The Support Layer was trying to play a game of chess, but Rex was playing a game of slaughter. They were trying to minimize risk, but they were also minimizing the very force required to actually penetrate his defense.
They were pulling their punches before they had even thrown them.
Rex didn't wait for them to find their courage. He didn't wait for them to test his guard.
With a predator's smile that never reached his eyes, Rex began to advance. He didn't circle; he walked directly into the heart of their caution, forcing them to react to his approach, forcing them to break their careful distance, and forcing them to choose between maintaining their formation or defending themselves.
He walked straight into the trap they were trying to set, knowing full well he was the one who would spring it.
Rex didn't wait for them to close the distance; he invaded it.
