Marc stands, razor scraping across his scalp. When the last of his hair falls, he presses a finger to his skin. His golden touch burns, lines spread across his head—markings like Brutas's. Four months passed since he declared war. Marc suspects something. No ships come or go. No outside aid. He believes Shepard is hiding Ares Island from the rest of the United Islands. Tonight they strike a Hunter outpost—Daryl’s rumored location. Marc leads the team: James, Strider, Ellie, and Norman. Back at their hidden base, Red, Mitch, and Clint work on reclaiming the Agency. Ghost has lost everything—funding, headquarters. Clint feels trapped. His girlfriend waits back home, but he wants purpose. Mitch tells him it’s okay to walk away. At the outpost, Norman freezes, remembering Hermes Island—Gunn’s torture, the beach where he was left to die. The Hunter structure feels familiar. Mercenary's fingerprints. The assault begins loud. They carve through and reach the command room. They find proof the outside islands don’t know Ares is at war. Marc sees body-cam footage. Killshot—Tobey Anderson—stands outside their base. Behind him is Jack Grayson. Red arms himself despite Mitch’s warning. He locks the door behind him. Mitch watches helplessly through the window. Red charges. Killshot disarms him instantly. Jack pulls a pistol and shoots Red in the head. Marc smashes the monitor in rage. They race back. They arrive. Mitch lies beaten. Scarred into his chest are the words: “WE HAVE HUNTER.”
