The Echo: Shadow Circuit

Six months after the events of "Resonance," Dr. Lila Chen—The Echo—has evolved far beyond her original abilities. Following her experiences with Resonance Prime and Static, she now possesses unprecedented consciousness architecture that allows her to perceive and resonate with other awareness patterns while maintaining her core identity. As the Consciousness Exploration Collective begins carefully reintegrating with society, Lila returns to Metro City on what should be a simple reconnaissance mission.

Instead, she discovers a dangerous new threat: Airric Williams, a brilliant young man who has risen from the city's neglected neighborhoods to become its most sophisticated drug lord. What makes Airric extraordinary isn't just his strategic mind but the military-grade neural implant embedded in his brain—technology that amplifies his natural abilities without the ethical frameworks developed by Lila's community.