Veyra stepped closer to Kael, her presence commanding yet enigmatic. "Control comes with understanding, not just brute force," she said. "The Nexus isn't just a tool for combat. It's a bridge, a network, a pulse that connects all reality. Feel it, but do not let it consume you."
Kael closed his eyes, focusing on the mark. Energy surged beneath his skin, pulsing in rhythm with the city's grid, with the Null operatives, with the very air around him. He extended his senses, feeling each tremor, each ripple of power. The whispers returned, guiding him: Flow with it. Not against. Anticipate. Protect.
Ryken observed him silently, clearly skeptical. "Don't let the mystic mumbo-jumbo fool you," he muttered. "What matters is results."
Kael ignored him, drawing in a deep breath. His arms glowed faintly, and he raised a hand over the table. The holographic maps responded to his energy, lines of light flowing like rivers, pinpointing potential breaches, weak points, and Null movement patterns.
Aria's eyes widened. "Incredible," she whispered. "You're not just sensing anomalies—you're predicting them. We can use this. Kael, if you focus, you can anticipate the Null Order before they even arrive."
Veyra nodded approvingly. "Good. But remember, each use strains your body and mind. Overextend, and the corruption within the Nexus can infiltrate you. Control, yes—but restraint is just as important."
Kael opened his eyes, determination blazing. "I understand," he said firmly. "Next time, we'll be ready. The Null won't catch us off guard again."
Ryken gave a short nod, finally acknowledging Kael's growing strength. "We'll see," he said. "But don't get cocky. Out there, nothing waits for preparation."
The room settled into a tense silence, filled only with the hum of technology, the pulse of the Nexus, and the weight of an impending war. Kael understood now: control wasn't just about power—it was about foresight, responsibility, and the courage to act when reality itself was bending around him.