The city streets lay silent after the battle, strewn with debris, shattered glass, and faint trails of residual energy. Kael stumbled through the alleyways, chest still burning from the overexertion of the Nexus. Each breath felt heavy, each step a reminder of the limits he had pushed.
Aria quickly assessed his condition, scanning for signs of internal energy overload. "Kael, you pushed the Nexus harder than ever before," she said, voice tinged with concern. "Your pulse is irregular, your energy signature spiking. You need rest—or you risk serious damage."
Ryken frowned, keeping watch over the perimeter. "He knows he overdid it," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "But this is the first time we've seen him operate at full potential. Scary, yes—but effective."
Veyra approached silently, her silver eyes glinting in the early sunlight. "Kael, you cannot fight like this every day," she said, her tone firm. "The Nexus demands respect. Control is not just about precision—it's about restraint. Without it, even mastery can lead to ruin."
Kael clenched his fists, sweat mixing with grime on his face. "I know," he admitted. "But we succeeded. The city is safe—for now. I had to push myself."
Aria laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "And we'll need that strength again," she said softly. "But learn from this. Survival isn't just about brute force. It's about knowing when to act—and when to conserve your energy for the battles to come."
Kael nodded, his chest heaving, the mark dimming slowly. The city seemed calm, almost serene, but beneath the surface, the residual energy of the Null Order lingered like a distant storm.
Veyra's gaze shifted to the horizon. "This calm is temporary. The Null Order will respond. And when they do… it will be with force far beyond anything you've faced."
Kael's mind raced. He could feel the tremors in the Nexus, subtle ripples warning him of an approaching threat. Whatever the Null had in store next, he would need every ounce of skill, control, and foresight to survive.