The city was quiet once again, though the calm was only a thin veil over the energy tremors that still rippled through the streets. Kael stood in the safehouse's central room, holographic projections of the city hovering in the air. Energy spikes from the previous battle lingered, subtle but significant. The Null commander's retaliation had left scars, and Kael could sense the ripple of corruption still spreading.
"We can't just react anymore," Kael said, tracing his fingers over the projected map. "Every move they make, every surge, is predictable if we can read the flow. We need to anticipate, disrupt, and counter before they act."
Aria nodded, scanning her consoles. "Their strategy is aggressive. Multiple nexus points are being targeted simultaneously. If we don't intervene precisely, the city could collapse into chaos."
Ryken leaned over Kael's shoulder, frowning. "Anticipation is fine, but predicting every move? That's ambitious. You think we can really outmaneuver the Null commander?"
Kael's mark pulsed in response to the projections. "We don't have a choice. If we fight their way, we lose. But if we manipulate the flow of energy—our environment, their positioning, even their corrupted minions—we can turn their aggression against them."
Veyra appeared from the shadows, her silver eyes reflecting faint light from the holograms. "You are beginning to understand the subtle currents, Kael. The Nexus is more than raw power. It's patterns, flows, reactions. Every strike, every surge, every withdrawal… is part of a larger equation. The Null commander will adapt, but we can remain two steps ahead if we act with precision."
Kael nodded, feeling a surge of clarity. For the first time, he wasn't just reacting. He was analyzing, predicting, and shaping the battlefield before it even existed. Every street, every energy pulse, every corrupted form was now a variable in the equation he controlled.
Aria tapped a sequence on her console, projecting the Null commander's likely movement patterns based on previous encounters. "If we hit here, disrupt their nexus channels, and isolate the high-priority operatives, we can force them into our controlled zones."
Ryken grunted. "Controlled zones… I like the sound of that. Means we make the fight on our terms."
Kael smiled faintly, energy pulsing within him. "Exactly. The Null wants chaos. We'll give them precision."