A tense silence filled the air.
Warren's expression hardened. "Then we don't go around. We break through."
Before Xander could interject, Warren silently stepped out from the shadow of the pillar.
His elemental affinities surged through his frame with terrifying, silent efficiency, channeling his signature Gale Anchor through the air currents of the hallway.
A concentrated vortex of compressed, high-velocity wind erupted from Warren's outstretched palm, tearing across the open floorboards with the force of a localized storm.
An optical camo field shimmering near the stairwell shattered instantly under the impact.
Two Team Alpha operatives materialized out of the distortion, their daggers raised as they were violently thrown back against the reinforced concrete wall by the compressed shockwave.
"Now, Edmund!" Warren barked.
Edmund didn't hesitate. He swept his arm across the floor, executing a precise, lightning-fast Frost Anchor.
