[As Kaida investigates new rumors of unrest in Zerith, she receives an encrypted message from a familiar source—an old technocrat rival who had vanished after the Collapse. Kaida stands in a dimly lit room, staring at the flickering message.]

Kaida:
"No... it can't be him."

[The message plays, the voice cold and calculating.]

Rival (on message):
"Kaida, if you're hearing this, then you've probably realized the war is far from over. The Skyward was only the beginning. There are forces beyond your control at play, and soon, you'll have to choose a side again."

Kaida (clenching her fists):
"I'm done choosing sides."

Rival (laughing):
"Oh, you'll choose. You always do."

[The message cuts out, leaving Kaida standing in silence. Her heart pounds with the realization that the battle for control over The Skyward may have only been the first phase of a larger conspiracy.]