Kael stood apart for a moment, closing his eyes, focusing on the Nexus. The mark on his chest pulsed brightly, and he felt the surge of energy that had once been chaotic now bending to his will. The whispers had returned, calmer, guiding him not only in combat but in perception, strategy, and flow.
Veyra approached silently. "Good," she said, her silver eyes reflecting his mark. "You're beginning to understand. Control is not force. It's movement within movement. Anticipation within anticipation. The Null may be fast, but they are predictable if you can read the currents. The Nexus will show you, but you must act, not hesitate."
Kael nodded, opening his eyes. The room seemed sharper, brighter, each detail enhanced by the subtle resonance of the Nexus. He could feel weak points in the city's energy grid, channels the Null could exploit, and even faint anomalies outside their immediate dimension.
"This isn't just a battle in our city," Kael murmured, almost to himself. "It's a ripple across everything."
Aria glanced at him, concern etched on her face. "You're sensing too much. Don't let it overwhelm you. Focus on the mission. The Null is patient—they'll exploit any distraction."
Kael clenched his fists, energy thrumming beneath his skin. "I understand. But we can't ignore it. If the Nexus is already spreading corruption, it won't stop at the city. We have to think bigger. Beyond our dimension… beyond time itself."
Ryken grunted, clearly skeptical. "Save the multiverse speeches for later. First, we survive the day."
Veyra's smile was enigmatic. "Both of you are right. Survival is the first lesson. Understanding the currents is the second. And mastering them is the path to changing outcomes across realms. Kael… you are beginning that journey."
The team finalized the plan, moving with synchronized precision. Kael felt the Nexus guiding him, each step and decision infused with clarity. For the first time, he realized that true power was not about domination—but about harmony, control, and the courage to face the storm within and beyond.
As the team departed the safehouse toward their first major offensive, the city seemed to hold its breath. Somewhere in the shadows, the Null Order prepared to respond, unaware that the Revenant they sought to destroy was now learning not just to fight—but to anticipate, adapt, and ultimately, to lead.