The moment arrived. Kael extended his senses, the mark on his chest glowing brighter as he tapped into the Nexus. He felt the operatives' energy signatures before they moved, their intentions flashing in his mind like fractured code. He raised a hand, releasing a wave of concentrated energy that slowed the lead operative's movements. Sparks of distorted light flared as the figure struggled against the invisible force.
Veyra moved beside him, shadows curling around her like living armor. With a flick of her wrist, one operative was ensnared in a web of dark energy, immobilized before he could react. Ryken's bullets tore through the alley, precise and lethal, disabling another operative. Aria's holographic decoys disoriented the third, giving Kael the perfect opening.
He stepped forward, fully embracing the flow of the Nexus. Energy arced from his fingertips, striking the remaining operative with pinpoint accuracy. The figure convulsed, shadow fragments dissipating into the air. The strike was clean, controlled—Kael had maintained power without letting it spiral.
The team regrouped at the alley's exit, adrenaline still buzzing. "Not bad," Ryken said, nodding begrudgingly at Kael. "You're starting to get it."
Veyra's silver eyes met his. "Control is improving, but remember: the Null learns. Each encounter will be harder. Faster. You cannot rely solely on instinct."
Aria deactivated the holographic map, scanning the energy patterns that remained. "We gained intel, disrupted their operations, and survived. That's a victory. But it's also a message. The Null is aware of us now. Expect retaliation."
Kael exhaled, energy still pulsing faintly across his chest. The mission had been a success, but the stakes had risen. He understood now that coordination, control, and trust in his team were just as important as the raw power flowing through him.
And somewhere in the city, the Null operatives regrouped, preparing for the inevitable response—one that would test Kael, his team, and the Nexus itself like never before.