The Quantum Nexus materializes around us in a flash of light as the access portal stabilizes. I blink away the momentary disorientation, taking in our surroundings with heightened senses.

  We've arrived on a circular platform that appears to be some kind of intake processing station. Overhead, a vast metallic dome stretches so high its center is lost in shadow, crisscrossed with energy conduits that pulse with blue-white light. All around us, technological structures rise like strange mechanical trees, their surfaces covered with blinking indicators and exposed circuitry.

  "Whoa," Sera whispers beside me, platinum hair standing slightly on end from the electrical charge in the air. "This makes the Labyrinth look primitive."

  She's right. Where the Labyrinth had a certain ancient mystique, the Quantum Nexus is pure advanced technology. It's beautiful in its complexity – a marriage of function and form that speaks of civilizations far beyond human understanding.

  "Initial access point secured," Desta observes, her eyes already flickering with code as her upgraded system interfaces with the ambient technology. "Perimeter defense systems registering our authorization parameters."

  "It worked!" Lyra exclaims with childlike wonder, watching as nearby security scanners pass over us with blue light before turning green and moving on. "The Override Module actually fooled them!"

  I move cautiously toward the edge of the platform, looking out over the vast complex that makes up the outer ring of the Nexus. The view is breathtaking – and sobering. Massive hexagonal structures stretch in all directions, connected by energy bridges that flicker with unstable power. Some buildings appear intact, while others show significant damage, their walls breached, interiors exposed to the strange ambient atmosphere.

  "Most functioning structures already claimed by existing expedition teams," Desta notes, scanning the area with her enhanced systems. "Detected seventeen active operation bases with established territorial boundaries."

  "Seventeen teams?" I ask, surprised by the number. "That's more competition than I expected."

  A distant explosion draws our attention to a skirmish happening several structures away. Energy weapons fire in colorful bursts as what appears to be an insectoid team battles security drones, their movements desperate and defensive.

  "Those would be the unauthorized visitors," I observe, watching as more security units converge on the battle.

  "No Module means constant fighting," Zix'ilit explains, he nervous voice coming in over the comms link. "Most teams can only survive in outer ring through continuous combat! Even if they break into inner rings, only more battle awaits!"

  I scan the nearer buildings, noting signs of occupation, modified defenses, improvised barricades, occasionally what appears to be team insignias marked on claiming structures.

  "None of these teams are human," Sera observes, squinting at a group of crystalline beings patrolling a nearby bridge. "I thought we'd see some familiar faces."

  "No humans have five Labyrinth completions yet," Zix explains. "Your species only recently joined Central Arena! Most teams here from species with longer participation periods!"

  "So we're the first humans to access the Nexus with authorization," I say, feeling a strange mix of pride and wariness at that distinction. "That might make us a target."

  Well, I doubt anyone in the outer ring will pose much of a threat to us.

  "We need to establish a base of operations," I decide, studying the surrounding structures. "Somewhere defensible but with access to resources."

  Desta's eyes flicker as she processes data from her scans. "Detected unclaimed processing facility approximately 0.7 kilometers southeast. Structural integrity at 83%. Power systems functional. Security protocols responsive to Override Module signature."

  "That sounds promising," I reply, already forming a mental image of what she's describing.

  We move cautiously through the outer ring, sticking to covered pathways and avoiding the few security patrols still active in this area. Most of the basic security units seem to be occupied with unauthorized teams, giving us a relatively clear path to our destination.

  The processing facility Desta identified turns out to be a multi-level structure with a domed roof and reinforced walls. Its entrance shows signs of previous attempts at forced entry, but the security systems remain intact, green indicators lighting up as we approach with our Module credentials.

  "Security systems acknowledging authorization," Desta confirms as the massive door slides open with a pneumatic hiss.

  Inside, the facility is a technological treasure trove, despite clear signs that it's been partially stripped by previous visitors. Workstations with holographic interfaces line the walls, most still functional. The central area houses what appears to be automated fabrication equipment, though many components are missing or damaged.

