As we prepare to leave the safe zone, Zix'ilit bounces nervously at the edge of the force field that separates civilization from the wild growth beyond.
"You're not coming with us?" Sera asks, arching an eyebrow as she adjusts her elemental focus, a crystalline orb that pulses with energy as it orbits around her wrist.
"Sponsors rarely venture beyond safe zones!" Zix'ilit explains, his frill rippling with apologetic blues. "Too dangerous! Besides, my tactical support more effective from monitoring station!"
Right. "Just like the Labyrinth. You'll bother us through comms."
"Exactly! Communications system optimized for Crucible environment! Will stay connected except in electromagnetic disruption zones!" His bouncing intensifies with excitement. "Good hunting! Remember, laboratory likely to attract multiple teams! But Team Exodus is strongest now!"
As we pass through the barrier, the environment shifts immediately. The carefully maintained paths of the safe zone give way to aggressive vegetation that seems to reach for us with every step. Massive flowers with serrated petals snap at our ankles, while vines thick as my arm writhe overhead, tracking our movements with unsettling intelligence.
"Not exactly a nature hike," Sera mutters, sending a small flame dancing across her fingertips as a particularly persistent vine reaches toward her shoulder.
"Verdant Crucible environment designed to simulate post-biological integration scenario," Desta explains, her eyes flickering with code as she accesses information. "Flora exhibits rudimentary intelligence architecture consistent with limited neural enhancement."
"In normal human speak: the plants are partly brain," I translate, slicing through a cluster of vines with a telekinetic blade.
We trek deeper into the Crucible, following the coordinates Zix'ilit provided for the abandoned laboratory. According to the map, we're looking at about four hours of travel through increasingly hazardous terrain.
"Let's use this opportunity for training," I suggest as we approach a clearing where the vegetation pulses with unusual energy. "Desta, Sera, I want you two to handle whatever comes at us."
Sera's face lights up with a grin, flames already dancing more vigorously around her fingers. "Been waiting for a chance to cut loose."
Desta simply nods, drawing her energy pistol with mechanical efficiency.
We don't have to wait long. The clearing seems to detect our presence, the ground bulging upward as something massive tunnels beneath the surface. With a spray of dirt and roots, three creatures burst into view, insectoid predators with chitinous exoskeletons and multiple limbs ending in razor-sharp claws.
"Crucible Harvesters," Desta identifies them immediately. "C-rank threat. Primary attack methodology: coordinated pincer movement with venomous secondary strikes."
"I've got the one on the left," Sera calls out, already moving.
The creatures screech in unison, two charging directly toward us while the third circles to flank. Sera meets the first head-on, flames erupting from both hands in concentrated streams that impact the creature's exoskeleton with enough force to stagger it. The fire doesn't seem to penetrate its armor, but the creature recoils nonetheless.
"Their sensory apparatus is heat-sensitive!" Desta calls out, analyzing the reaction. She takes aim with her energy pistol, firing three precisely calculated shots at the second creature. The energy bolts strike with surgical precision at joint connections, finding the gaps in the natural armor.
I hang back, watching their tactics develop. Sera fights with raw enthusiasm, her movements fluid but unpolished as she channels flames in sweeping arcs. When the creature lunges at her with venomous mandibles, she transitions seamlessly to electrical energy, a crackling bolt striking the creature's face and sending it into spasms.
"That's more like it!" she shouts, genuine joy in her voice as she presses the advantage.
Desta's approach couldn't be more different. Each movement is calculated, each shot placed with mathematical precision after her eyes flash with code, analyzing vulnerability points. When her target attempts to flank her, she predicts its movement path perfectly, placing shots that sever two of its limbs in rapid succession.
The third creature recognizes me as the one not attacking and charges directly at what it perceives as the weakest target. I remain still, curious to see how my teammates will respond.
"Gary, look out!" Sera calls, immediately redirecting her attack. With impressive control, she generates a wall of flame between me and the charging insectoid, forcing it to veer away directly into Desta's line of fire.
Three perfect shots later, the creature collapses, twitching.
Working together, they make short work of the remaining harvesters. Desta's analytical precision complementing Sera's raw power creates a surprisingly effective combat dynamic.
"Not bad," I acknowledge as they finish off the last creature. "Sera, your elemental transitions are getting smoother. Desta, excellent targeting."
