The Black-Ops observer arrived three days later.
She introduced herself as Kaelen—a woman with sharp features, grey eyes that missed nothing, and an aura of controlled lethality. She wore no academy insignia, only black tactical gear.
"I'll be shadowing your training and missions," she said, her voice flat. "My job is to assess your viability for deep-strike operations against Corrupted high-value targets. Do not perform for me. Do not hide from me. I will see through both."
From the first training session, it was clear Kaelen was on another level. She moved like a ghost, fought with economical brutality, and her analytical gaze dissected their every move.
After a particularly grueling session, she pulled Echo aside.
"You're the core," she stated. "Their power orbits yours. Your energy signature is… obscured. Why?"
"Some things are private," Echo replied, Charm subtly engaged.
Kaelen's lips twitched—not a smile. "I've read the report from Veridia. The Thinker called you 'Anomaly.' The Academy dismisses it as psychological warfare. I don't." She leaned closer. "I don't care what you are, Echo. I care if you can complete the mission and keep your team alive. Secrets get people killed. But some secrets… might win wars."
She walked away, leaving him unsettled.
That night, as Echo lay with Leyla and Mira asleep in his arms, he stared at the ceiling.
Kaelen knew. Or suspected.
The Shadow Court was circling.
The Academy was pushing them toward the brink.
And in his pocket, the Soul-Shard pulsed with a low, inviting heat.
The walls were closing in.
But within the bond, there was still light.
Still warmth.
Still a reason to fight.