  "Perfect first base!" Zix'ilit exclaims over the comms link. "Processing facilities contain basic resource catalogs and fabrication systems! Excellent starting point for Team Exodus operations!"

  "Can we secure it?" Sera asks, eyeing the massive door. "I'd rather not have other teams walking in while we're sleeping."

  "Override Module permits security reconfiguration," Desta replies, already connecting her quantum computer to a central console. Her fingers dance across invisible interfaces as she manipulates the system. "Implementing biometric lockdown protocols to restrict access to Team Exodus identification parameters."

  "In normal human speak: she's changing the locks to only let us in," Sera translates with a satisfied nod.

  I explore the facility while Desta secures our position, finding storage areas, what appears to be living quarters for maintenance staff, and a central command room with monitoring stations that provide views of the surrounding area.

  "Looks like this place was some kind of processing hub," I observe, studying the layout. "Raw materials came in, got cataloged, then forwarded to other facilities."

  "Resource distribution nexus," Desta confirms without looking up from her work. "Designed for preliminary materials processing and allocation to specialized fabrication centers."

  Lyra moves through the space like an excited child, touching equipment and occasionally transforming parts of her body to match interesting components she discovers. "It's incredible! So much technology, so many new forms to study!"

  Several hours later, we've established a functional base. Desta has secured the facility and accessed its remaining systems, giving us a clearer picture of our surroundings. Sera has set up defensive positions at key access points, while Lyra and I have organized the living space and conducted a full inventory of available resources.

  "Not as much left as I'd hoped," I admit, reviewing what we've found. "Looks like previous teams stripped most of the valuable materials."

  "Central fabrication systems remain partially operational," Desta reports from the main console, where she's been working steadily since we arrived. "Sufficient resources present for preliminary construction project initiation."

  Sera raises an eyebrow. "What exactly are you planning to build?"

  Desta's fingers pause momentarily as she considers the question, her eyes flickering with calculations. "Current environment necessitates enhanced defensive and mobility parameters. Recommending construction of augmented mechanical interface system to amplify existing capabilities."

  "In normal human speak?" Sera prompts, though I can tell she's getting better at interpreting Desta's technical language.

  "I believe she wants to build power armor," I translate, watching as schematics appear on Desta's console. "An exoskeleton to enhance her capabilities."

  "Affirmative," Desta confirms, the closest thing to enthusiasm I've ever heard in her voice. "Quantum power source provides sufficient energy matrix for basic exoskeletal frame operation. Additional components required for advanced functionality."

  "But where will you get the materials?" Lyra asks, peering at the complex schematics with fascination. "I thought this place was already picked clean."

  "Basic structural components available through existing resources," Desta explains. "Advanced systems require salvage operation to obtain. Sentinel units contain compatible integration components."

  "She wants to go hunting," I realize. "Specifically for parts she can salvage from security drones."

  Our communications device chimes, and Zix'ilit's voice comes through, his typical bouncy enthusiasm slightly distorted by the transmission. "Team Exodus! Status update needed! Monitoring system shows you've established base successfully!"

  I activate the comm link. "We're secure in a processing facility. Desta's already planning to build some kind of exoskeleton using salvaged parts."

  "Outer ring Sentinels designated C-rank threat!" Zix'ilit warns, his voice rising with concern. "Fighting them deliberately significantly different from defensive engagement! Authorization doesn't prevent targeting if you initiate conflict!"

  "So if we attack them, then all of us will be marked as hostile." I reason, considering the tactical challenges.

  They wouldn't really be hard to kill out here, but it would make all security in the zone hostile to us. That includes security in the middle and inner rings, making exploration in those more dangerous regions much harder.

  We still have almost three weeks to explore this place, maybe we shouldn't be making enemies so early.

  "How troublesome," I mutter.

