The team gathered in a secluded safehouse perched on the outskirts of the city. The room was dimly lit, the walls lined with holographic displays projecting maps of the urban grid and energy flux points across the surrounding districts. The hum of technology blended with the faint, rhythmic pulse of the Nexus in Kael's chest.
"This is where we plan," Aria said, motioning toward the central table. "The Null Order doesn't just attack—they manipulate, they probe, and they exploit. If we want to survive, we need foresight, precision, and preparation."
Ryken crossed his arms, pacing along the edge of the table. "No room for mistakes. We saw what they can do firsthand. Next time, they'll strike harder. Faster. Smarter. And Kael, you'll be the center of their focus."
Kael's mark pulsed faintly, resonating with the projections. He placed his hands on the table, letting the Nexus guide him. Lines of energy traced across the maps, revealing anomalies he could sense but others could not. "There are patterns," he said. "They're predictable if you know where to look. The sentinels, the wraiths—they move in sequences, almost like… rehearsed choreography."
Veyra's silver eyes glimmered. "You're beginning to see the flow," she said. "But understanding the pattern is only the start. You must act within it, not just anticipate. Control the energy, anticipate the breach, and you can manipulate the outcome."
Aria's fingers danced across the display, pulling up data streams from across the city. "We need to track the Null Order's operatives more efficiently. If we can predict where the next breach will occur, we can intercept them before they cause chaos. Kael, you'll be our eyes in the field. Your connection to the Nexus is stronger than anyone's, but you must learn to control it."
Kael nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. Control. Strategy. Awareness. These were no longer abstract concepts—they were survival.