Sera grins, small flames still dancing around her fingers as adrenaline courses through her system. "That felt amazing. These powers—they're like nothing I ever experienced before the neural damage."
"Combat effectiveness increased by approximately 23% compared to simulation parameters," Desta observes, holstering her energy pistol with mechanical precision.
We continue through the Crucible, encountering various other creatures and hazards, all handled by Desta and Sera while I observe and occasionally offer tactical suggestions. Each encounter reveals more about their developing combat styles and growing coordination.
Around midday,as we navigate through a particularly dense section of mutated vegetation, my enhanced awareness picks up movement ahead, a group of figures about to cross our path. Something about one of the silhouettes catches my attention.
"Hold up," I signal to my teammates, extending my telekinetic awareness. Through the foliage, I can make out what appears to be a mixed species team, three aliens of various configurations accompanied by a single human figure who seems oddly familiar.
The human is deliberately angling his body away from our position, as if trying to avoid being seen. But there's something about the way he moves, the specific gravity distortion around his hands…
"Eli?" I call out, pushing aside a curtain of vines with telekinesis. "I can see you trying to hide over there."
The alien team freezes in place, clearly startled by our sudden appearance. The human figure hesitates before slowly turning around, revealing Eli's face, a sheepish expression already forming.
"Hey, Gary," he says, awkwardly raising a hand in greeting. "Didn't... uh... expect to run into you here."
His new teammates exchange glances, clearly recognizing who we are. The apparent leader, a tall crystalline being that refracts light in hypnotic patterns, steps forward.
"Team Exodus," it acknowledges, its voice resonating directly in our minds. "Your victory against Brute Force was... impressive."
Eli shuffles uncomfortably, his gravity field fluctuating slightly with his emotions. The equipment he's wearing looks decent, a reinforced bodysuit with stabilization units around his joints, specialized gloves that seem designed to channel his gravitational abilities.
"Your new team seems solid," I observe, keeping my tone neutral.
"Team Horizon," Eli confirms, still not quite meeting my eyes. "The Independent Collective assigned me after... you know."
An awkward silence falls between us. His new teammates seem to sense the tension, the crystalline leader making a sound like wind through chimes.
"We will scout ahead," it announces, signaling the other two aliens. "Graviton, join us when you're ready."
Graviton? That must be Eli's new designation. As his teammates move ahead, leaving us with a degree of privacy, he finally looks directly at me.
"I saw your match against Brute Force," he says, his voice gaining strength. "That was... you were amazing, Gary. Thanks for taking revenge on them."
I shrug. "Did it mostly for myself. Needed to prove something."
"Still, the way you demolished them..." He shakes his head in admiration. "I knew you were strong, but not that strong."
"The Labyrinth changes things," I reply, flexing my gauntleted hand slightly. "Speaking of which, how's the guild treating you?"
Eli's gravity field stabilizes somewhat. "Good. Really good. They've taught me so much about control, about how to layer gravitational effects for different outcomes."
"I'm glad," I say, and I mean it. Despite the awkwardness, seeing him looking happier and more confident doesn't fill me with resentment like I'd expected. "I understand why you left, Eli. I was being stubborn about the sponsor thing. Should have adapted sooner."
His expression brightens. "You're not mad?"
"Disappointed? Sure. But not mad." I gesture toward his new equipment. "Looks like you got some decent gear out of it."
"These gravity channeling gloves," he confirms, holding up his hands to display the specialized equipment. "Enhance my control by about 30%, make precision manipulation way more manageable."
Similar to my own gauntlets, then. Not bad, but nothing exceptional given what I've seen in Central Arena. I keep that observation to myself.
Sera steps forward, flames dancing between her fingers as she introduces herself. "I'm Sera. Newest member of Team Exodus."
Eli nods politely, but I can see the questions in his eyes. He's trying to figure out where she fits in the team dynamic, how she replaced him.
"Elemental manipulator," I explain. "Zix'ilit found her in the Null pool, had her powers suppressed by neural damage. I helped restore them."
"That neural repair thing you did with Desta?" Eli asks, clearly impressed. "You've gotten even better at that too, huh?"
"The gauntlets help," I admit. "Neural pathway interface makes the whole process more precise."
Eli glances in the direction his team disappeared, clearly feeling the pull to rejoin them. "Listen, Gary... if things were different, I'd come back to Team Exodus in a heartbeat. But my contract with the Collective... it's binding."
"How binding?" I ask, curious about the terms he accepted.