  "Actually," Sera interjects, pointing to a monitor showing a distant skirmish, "we could let those unauthorized teams do the hard work. Wait until they take down some Sentinels, then move in to collect the salvage before they can."

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  "That's..." I consider the ethics briefly before nodding, "actually a pretty good idea. I doubt those teams are salvaging every robot they take down anyways, there's probably plenty to go around."

  "Opportunistic salvage operation represents optimal risk-reward ratio," Desta agrees, already gathering tools for the expedition.

  We spend the rest of that first day observing patrol patterns and skirmish locations, mapping the most likely places to find disabled Sentinels. By nightfall, Desta has assembled a crude frame for her exoskeleton using materials from our base, but she needs specialized components to make it functional.

  "Tomorrow we hunt," I decide as we secure the facility for the night. "But we stay together and we stay cautious. There are seventeen other teams out there, and not all of them will be friendly."

  ---

  The next morning, we set out on our first salvage run. The plan is straightforward, locate areas where unauthorized teams have recently fought Sentinels, move in quickly to collect valuable components, and return to base before either security reinforcements or other scavengers arrive.

  We don't have to go far. Just two structures away from our base, we find the aftermath of a recent battle. Three security drones lie disabled across a small plaza, their metallic bodies still occasionally sparking with residual energy. The team that took them down is nowhere in sight, likely forced to retreat by additional security forces.

  "Perfect," Sera mutters as we approach cautiously. "Still mostly intact."

  Desta moves with uncharacteristic urgency, kneeling beside the first drone and immediately beginning to disassemble key components. Her fingers work with surgical precision, removing actuators, power couplings, and control modules that she carefully stores in a collection bag.

  "This actuator design is particularly efficient," she comments, extracting a cylindrical component from the drone's limb assembly. "Integration with exoskeletal frame will provide 47% mobility enhancement."

  Lyra positions herself as a lookout, occasionally shifting her eyes to enhance her visual range. "I think I see movement three structures north," she warns. "Could be another team."

  Desta finishes with the first drone and moves quickly to the second, her salvage operation becoming more efficient with practice. She's just starting on the third when Lyra tenses.

  "Definitely another team," she confirms. "Four members, moving this way. They look... determined."

  ---

  The Salvagers

  Tikrik's antennae twitched as he led his salvage team across the metal-scented pathways of the outer ring. Three standard cycles they'd survived in the Quantum Nexus without authorization credentials, fighting security drones, competing with other unauthorized teams, and scavenging what materials they could find. It was exhausting, but necessary, the targeting systems they required were worth the risk.

  "Movement ahead," clicked Mazix, their scout. "Four bipeds at our drone kill site."

  Tikrik's compound eyes adjusted, focusing on the distant figures. Three were clearly human, that newly arrived species causing such commotion in Central Arena. The fourth was... strange, silver-haired with unusually fluid movements.

  "Salvagers," he clicked to his team. "Stealing our components."

  Drex, their weapons specialist, raised his integrated energy cannons. "Quick strike. Overwhelm and claim. Standard approach."

  "Wait," Tikrik cautioned, studying the group more carefully. One of the humans was methodically disassembling the drones they'd disabled earlier. Another stood watch, small flames dancing between her fingers, an elemental manipulator. But it was the third that gave him pause.

  Tall, confident stance, unnaturally still as he observed their approach. And something else, a faint distortion in the air around him, as if reality itself bent slightly in his presence.

  "Unusual energy signature from the tall one," warned Kazzik, their sensor specialist. "Powerful psionic field detected."

  Tikrik hesitated. Most unauthorized teams would react with immediate aggression to defend their salvage. These visitors simply watched their approach, the tall one stepping forward without apparent concern.

  As they drew closer, Tikrik felt it, a pressure in the air, invisible but unmistakable. Power. Controlled, contained, but immense. His instincts screamed caution.

  "Salvage rights," Tikrik announced formally, mandibles clicking in the traditional negotiation opening. "Our kill, our components."

