The first light of dawn revealed the city in eerie calm, but Kael could feel the tension radiating through the Nexus. The Null commander had returned, and this time, they brought reinforcements—waves of corrupted Revenants and operatives, each pulsating with twisted energy. The subtle tremors in the air warned of devastation yet to come.
"They're not just testing us anymore," Aria muttered, her eyes scanning multiple energy streams converging on the city. "This is full-scale. They want to break us."
Ryken tightened his grip on his weapons. "Then we don't just defend. We fight smart, hit precise, and hold our ground. One misstep, and it's over."
Kael's mark flared in response to the surging corruption. He could feel the energy spreading unnaturally, infecting the city's structures, bending reality in minor but dangerous ways. This assault was no longer localized—it was systemic, a test not just of strength but of endurance, control, and strategic thinking.
Veyra stepped beside him, shadows curling protectively. "Kael, this is your greatest trial yet. The Null commander will push the Nexus beyond your comfort zone. You must not only channel power but maintain balance. Overextension will have consequences beyond physical fatigue. Understand this before you act."
Kael nodded, chest pulsing as he centered himself. He could feel the currents of the city, the flows of corrupted energy, and the pathways of the Null commander's attack patterns. The plan would require precision, focus, and—most of all—resilience.
The first wave struck violently. Twisted shadows leapt from alleyways, colliding with Kael's barriers of controlled Nexus energy. Sparks flared as energy met corruption, the city quivering under the clash. Ryken and Aria moved flawlessly in tandem, intercepting minions and supporting Kael's defenses.
Kael felt the mark flare uncontrollably at one point, an instinctive surge to repel the tide. He clenched his fists, drawing in the energy, letting it flow instead of forcing it outward. The difference was immediate—the currents of the Nexus bent to his will, countering waves of corruption with precision rather than brute force.