He grimaces slightly. "Two years of exclusive competition rights. In exchange for training, equipment, and resource access."
Two years for a pair of gloves and some training? That seems steep, even by Central Arena standards. I think about my own contract with Zix'ilit, the complete autonomy and favorable terms we negotiated.
"I'm sorry I can't help with the Resonant Mind Crystal," Eli continues, confirming he knows exactly why we're in the Crucible. "My team's after something else entirely."
"It's fine," I assure him. "Team Exodus is adapting. That's what we do."
A distant call from his teammates signals that it's time for him to go. Eli hesitates, then extends his hand.
"Good luck, Gary. I mean it."
I shake his hand, feeling the subtle gravity manipulation that's become his signature. "You too, Eli. Stay safe out there."
As he jogs to catch up with Team Horizon, I can't help but think about how such a small decision, accepting the first sponsor offer that came along, has completely altered his path. Two years bound to a team for equipment I got in a single Labyrinth run. The contrast is stark, a reminder of how quickly things change in Central Arena, and how much depends on choices made in moments of vulnerability.
"He seems nice," Sera observes as we watch him disappear into the foliage. "Regretful, but nice."
"Statistical probability of equivalent equipment acquisition through independent sponsorship represents significant decision parameter variation," Desta notes. "His contractual terms demonstrate suboptimal negotiation outcome."
"In normal human speak: he got a raw deal," I translate, already turning back to our path. "Let's keep moving. We've got a crystal to find."
We continue deeper into the Crucible, the encounter with Eli lingering in my thoughts. Team Exodus is evolving, new members, new abilities, new dynamics. But seeing a former teammate bound to a contract that severely limits his options for such minimal gain makes me appreciate what we've managed to preserve: our independence, even within the framework of sponsorship.
We encounter two more teams before nightfall, both with humans in them, both immediately recognizing Team Exodus. By the time we set up camp in a defensible clearing, it's clear that our victory over Brute Force has dramatically changed our profile within Central Arena.
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"Zix'ilit," I activate the communication system as Sera creates a controlled fire for our camp. "Status update?"
His excited voice crackles through immediately. "Going great! Team Exodus trending across multiple sponsor networks! Your match views have increased sponsorship visibility metrics by 432%! Already receiving equipment offers and asset exchange proposals!"
"That's... not what I meant," I clarify. "Any updates on the laboratory situation?"
"Oh! Right!" His tone shifts to something more focused. "Multiple teams converging on laboratory location! Current count: eight teams with confirmed heading!"
"So we're in a race with eight other teams for something that might not even be there," Sera summarizes with a dry chuckle. "Perfect."
As night falls completely, the Crucible transforms around us. Bioluminescent plants unfurl, bathing the clearing in ghostly blue light. Strange calls echo from the darkness, creatures moving through the undergrowth just beyond the edge of visibility.
"We should discuss our approach to the laboratory," I suggest, sitting near the fire while maintaining a telekinetic perimeter around our camp. "Zix'ilit sent over the strategy guide earlier."
Desta activates her tablet, displaying a holographic schematic of our destination. "The abandoned laboratory consists of three primary structures connected by underground passages. Most teams focus on main research facility due to highest probable spawn location for the Resonant Mind Crystal."
"Resonant Mind Crystal?" Sera asks, manipulating small flames between her fingers in what appears to be a concentration exercise.
"The component we're looking for," I explain. "According to the guide, it's a crystalline formation that somehow amplifies psionic abilities. One of the key components for the Crown of Mental Superiority."
Desta continues the briefing, eyes occasionally flickering with code as she processes information. "Standard approach involves direct entry through primary facility access points. However, statistical analysis indicates high probability of conflict with competing teams using identical approach methodology."
"So we need something different," I muse, studying the schematic more carefully.
"There's a maintenance tunnel here," Sera points out, tracing a thin line on the holographic display. "Most teams would ignore it because it's too narrow for larger species, but we're all human."
I nod, impressed by her tactical insight. "Good catch. That could get us in behind the main rush."
"Secondary access point also provides 37% reduced encounter probability," Desta confirms. "With velocity enhancement boots, Kinetic could secure optimal position while team provides diversionary tactics."
As we refine our strategy, I can't help but wonder about something that's been bothering me since we entered the Crucible.
"Zix'ilit," I activate the comm again. "Quick question: why is there an abandoned laboratory in the middle of what's supposed to be a wild forest zone? Doesn't that seem out of place?"