  The tall human responded with unusual poise. "We don't see your claim markers. In Central Arena, salvage goes to whoever collects it first."

  Tikrik's secondary eyelids flicked in surprise. Most scavengers simply threatened or attacked. This one cited protocols as if they were in an administrative hearing rather than a potential battlefield.

  "Humans," he noted, studying them more carefully. "First humans with access credentials. Interesting. Still, salvage rights follow combat priority. We disabled these units."

  As the conversation continued, Tikrik became increasingly aware of the tall human's presence. The subtle distortion around him had grown stronger, and now Tikrik noticed a weapon at his side, a blade-like device that hummed with energy that resonated uncomfortably with his exoskeletal plates.

  Then recognition clicked into place. The stance, the contained power, the blade. Images from recent arena broadcasts crystallized in his memory.

  "You're from Team Exodus," he clicked in surprise. "The one who defeated Brute Force alone."

  The human didn't confirm, but didn't need to. Tikrik had seen the recordings – this telekinetic had dismantled four Dornian warriors without assistance. Alone. C-ranked teams like theirs wouldn't stand a chance.

  What was most unsettling wasn't just the human's power, but his control. No flashy displays, no intimidation tactics. Just absolute confidence in his ability to handle whatever came next. The air around him seemed to thicken with potential energy, like the moment before a lightning strike.

  Tikrik took an instinctive step back. "We seek only specific components. Perhaps... arrangement can be made for shared salvage rights."

  To his surprise, the human offered reasonable terms. The telekinetic could have simply taken everything, or worse. Instead, he proposed a division of resources that actually respected their needs.

  As the humans departed with their components, Tikrik's team gathered around him.

  "Why did you yield?" Drex clicked irritably. "Four against four. Equal numbers."

  Tikrik's antennae twitched in disbelief. "Equal numbers, unequal power. That was an A-rank telekinetic. Did you not feel it? The weight in the air around him?"

  "I did," confirmed Kazzik. "Psionic field readings exceeded our sensor thresholds. That human could have torn our limbs off without touching us."

  "More significant," Tikrik added, mandibles clicking thoughtfully, "he chose not to. He offered fair terms when he could have simply taken what he wanted."

  "Strategy? Weakness?" wondered Mazix.

  Tikrik watched the retreating humans, the tall one moving with that same controlled confidence. "Neither. Efficiency. He has larger concerns than fighting over drone parts." His compound eyes clicked as he adjusted focus. "Remember his face and energy signature. Team Exodus is not to be engaged carelessly. But perhaps... perhaps they could be useful allies in this dangerous place."

  As they began extracting their targeting systems, Tikrik can't help but think back to the encounter. The pressure of the human's power had been unlike anything he'd experienced, not overt, not threatening, but undeniably present. Like standing at the edge of a gravity well, feeling the pull of something vast yet perfectly controlled.

  Central Arena's newest species was producing some very interesting assets indeed.

  ---

  We return to our base without incident, Desta immediately beginning work on integrating the new components into her exoskeleton. The encounter with the insectoid team has reinforced something I've been sensing since our arrival, in the Quantum Nexus, reputation and diplomacy can sometimes be as valuable as combat prowess.

  "Acquired resources sufficient for basic exoskeletal frame activation. Mobility systems operational at 62% efficiency with current components." Desta announces, laying out the components with methodical precision.

  "In normal human speak: she can get the suit working, but it won't be at full power yet," Sera translates, though the need for translation is becoming less necessary as we all grow accustomed to Desta's technical language.

  "Let's see it then," I say, genuinely curious about what she's constructing.

  Over the next few hours, we watch Desta assemble the exoskeleton with fascinating precision. The frame takes shape around a central control unit powered by the quantum core she acquired in the Labyrinth. Actuators salvaged from the security drones provide joint mobility, while power conduits run through the structure like artificial veins. Her power allowing her to join the parts together in ways that are almost impossible to copy with standard tools.

