Drex rebuilt the field quickly—not fully, the compression taking time to reach the depth it had been at before the radius burst, but functionally. A shell at reduced capacity. Enough to protect. Not enough to clear Sevon's deep layering at range.
He stood.
Sevon was closing distance—moving toward Drex's position across the cleared section, his steps precise and architectural, laying new lines as he walked. The section Drex had cleared was being retrapped with each of Sevon's footsteps.
Drex fired ahead of him.
Clearing pulse—close range now, the pulse arriving at Sevon's leading section with full force and triggering everything in it.
Sevon stepped back.
Relayed.
Drex fired again.
Clear.
Sevon relayed again.
