"What does the Underlayer's governance actually offer someone in my position?" Ren demanded, his voice hardening, stripping away the last vestiges of politeness. "Don't give me philosophy."
"Give me specifics! What is the tangible value of your 'sovereignty'?"
"A clear picture of reality," Rex countered, his voice dropping into a tone of chilling, absolute gravity. "Information that the Apostle network is actively withholding from you."
"The network will feed you a convenient narrative: that the Underlayer is a chaotic demon threat requiring containment to ensure your safety."
"But the truth is far more surgical... The network will tell you it is a void; I am telling you it is a city of two hundred thousand people who, last night, underwent a violent reconstruction that successfully severed a Legion contact network that has been operating in their shadows for fourteen months."
Ren's breath hitched. The word hit him like a physical blow.
"The Legion..."