His cheerful voice responds immediately. "Excellent question! It's part of the narrative framework! Each zone has story elements for sponsor enjoyment!"
"Narrative framework?" Sera repeats skeptically.
"Yes! Verdant Crucible simulation presents post-apocalyptic scenario where experimental biotech facility lost control of enhancement projects! Created rampant biological mutations that overtook natural environment! Laboratory contains research data explaining catastrophe causality!"
"So it's basically a story for sponsors to enjoy while their assets compete for resources." I translate.
"Exactly!" Zix'ilit squeaks with enthusiasm. "Sponsors follow narrative progression through collectible data nodes! Comprehensive story experience enhances engagement metrics! I'm personally very invested in the Crucible storyline! Already collected 21% of narrative fragments!"
Sera snorts with what might be genuine amusement. "So while we're fighting for our lives, you're basically playing an interactive story game."
"Affirmative!" Zix'ilit confirms, completely missing her sarcasm. "Multi-layered engagement design! Assets pursue enhancement resources while sponsors pursue narrative completion! Elegant system architecture!"
I shake my head, not entirely surprised by this revelation. "So the laboratory is basically a set piece in an elaborate game."
"With very real rewards," Desta reminds us, highlighting the potential spawning locations for the Resonant Mind Crystal on the holographic display.
"And very real dangers," Sera adds, extinguishing the flames dancing around her fingers. "Those creatures we fought today weren't simulations."
We finalize our approach strategy for the laboratory, planning to reach it by mid-morning tomorrow. With the perimeter secured by my telekinesis, we take turns keeping watch through the night, the strange sounds of the Crucible's nocturnal creatures a constant reminder that, story or not, the dangers here are entirely real.
As I take the final watch before dawn, I reflect on how quickly everything has changed. I thought I was just struggling for the survival of me and my friends, but the stakes seem so much higher now. The entirety of Earth has already been brought into the aliens' system. Is there even any getting out?
Now we're recognized everywhere we go, pursuing high-tier enhancements while competing against other teams in what amounts to an elaborate game within a game.
As we prepare to leave the safe zone, Zix'ilit bounces nervously at the edge of the force field that separates civilization from the wild growth beyond.
"You're not coming with us?" Sera asks, arching an eyebrow as she adjusts her elemental focus, a crystalline orb that pulses with energy as it orbits around her wrist.
"Sponsors rarely venture beyond safe zones!" Zix'ilit explains, his frill rippling with apologetic blues. "Too dangerous! Besides, my tactical support more effective from monitoring station!"
Right. "Just like the Labyrinth. You'll bother us through comms."
"Exactly! Communications system optimized for Crucible environment! Will stay connected except in electromagnetic disruption zones!" His bouncing intensifies with excitement. "Good hunting! Remember, laboratory likely to attract multiple teams! But Team Exodus is strongest now!"
As we pass through the barrier, the environment shifts immediately. The carefully maintained paths of the safe zone give way to aggressive vegetation that seems to reach for us with every step. Massive flowers with serrated petals snap at our ankles, while vines thick as my arm writhe overhead, tracking our movements with unsettling intelligence.
"Not exactly a nature hike," Sera mutters, sending a small flame dancing across her fingertips as a particularly persistent vine reaches toward her shoulder.
"Verdant Crucible environment designed to simulate post-biological integration scenario," Desta explains, her eyes flickering with code as she accesses information. "Flora exhibits rudimentary intelligence architecture consistent with limited neural enhancement."
"In normal human speak: the plants are partly brain," I translate, slicing through a cluster of vines with a telekinetic blade.
We trek deeper into the Crucible, following the coordinates Zix'ilit provided for the abandoned laboratory. According to the map, we're looking at about four hours of travel through increasingly hazardous terrain.
"Let's use this opportunity for training," I suggest as we approach a clearing where the vegetation pulses with unusual energy. "Desta, Sera, I want you two to handle whatever comes at us."
Sera's face lights up with a grin, flames already dancing more vigorously around her fingers. "Been waiting for a chance to cut loose."
Desta simply nods, drawing her energy pistol with mechanical efficiency.
We don't have to wait long. The clearing seems to detect our presence, the ground bulging upward as something massive tunnels beneath the surface. With a spray of dirt and roots, three creatures burst into view, insectoid predators with chitinous exoskeletons and multiple limbs ending in razor-sharp claws.
