> "Analysis complete. Fourteen layers of optical defense. Two layers of motion sensors. Recommended method: Laser Disruption Code 9A for silent breach."
Alaric studied the glowing projection with a blank expression. "Too slow. What if I do it manually?"
> "Estimated 72 percent chance of early detection."
He smirked. "But it'll be faster."
From his wrist, a dark-blue light emerged, narrowing into a pure laser thread, thin and sharp like a gleaming wire.
Alaric guided it to a small node on the corner of the door, slowly tracing along the concealed energy patterns beneath the surface. One by one, each laser thread flickered out, like candles snuffed by a whisper.
After about a minute, a soft click sounded.
The lock released. The web of red lights around the door vanished.
"Twelve seconds faster than the system's projection." Alaric gave a small smile and stepped forward.