  By evening, she has a functional, if basic, exoskeleton. The design is elegant in its simplicity, a framework that enhances strength and speed without the bulk I'd expected. When she finally steps into it, the system activates with a soft hum, blue energy flowing through transparent conduits as it synchronizes with her movements.

  "Mobility enhancement operational," she announces, walking with noticeably increased fluidity and strength. "Power efficiency at 64%. Defensive capabilities limited with current components."

  "It's a start," I acknowledge, impressed despite the prototype's limitations. "What do you need to improve it?"

  Desta's eyes flicker briefly with calculations. "Middle ring contains advanced fabrication facilities with superior component integration capabilities. Military-grade actuators, enhanced power distribution networks, and adaptive armor plating would improve functionality by approximately 217%."

  "So we need to find a way into the middle ring," I conclude, activating our comm link to Zix'ilit. "What's our next step? You mentioned a Security Override Key?"

  "Yes." Desta nods, bringing up a holographic map. "Key located in administration facility."

  "So what exactly are we up against?" I ask, studying the map. The structure looks imposing, a massive hexagonal building with multiple security checkpoints and what appears to be a central vault.

  Desta's fingers move through the holographic interface, highlighting specific areas. "Primary security measures include elite guard units stationed at all major access points. Defense parameters significantly exceed standard Sentinel configurations."

  "How significantly?" Sera asks, leaning in to get a better view.

  The comm unit crackles to life as Zix'ilit responds from his monitoring station. "B-rank elite security units! WAY more dangerous than regular Sentinels! Designed specifically to protect high-value assets!"

  "Can't we just fight our way through?" Lyra asks, her silver hair catching the blue light of the hologram. "I mean, Gary handled those B-ranked Dornians easily enough."

  I shake my head. "It's not that simple. According to the schematics, these guard units are networked to the facility's core systems."

  "Accurate assessment," Desta confirms. "Damage to any security unit triggers facility-wide hostile response protocol. All systems would immediately identify Team Exodus as primary threat targets regardless of authorization status."

  "In normal human speak: hurt one, and they all come after us," Sera translates. "Plus we lose our security clearance."

  I study the map more carefully, tracing potential routes through the facility. "Maybe I should go alone. I can move faster on my own, and if something goes wrong, I can handle their attacks better than anyone else."

  Zix'ilit's voice rises in pitch. "BAD IDEA! Security Override Key stored in encrypted vault terminal! Requires expert technokinetic interface capabilities! Can't just grab it!"

  I look at Desta, understanding the implication. "So I need you there to actually access the key."

  She nods, eyes briefly flickering with code. "Affirmative. Technokinetic interface necessary for security encryption bypass without triggering hostile response protocols."

  "But your exoskeleton isn't ready," I point out, eyeing the still-basic frame she's constructed. "Those B-rank guards would tear through it in seconds if they decide to attack."

  Desta studies her exoskeleton with calculating eyes. "Current configuration provides minimal defensive capabilities. Requires significant upgrades before administration facility infiltration becomes viable."

  Sera moves to the facility inventory console. "So what do we need? Better armor? Weapons?"

  "Enhanced structural components," Desta replies, projecting a new schematic showing her exoskeleton with highlighted sections. "Military-grade actuators for improved mobility parameters. Reinforced plating for defensive capability enhancement. Advanced power distribution network to maintain operational efficiency under stress conditions."

  "And where exactly do we find those in the picked-over outer ring?" I ask.

  Lyra, who has been unusually quiet, suddenly perks up. "What about that section we spotted yesterday? The one with the security breach alerts? Maybe there's something valuable left there because it's too dangerous for most teams."

  I consider this. "Worth investigating. We'll need to be careful though—if the security systems are still active, they might be targeting anything that moves."

  "One more day of hunting," I decide. "We gather whatever we can to upgrade Desta's exoskeleton, then tomorrow we make our move on the administration facility."