"Crucible Harvesters," Desta identifies them immediately. "C-rank threat. Primary attack methodology: coordinated pincer movement with venomous secondary strikes."
"I've got the one on the left," Sera calls out, already moving.
The creatures screech in unison, two charging directly toward us while the third circles to flank. Sera meets the first head-on, flames erupting from both hands in concentrated streams that impact the creature's exoskeleton with enough force to stagger it. The fire doesn't seem to penetrate its armor, but the creature recoils nonetheless.
"Their sensory apparatus is heat-sensitive!" Desta calls out, analyzing the reaction. She takes aim with her energy pistol, firing three precisely calculated shots at the second creature. The energy bolts strike with surgical precision at joint connections, finding the gaps in the natural armor.
I hang back, watching their tactics develop. Sera fights with raw enthusiasm, her movements fluid but unpolished as she channels flames in sweeping arcs. When the creature lunges at her with venomous mandibles, she transitions seamlessly to electrical energy, a crackling bolt striking the creature's face and sending it into spasms.
"That's more like it!" she shouts, genuine joy in her voice as she presses the advantage.
Desta's approach couldn't be more different. Each movement is calculated, each shot placed with mathematical precision after her eyes flash with code, analyzing vulnerability points. When her target attempts to flank her, she predicts its movement path perfectly, placing shots that sever two of its limbs in rapid succession.
The third creature recognizes me as the one not attacking and charges directly at what it perceives as the weakest target. I remain still, curious to see how my teammates will respond.
"Gary, look out!" Sera calls, immediately redirecting her attack. With impressive control, she generates a wall of flame between me and the charging insectoid, forcing it to veer away directly into Desta's line of fire.
Three perfect shots later, the creature collapses, twitching.
Working together, they make short work of the remaining harvesters. Desta's analytical precision complementing Sera's raw power creates a surprisingly effective combat dynamic.
"Not bad," I acknowledge as they finish off the last creature. "Sera, your elemental transitions are getting smoother. Desta, excellent targeting."
Sera grins, small flames still dancing around her fingers as adrenaline courses through her system. "That felt amazing. These powers—they're like nothing I ever experienced before the neural damage."
"Combat effectiveness increased by approximately 23% compared to simulation parameters," Desta observes, holstering her energy pistol with mechanical precision.
We continue through the Crucible, encountering various other creatures and hazards, all handled by Desta and Sera while I observe and occasionally offer tactical suggestions. Each encounter reveals more about their developing combat styles and growing coordination.
Around midday, another human team crosses our path. Four people in matching crimson jumpsuits, all bearing the mark of what appears to be a mid-tier sponsor.
"Hold up," their leader calls out as we approach the intersection. "You're Team Exodus, right?"
I nod, somewhat surprised to be recognized. "That's right."
"Saw your match against Brute Force yesterday," he says, genuine admiration in his voice. "Absolutely demolished them. Didn't even need that fancy looking sword you have." He points to the resonant blade hanging on my waist.
"Word travels fast," I observe.
The woman beside him taps something on her wrist device. "Your match is trending across all Central Arena networks. Especially popular with people back on Earth."
That's unexpected. The idea that people on Earth are watching our matches, following our progress, adds yet another layer to this surreal experience.
"Where are you headed?" their leader asks, though his tone suggests he already knows the answer.
"Just exploring," I reply vaguely, unwilling to confirm our destination.
He smiles knowingly. "The lab, right? We've already encountered four teams heading in that direction."
"Competitive parameters within expected metrics," Desta observes quietly.
"Don't let us slow you down," the man says with a casual salute. "Look forward to seeing what Team Exodus does next."
As they continue on their path, Sera watches them go with a thoughtful expression. "We're famous now, huh? Didn't see that coming."
"Fame represents tactical disadvantage in competitive resource acquisition scenarios," Desta points out. "Increased observation parameters result in reduced strategic surprise potential."
"In normal human speak: everyone's watching us now, so we can't fly under the radar," I translate.
We encounter two more teams before nightfall, both human, both immediately recognizing Team Exodus. By the time we set up camp in a defensible clearing, it's clear that our victory over Brute Force has dramatically changed our profile within Central Arena.
"Zix'ilit," I activate the communication system as Sera creates a controlled fire for our camp. "Status update?"
