STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

Chapter 4

Lucien ’s wrist device vibrated as he stepped into the kitchen, the holographic news feed already hovering above the counter. The faint scent of coffee clung to the air as he peeled open a new nutrient box. The familiar routine — predictable, efficient —had a soothing quality, even in its monotony.

A scrolling headline caught his eye:

UNAUTHORIZED MARKINGS APPEAR ACROSS CITY SECTOR 8

Frowning, he popped the nutrient bar into his mouth and scrolled through the broadcast details. A bright image filled the projection—a wall splashed with bold, chaotic graffiti. At first glance, the swirling shapes and jagged lines seemed meaningless, a clash of disorder against the city ’s precision. But there was something... deliberate about them. Patterns beneath the chaos.

He unmuted the broadcast.

“In Sector 8, several walls have been marked with unauthorized glyphs in what authorities are calling an act of coordinated vandalism. Officials confirm the incidents are under investigation, but no suspects have been identified at this time. The markings do not correspond to any known AstroSYS alignment patterns.”

The feed shifted to an official Steward representative, standing stiff behind a podium, his expression neutral.

“While these acts are concerning,” he stated, “the Stewards are equipped to handle any disruption. AstroSYS ensures such disturbances remain isolated and swiftly resolved. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity.”

Lucien sighed, resting his elbows on the counter as he sipped his coffee.

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