The Stability Headquarters rose from the center of Lighthouse City like a spear thrust into the sky—unlike the utilitarian structures that dominated the urban landscape, this building defied conventional architectural principles. Its exterior consisted of phase-shifted alloy that responded to dimensional fluctuations, causing subtle color shifts that rippled up the 150-story tower in hypnotic patterns. The building's silhouette changed depending on viewing angle, appearing impossibly thin from some perspectives and broadly imposing from others.

  I stood before the main entrance where suspended glass panels formed doorways that seemed to float without physical support. My status badge flickered as I crossed the threshold, encountering security scans far more sophisticated than those at the Rift Management Center.

  The reception area featured a curved desk made from what appeared to be a single piece of material with the refractive properties of diamond but the structural integrity of reinforced titanium. Holographic information streams flowed across every surface, too fast for normal human perception but likely readable to the enhanced staff.

  "Can I help you?" The receptionist—a blank with neural augmentation implants visible at her temples—barely looked up from her interface.

  "I'd like to observe one of your E-tier training squads," I stated, keeping my tone neutral but firm.

  She glanced at my E-tier badge, eyebrows rising slightly. "Stability training programs are closed to non-members. If you're interested in joining, I can schedule a recruitment assessment."

  "I'm not looking to join. I want to see how your squads operate," I clarified. "Solo perspective research."

  The receptionist's expression hardened. "As I said, training sessions are restricted to—"

  "Volt?"

  I turned toward the voice. A woman with silver hair and matching silver eyes approached from an interior doorway. Her C-tier badge glowed with the distinctive platinum rim of senior Stability personnel. Something about her seemed vaguely familiar.

  "I thought that was you," she said, studying me with analytical precision. "I am glad you hadn’t evolved any rifts since the last time.”

  The memory clicked—this was the silver eyed C-tier from my previous visit to HQ, but now she was wearing her badge, which stated her name was Versala.

  Her gaze shifted to the receptionist. "I'll handle this, Linn."

  The receptionist seemed ready to object but merely nodded and returned to her interface.

  "Walk with me," Versala instructed, turning toward the interior doorway. "what have you done this time?"

  I matched her pace, noting how the floor beneath us subtly illuminated with each step, leaving momentary footprint patterns that faded seconds later—a security tracking measure disguised as aesthetic design.

  "I want to see how other E-tiers fight," I replied honestly. "Solo raiding gives me tunnel vision. I need reference points, watching Network recordings isn’t the same."

  She laughed—a sound so genuine it seemed out of place in this technical environment. "I like you, Volt. Direct and pragmatic." The tube decelerated as smoothly as it had accelerated. "I'm running an E-tier Elite squad through final certification today. You can observe, even participate if you wish."

  The doors opened to reveal a massive preparation chamber. Unlike the Rift Management Center's utilitarian spaces, this room featured adaptive environmental systems, real-time dimensional stability monitoring, and what appeared to be matter printers capable of producing specialized equipment on demand.

  Five raiders in Stability-issue adaptive armor stood around a holographic terrain model, their animated discussion cutting off abruptly as we entered. All E-tier, all distinctly different in appearance and loadout.

  "Squad Obsidian," Versala announced, "we have a guest observer today. This is Volt, E-tier solo specialist."

  I noted their immediate reactions—a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and in one case, what appeared to be skepticism. Their badges displayed Stability logos with specialized tactical designations.

  "Is he joining Stability?" asked a woman with short, vibrant red hair and targeting optics integrated into a partial face mask.

  "No," Versala replied. "He's here to learn, and you're here to show him how an Elite squad operates. Consider it additional evaluation criteria for your certification."

  A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped forward. "No offense, ma'am, but aren't training operations classified? Security protocols dictate—"

  "I'm overriding protocols, Provik," Versala interrupted smoothly. "Every raider in this city contributes to our dimensional stability, whether they wear our insignia or not. Volt has potential so he gets special treatment these are standing directives from the Emperor himself it is in Stability protocols.”

  The squad exchanged glances, reassessing me with newfound interest.

  "Besides," Versala continued, "squad size regulations exist because ten E-tiers would make lower-tier rifts too manageable. Five is our standard for a reason—balanced capability without overwhelming advantage. One additional observer won't disrupt your evaluation metrics."

  A lean man with intricately tattooed forearms nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense. I've heard about solo specialists. Never met one alive though."

  "Introductions," Versala commanded. "You'll be entering at 0800 tomorrow. Familiarize yourselves tonight."

  The tattooed man stepped forward first. "Brernak, close-range specialist." His eyes met mine with professional assessment rather than challenge.

  The broad-shouldered man followed. "Provik, defensive specialist." His handshake was firmly controlled, calibrated precisely to avoid damaging normal humans while demonstrating strength.

  "Vissa," said the woman with analytical devices mounted on her armor's shoulders. "Long-range tactical." Her voice carried the clipped precision of someone who valued efficiency in all things.

  "Belvoko," a shorter man with remarkably fluid movements introduced himself. "Support specialist." His eyes constantly tracked everyone's positions, mentally mapping the space.

  "Tifunes," the red-haired woman with targeting optics concluded. "Precision specialist." She studied me with unabashed curiosity. "You really clear rifts alone? With what equipment loadout?"

  I gestured to my reinforced mesh suit and Supershock Baton. "This."

  Their expressions ranged from disbelief to interest. Versala smiled slightly.

  "Learning goes both ways," Versala noted. "Squad Obsidian, consider this an opportunity to demonstrate elite coordination. Volt, I expect you to contribute meaningfully without disrupting their operational patterns." She checked her wrist interface. "Briefing materials are available through the central terminal. I suggest you all prepare thoroughly. The Stone Sentinel Peaks aren't forgiving to the unprepared."