His excited voice crackles through immediately. "Going great! Team Exodus trending across multiple sponsor networks! Your match views have increased sponsorship visibility metrics by 432%! Already receiving equipment offers and asset exchange proposals!"
"That's... not what I meant," I clarify. "Any updates on the laboratory situation?"
"Oh! Right!" His tone shifts to something more focused. "Multiple teams converging on laboratory location! Current count: eight teams with confirmed heading!"
"So we're in a race with eight other teams for something that might not even be there," Sera summarizes with a dry chuckle. "Perfect."
As night falls completely, the Crucible transforms around us. Bioluminescent plants unfurl, bathing the clearing in ghostly blue light. Strange calls echo from the darkness, creatures moving through the undergrowth just beyond the edge of visibility.
"We should discuss our approach to the laboratory," I suggest, sitting near the fire while maintaining a telekinetic perimeter around our camp. "Zix'ilit sent over the strategy guide earlier."
Desta activates her tablet, displaying a holographic schematic of our destination. "The abandoned laboratory consists of three primary structures connected by underground passages. Most teams focus on main research facility due to highest probable spawn location for the Resonant Mind Crystal."
"Resonant Mind Crystal?" Sera asks, manipulating small flames between her fingers in what appears to be a concentration exercise.
"The component we're looking for," I explain. "According to the guide, it's a crystalline formation that somehow amplifies psionic abilities. One of the key components for the Crown of Mental Superiority."
Desta continues the briefing, eyes occasionally flickering with code as she processes information. "Standard approach involves direct entry through primary facility access points. However, statistical analysis indicates high probability of conflict with competing teams using identical approach methodology."
"So we need something different," I muse, studying the schematic more carefully.
"There's a maintenance tunnel here," Sera points out, tracing a thin line on the holographic display. "Most teams would ignore it because it's too narrow for larger species, but we're all human."
I nod, impressed by her tactical insight. "Good catch. That could get us in behind the main rush."
"Secondary access point also provides 37% reduced encounter probability," Desta confirms. "With velocity enhancement boots, Kinetic could secure optimal position while team provides diversionary tactics."
As we refine our strategy, I can't help but wonder about something that's been bothering me since we entered the Crucible.
"Zix'ilit," I activate the comm again. "Quick question: why is there an abandoned laboratory in the middle of what's supposed to be a wild forest zone? Doesn't that seem out of place?"
His cheerful voice responds immediately. "Excellent question! It's part of the narrative framework! Each zone has story elements for sponsor enjoyment!"
"Narrative framework?" Sera repeats skeptically.
"Yes! Verdant Crucible simulation presents post-apocalyptic scenario where experimental biotech facility lost control of enhancement projects! Created rampant biological mutations that overtook natural environment! Laboratory contains research data explaining catastrophe causality!"
"So it's basically a story for sponsors to enjoy while their assets compete for resources." I translate.
"Exactly!" Zix'ilit squeaks with enthusiasm. "Sponsors follow narrative progression through collectible data nodes! Comprehensive story experience enhances engagement metrics! I'm personally very invested in the Crucible storyline! Already collected 21% of narrative fragments!"
Sera snorts with what might be genuine amusement. "So while we're fighting for our lives, you're basically playing an interactive story game."
"Affirmative!" Zix'ilit confirms, completely missing her sarcasm. "Multi-layered engagement design! Assets pursue enhancement resources while sponsors pursue narrative completion! Elegant system architecture!"
I shake my head, not entirely surprised by this revelation. "So the laboratory is basically a set piece in an elaborate game."
"With very real rewards," Desta reminds us, highlighting the potential spawning locations for the Resonant Mind Crystal on the holographic display.
"And very real dangers," Sera adds, extinguishing the flames dancing around her fingers. "Those creatures we fought today weren't simulations."
We finalize our approach strategy for the laboratory, planning to reach it by mid-morning tomorrow. With the perimeter secured by my telekinesis, we take turns keeping watch through the night, the strange sounds of the Crucible's nocturnal creatures a constant reminder that, story or not, the dangers here are entirely real.
As I take the final watch before dawn, I reflect on how quickly everything has changed. I thought I was just struggling for the survival of me and my friends, but the stakes seem so much higher now. The entirety of Earth has already been brought into the aliens' system. Is there even any getting out?
Now we're recognized everywhere we go, pursuing high-tier enhancements while competing against other teams in what amounts to an elaborate game within a game.
