Over the next three days, our base in the middle ring transforms into Desta's personal workshop. The materials we've collected, combined with the spatial compression device's seemingly endless storage capacity, provide everything she needs for her most ambitious project yet.

  I watch with a mixture of admiration and growing envy as the crude exoskeleton we cobbled together from salvaged parts evolves into something that belongs in a science fiction movie. The original frame has been completely rebuilt, every joint and connection redesigned for maximum efficiency.

  "Quantum energy matrix integration at 63%," Desta announces, her eyes flickering with code as she works. The power source we recovered from the Labyrinth now serves as the heart of her creation, its energy flowing through newly designed conduits that pulse with contained power.

  "In normal human speak: the super battery is almost fully connected," Sera translates, though she seems as impressed as I am by the transformation.

  The spatial compression device has been seamlessly integrated into the armor's back, its geometric patterns now part of the overall design rather than a simple attachment. Desta demonstrates by pulling a massive component from what appears to be thin air, the device warping space to access its pocket dimension.

  "Active camouflage system online," she reports as liquid-like material flows across the armor's surface, creating an adaptive coating that bends light around it. With a simple command, she becomes nearly invisible, just a slight shimmer in the air betraying her presence.

  "Show off," Lyra teases, though her eyes track the barely visible distortion with fascination.

  I try to hide my jealousy as Desta activates the thrusters built into the boots and back. She rises smoothly into the air, hovering several feet above the ground with perfect stability. The quantum energy matrix provides enough power for sustained flight, something my velocity enhancement boots can only dream of achieving.

  The weapons integration is equally impressive. Her original energy rifle has been rebuilt from the ground up, incorporating technology we've looted from various weapons caches. The result is a sleek, multi-function weapon that can switch between different energy types and firing modes with a thought.

  But it's the built-in armaments that really catch my attention. Energy projectors in the palms, micro-missile launchers in the shoulders, plasma cutters in the forearms, she's turned herself into a walking arsenal.

  "Full systems check complete," Desta announces after running through a series of tests. "All parameters functioning within optimal tolerances. Combat effectiveness increased by approximately 847% compared to baseline exoskeleton configuration."

  "In normal human speak: she's now a certified badass," Sera grins, clearly enjoying my barely concealed envy.

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  "I believe it's time to acquire the Command Authentication Protocol," Desta states, her voice carrying a hint of satisfaction that's unusual for her typically neutral demeanor.

  "You sure you want to go alone?" I ask, trying to sound concerned rather than jealous. "The central core access facility has A-rank security."

  Desta's helmet forms around her head with liquid precision, the visor displaying multiple data streams. "Current configuration exceeds standard A-rank threat parameters. Solo infiltration offers highest probability of success due to stealth capabilities."

  And just like that, she's gone, the active camouflage rendering her nearly invisible as she exits our base.

  "Don't worry," Lyra says, patting my shoulder sympathetically. "Your sword is still cool."

  "Very cool," Sera adds with a smirk that tells me they've both noticed my reaction.

  “It’s a good thing for the team that Desta is stronger now,” I grumble through gritted teeth. The adaptive bodysuit I was once so proud of now looks drab in comparison to Desta’s power armor.

  Exactly nineteen minutes later, Desta returns. She deactivates her camouflage as she enters, the armor shifting from near-invisibility to its default matte black finish with glowing blue accents.

  "Mission successful," she reports, holding up a crystalline key card that pulses with inner light. "Command Authentication Protocol acquired. Zero security alerts triggered. Zero hostile encounters."

  "You weren't even detected?" I ask, unable to keep the disbelief from my voice.

  "Negative. Stealth systems performed beyond initial projections. Quantum computational integration allowed real-time adaptation to security protocols." She pauses, then adds what might be the closest thing to bragging I've ever heard from her: "Facility defenses proved... inadequate."

  Sera bursts out laughing at my expression. "Oh, this is priceless. Gary's actually pouting because Desta's armor is cooler than his sword."

  "I am not pouting," I protest, though I can feel my face heating up.

  "It's okay to be jealous," Lyra says kindly. "Her armor is objectively amazing."

  Desta tilts her head slightly, studying me with those flickering eyes. "Query: would you prefer similar armor configuration? Materials remain available for additional construction."

  The offer catches me off guard. "You'd build one for me?"

  "Team enhancement optimization requires balanced capability distribution," she replies, which I think is her way of saying she'd rather not show up her team leader too badly.

  "Maybe later," I decide, logic finally winning over my envy. "For now, let's focus on reaching the central ring. We have an Integration Circuit to find."

  With my telekinetic abilities, Desta’s power armor wouldn’t add much to my overall combat strength. Even if it were powerful enough to be useful, I would outgrow it soon anyway. I can feel my telekinesis evolving a little more each day, even now. Better for me to just focus on refining my powers.

  But as we prepare for the next phase of our journey, I can't help stealing glances at Desta's power armor. The way it moves like a second skin, the subtle hum of the quantum energy matrix, the endless possibilities of the integrated weapons systems...

  Damn it, couldn’t she have made it a bit less awesome looking though?

  For now, though, I'll content myself with the knowledge that this incredible piece of technology is on our side. Whatever Nalthir’s so-called master and the core has in store for us, Team Exodus is more prepared than ever.

  Even if my sword and armor does feel a little less cool by comparison.