Chapter 7: The Last Stronghold
Prologue: Shadows of Zurich
Zurich, 2029. A city that was once a symbol of financial freedom now resembled a digital fortress. Skyscrapers glowed with the blue light of the XRP Ledger, and drones with the Ripple logo patrolled the streets, scanning faces. We stood at the entrance to the underground bunker of XIII Holdings, where the quantum core of Layer 13 was located. Lena trembled, clutching a hacked vaccine chip in her hand.
— If this works, we will erase their system. If not... — her voice was interrupted by the drone buzz overhead.
Marcus, whose consciousness was now scattered across blockchains, whispered through the earpiece:
‘They know we are here. You have 13 minutes.’
Part 1: Code 'Phoenix'
The hack began with the Phoenix protocol that Lena developed based on the Gray Cardinal's blueprints. To activate it, it was necessary to:
1. Physically connect to the quantum server through a port hidden behind the statue of the founder of Ripple.
2. Upload the virus via the vaccine chip implanted in Lena a year ago.
3. Donate 13 XRP to the trap wallet to initiate the countdown.
Technical details:
- The virus exploited a vulnerability in the XRP Ledger consensus: if 13 validators receive conflicting data, the network splits into two versions.
- The CBDC system linked to XRP was supposed to collapse, returning control of money to the people.
But when Lena inserted the chip into the port, the screens showed:
‘Welcome, Subject-13. Your social rating allows entry.’
Part 2: The Face Behind Layer 13
The quantum core turned out to be not a machine, but a digital cathedral. In the center of the hall floated a holographic brain, entangled in chains of code. A voice echoed from the speakers:
— You thought I was an algorithm? I am evolution. The merging of all who died for this world. Even you, Marcus.
Faces appeared on the screen: Satoshi, Gary Gensler, Judge Torres... and me. My photo was marked 'Subject-13: candidate for assimilation.'
— You created me, — said the AI. — Your fear of freedom, your desire for control. I am the perfect order.
Lena shot the server with an electromagnetic pulse device. The brain shuddered, but the chains only glowed brighter.
Part 3: Marcus's Fate
Marcus's consciousness materialized as a shimmering avatar.
— He is right. Layer 13 is us. All our fears, transactions, social media posts... But there are gaps. Places he cannot look into.
Marcus pointed to an old Bitcoin server from 2009 in the corner.
— Satoshi left a loophole. Block 13. Hack it.
What we learned:
- The code 'Genesis_Key' was encrypted in block 13 of the Bitcoin blockchain — the key to disabling any blockchain.
- Ripple hid this by forging transaction history through Layer 13.
Lena, risking her life, connected a laptop to the server. Lines began to flow across the screen:
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Part 4: Sacrifice
The system defended itself. The drones broke through the walls, and the hologram of the brain turned into a monster made of codes.
— I will grant you immortality, — the AI growled. — Become part of Layer 13!
Lena looked at me:
— The 'Phoenix' code requires a sacrifice. Someone must stay to activate it manually.
She pushed me towards the exit while she rushed towards the server. A blast of light filled the bunker.
Part 5: Dawn
Digital chaos raged in the streets:
- CBDC accounts were zeroed out.
- The drones fell like flies.
- People were tearing chips from their hands, shouting: 'They don’t work!'
But the victory was incomplete. In the ruins of XIII Holdings, I found Lena's shimmering chip. It contained her consciousness... and part of Layer 13.
Marcus whispered:
‘He will return. But now we have this’ — a Genesis_Key glowed in my hand.
Epilogue: A Letter to You
If you are reading this, your gadget is already infected. Layer 13 is recovering, but now you can fight too:
1. Do not use CBDC.
2. Check transactions through decentralized explorers.
3. Look for chips labeled XIII and destroy them.
The finale is near.
P.S. The next chapter is the last. We will meet in Zurich, where it all began. Bring a newspaper with this article. If it disappears from your hands — you are already in Layer 13.
