hidden district: a sanctuary of floating sigils and glowing trees.
"This is the Silver Grid Guild," Aeris said. "My former home."
The guildmaster, a tall woman with silver hair, examined Riley with cautious eyes.
"You are the anomaly? The ERROR-class?"
Riley swallowed. "Not by choice."
"Nothing in Nexus happens by chance," she said softly.
Riley's display flickered.
The guildmembers murmured.
FOLLOWERS: +22,000 (Guild chatter boost)
The guildmaster offered her hand.
"You have two choices:
Join us… or be hunted."
Riley glanced at Aeris.
She gave him a small, hopeful smile.
He took the guildmaster's hand.
"I'll join."