The aftermath of the previous battle left Kael drained, his chest burning from the overuse of Nexus energy. The city seemed to recover, but the subtle vibrations in the air told a different story—energy patterns shifting unnaturally, residual corruption lingering in the streets. Kael could feel it in his bones: every surge, every pulse, every victory left a mark on him and on reality.
Aria and Ryken were reviewing the latest intelligence feeds, but Kael struggled to focus. Every time he extended his senses into the Nexus, he felt flickers of pain, sharp pulses warning him that overexertion was exacting a price he didn't yet fully understand.
Veyra approached silently, her silver eyes scanning him with a mix of concern and calculation. "You are pushing too far, Kael," she said softly, though her voice carried authority. "The Nexus is not just energy—it is sentience. Every interaction leaves a ripple. And you have begun to strain those ripples beyond safe limits."
Kael's jaw tightened. "I know. But if we don't fight, the Null commander will overwhelm the city. I can't hold back."
Veyra's gaze softened. "Strength alone will not save you. Control, restraint, and awareness are equally important. The longer the strain continues, the more it will consume—not just your energy, but your very essence. You are not invincible."
Kael nodded, trying to steady his breathing. He could feel a subtle twist in the Nexus, a reflection of his own fatigue and overextension. Every pulse of energy now carried a faint, lingering corruption, a warning that pushing further could cost more than he realized.
Aria's voice broke through his thoughts. "Kael, we've detected movement. The Null commander is initiating a second wave. Larger. Faster. And it's targeting multiple nexus nodes simultaneously."
Ryken grunted. "Figures. They don't give up easily. Time to see if he's really ready."
Kael felt the weight of responsibility press on him. Every choice, every extension of power now carried consequences beyond the battlefield. The city, the team, and even the Nexus itself depended on his control—and one misstep could be catastrophic.