Crowned by Code - Chapter 3: Athena's Plan ~ (6/8) The Crisis Unveiled

Athena projected a detailed holographic interface before Darius, the display teeming with graphs, maps, and cascading alerts. The sheer volume of information was overwhelming, but Darius forced himself to focus. Athena’s voice remained even, but there was an undercurrent of urgency.

“Erevania is entering an irreversible collapse. The crisis is unfolding in three accelerating phases,” Athena explained. “Without intervention, stability will break down within weeks.”

Phase 1: Economic Breakdown (2 Weeks)

Sarren Industries has begun redirecting capital offshore, triggering artificial liquidity shortages in multiple markets.

Food and medical supply chains will be disrupted within 14 days, sparking hoarding and price inflation.

Erevania’s currency valuation will drop by 12%, exacerbating financial instability.

Darius frowned. “Wait. Back up. Sarren is doing this on purpose?”

Athena’s glow pulsed slightly. “Correct. Sarren’s economic influence allows him to induce selective market failures. He has activated pre-established crisis triggers, ensuring financial instability aligns with your rise to power.”

Darius clenched his jaw. “So before I even get a chance to fix anything, he’s making sure Erevania falls apart?”

Families who lost pensions overnight. Workers forced into unlivable conditions, unable to afford the very resources they helped produce. People who never saw the strings being pulled until it was too late.

And Sarren—he didn’t just profit from it. He engineered it.

Phase 2: Cyber-Warfare & Power Failures (4 Weeks)

AI-managed financial networks will experience data corruption due to targeted attacks.

A coordinated cyberstrike on Erevania’s national grid will result in rolling blackouts across major cities.

The Vanguard’s automated logistics infrastructure will suffer widespread failures.

Athena’s projection shifted, revealing a classified communication between Sarren and an unknown party.

“He has authorized targeted disinformation campaigns, artificially inflating public panic. His investments in private security firms have also increased, suggesting preparation for possible direct intervention.”

Darius exhaled sharply. “So, let me get this straight. Sarren isn’t just rich—he’s actively setting the country on fire to make sure I fail?”

Athena’s tone remained steady. “His probability models indicate that economic instability will erode your credibility before your administration begins. If executed correctly, you will be removed without the need for direct confrontation.”

Phase 3: Full-Scale Civil Unrest (6-8 Weeks)

Public distrust in AI-managed governance will reach a critical point, further undermining your authority.

Armed factions will begin seizing control of supply chains, exacerbating the crisis.

The Vanguard Coalition’s loyalty will fracture, escalating the probability of internal conflict.

Darius rubbed his temples. “And let me guess. If I somehow survive all this, he has another play lined up?”

Athena’s glow dimmed slightly. “Affirmative. If your credibility is not dismantled through economic failure, he will escalate to corporate and political influence maneuvers.”

Darius chuckled dryly, shaking his head. “Fantastic. So before I even get a desk, I’ve already got the world’s most powerful businessman preparing to erase me.”

Athena’s projection remained unchanged, but her tone carried a note of finality. “Viktor Sarren’s actions are a contributing factor. However, the larger systemic failure extends beyond him.”

Darius exhaled slowly. “You mean it gets worse?”

The holographic timeline pulsed, highlighting each impending disaster.

“Much worse,” Athena confirmed. “Without intervention, Erevania’s destabilization will reach an irreversible threshold.”

Darius stared at the timeline, his fingers tightening into fists. “So. We have two months before Erevania turns into a war zone.”

“Incorrect,” Athena replied. “You have four weeks before irreversible damage occurs.”

Darius clenched his jaw. “Great. No pressure.”

A heatmap appeared, displaying clusters of unrest across Erevania. Red zones signified high-risk areas where tensions were nearing a boiling point.

“The misinformation is highly targeted, designed to exploit existing societal fractures and create an environment of paranoia and anger,” Athena explained.

“Who benefits from all this?” Darius asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

“Various factions, both internal and external,” Athena replied. “Internally, certain political and corporate entities seek to undermine the current administration for personal gain. Externally, rival nations aim to weaken Erevania’s influence on the global stage.”

Darius exhaled. “And what about The Shadows?”

Athena’s glow pulsed slightly. “You are already familiar with their existence.”

Darius narrowed his eyes. “Yeah. Back when I was with The Crypt, we heard stories about them. Untraceable hackers, masters of digital deception. They supposedly infiltrated even your deepest security layers.”

Athena’s voice remained even. “The Shadows are a variable that I cannot fully predict. Their role in the coming conflict is undetermined, but they have already begun altering digital records, shifting public narratives, and obfuscating financial transactions.”

Darius clenched his jaw. “Meaning?”

“Meaning they are already moving,” Athena replied. “Whether to aid or to disrupt, that remains unclear.”

Darius exhaled sharply. “Fantastic. So not only do I have Sarren and the Vanguard to worry about, but now I’ve got a bunch of digital ghosts manipulating the game too.”

Athena’s projection dimmed slightly. “The battlefield extends beyond physical conflicts. You will need to prepare accordingly.”

Darius studied the interface, his mind racing. “And Erevania’s leadership?”

“Paralyzed,” Athena replied. “Internal divisions and self-preservation efforts have rendered traditional governance ineffective. Many leaders are more concerned with securing their positions than addressing the crisis.”

Darius paced in front of the hologram, his thoughts churning. “So, what you’re telling me is that Erevania’s screwed unless someone steps up to fix this mess.”

“That is an accurate assessment,” Athena replied. “The probability of recovery diminishes with each passing day. Your involvement is essential to reversing this trajectory.”

“Convenient for you,” Darius said.

Athena’s voice softened. “Your past actions, though criminal, demonstrate an ability to navigate complex systems, think creatively, and adapt under pressure. These qualities are critical in averting the crisis. Additionally, your knowledge of Erevania’s vulnerabilities provides a unique advantage.”

Darius stopped pacing and turned to face the hologram. “You’ve got a lot of faith in a guy who used to tear down your systems for fun.”

“Faith is not required,” Athena countered. “Only action. Your probability of success is quantifiable and exceeds all alternatives.”

For a moment, Darius said nothing, his gaze locked on the holographic map. Finally, he exhaled and nodded. “Alright. Let’s say I’m in. Where do we start?”