A single .rar file downloaded in three seconds. Inside was one file: NeighborSetup.exe . No readme. No icon. Just a generic pixel-art computer symbol.

“Windows 7,” he whispered, staring at the search bar. “Highly compressed.”

He knew it was a fool’s errand. Every link led to a minefield of fake “Download Now” buttons, surveys that promised a free gift card, and .exe files named “Setup_Final_REAL(2).exe.”

Then a voice, low and static-crackled, came from Alex’s laptop speakers: “Installation complete. Welcome to the neighborhood.”