  After Versala departed, Provik activated the holographic display, expanding the terrain model. "Might as well get you up to speed," he said, gesturing me closer.

  The hologram revealed a treacherous mountain pass with sheer cliffs and narrow traversal points.

  "Stone Sentinels are rock-based humanoids," Vissa explained, manipulating the display to show creature models. "Multiple limbs, extremely dense physical composition. Strategic priority is maintaining positional advantage and preventing encirclement."

  "Three boss entities confirmed," Tifunes added, her targeting optics whirring as she studied the projections. "That's unusual. E-tier rifts normally contain one, occasionally two."

  Brernak traced a finger along one of the projected paths. "What's your combat approach?" he asked me directly.

  "Observation," I replied. "I won't use any abilities that might interfere with your coordination."

  "DOMAIN ENGINE," Belvoko said suddenly, studying my status. "That's your cursed-trait? Hazard manipulation?"

  I nodded.

  "Better not use it," he advised. "Don’t take it personally we hadn’t trained together, don’t want you accidentally killing one of us."

  "Agreed," I confirmed, though my reasons differed from his assumption. This was a perfect opportunity to practice fundamental combat—to strengthen basic that might save me when Mana or Stamina ran low.

  We spent the next hour reviewing tactical approaches and contingencies. Their coordination was impressive—each raider knowing precisely how their capabilities complemented the others, discussing shorthand terms for complex maneuvers they'd clearly practiced extensively.

  I listened, analyzing their strategies against what I knew of E-tier rifts. Their approach was methodical, conservative, focused on minimizing variables rather than exploiting them. So different from my speed-focused chaos manipulation.

  "Get some rest," Provik eventually concluded. "We meet at RMC Stability-12 at 0745."

  Five specialists with complementary abilities versus my humble strategy of chaotic mass destruction. Tomorrow would provide valuable insight.

  RMC Stability-12 hummed with precision engineering far beyond the main Rift Management Center's utilitarian portals. Squad Obsidian arrived in perfect formation, their adaptive armor now fully activated with faint energy signatures pulsing along neural response pathways. They moved with the synchronized efficiency of a unit that had trained together for months.

  Versala observed from a control station. "Objectives remain unchanged. Clear the rift, neutralize all boss entities, maintain squad integrity. Volt, you're authorized to participate but not to lead or override tactical decisions."

  I nodded, checking my inadequate armor and Supershock Baton one final time.

  "Portal connecting in thirty seconds to rift location," announced the system. The dimensional membrane separating worlds shimmered with unusual clarity—Stability's technology visualizing aspects of the breach that remained invisible at standard portals.

  "Primary formation," Provik commanded. "Brernak and I forward, Tifunes and Vissa rear, Belvoko center with our observer."

  They moved into position with practiced precision. The portal stabilized, revealing a rocky entrance to what appeared to be a mountain pass.

  "Move," Provik ordered, and we stepped through as a unit.

  The transition hit with approximately 40% less disorientation than standard portals—impressive engineering. We materialized on a narrow ledge overlooking a dramatic mountain landscape. Jagged peaks stretched in all directions, their surfaces gleaming with metallic ore veins that caught the crimson light of a sun that seemed too close to the horizon.

  [E-TIER RIFT: STONE SENTINEL PEAKS

  Base Requirement: Eliminate all three Sentinel Commanders

  Alternative Path: None]

  "Spatial configuration matches projections," Vissa reported, her analytical devices already scanning the surrounding terrain. "First choke point approximately two hundred meters ahead."

  Provik raised a fist, signaling a halt as movement registered on a ledge above us. Three humanoid figures emerged from the rock face itself—Stone Sentinels, their bodies composed of living stone with four arms ending in blade-like protrusions. Each stood approximately two meters tall, their heads featureless except for glowing crystalline formations where eyes might be.

  "Standard engagement," Provik ordered calmly. "Brernak, containment. Tifunes, designate."

  What followed was a demonstration of coordination I'd never witnessed in a rift. Brernak extended his arm, and what appeared to be shimmering threads extended from his fingertips. It was his trait SEVERING THREADS. The threads sliced through the air with precision, wrapping around the nearest Sentinel's legs. With a sharp gesture, the threads constricted.

  The stone creature's legs separated cleanly from its body, the cut surfaces smooth as polished marble. Its upper torso crashed to the ground as Brernak's threads continued wrapping around its arms, systematically dismembering it without apparent effort.

  Simultaneously, Tifunes raised what appeared to be a modified rifle. Instead of firing immediately, energy began accumulating at its barrel, a high-pitched whine building in intensity. Her targeting optics flashed rapidly, locking onto the second Sentinel.

  "Charged," she announced calmly.

  The weapon discharged—not a single shot but a sustained beam of energy that struck the Sentinel with such concentrated force that its stone body couldn't maintain integrity. The creature exploded into fragments, some liquefying from the heat intensity.

  The third Sentinel leaped down from its perch, landing heavily on our ledge and charging toward Vissa. Provik stepped between them, raising both hands in a blocking stance. The creature's stone blades struck his armored forearms with devastating force—a blow that should have severed limbs.

  Instead, the impact energy visibly flowed into Provik's armor, illuminating circuit-like patterns. The Sentinel staggered backwards as if suddenly weakened, while Provik's stance strengthened.

  "Path clear," he announced. "Advance formation."

  We moved forward through the pass, encountering increasingly larger groups of Sentinels. Each engagement followed similar patterns—Brernak and Provik engaged frontline threats, Vissa and Tifunes eliminated ranged dangers, and Belvoko maintained positional control.

  I observed their abilities with analytical interest:

  Brernak's threads could slice through stone as if it were paper, separating matter at what appeared to be a molecular level. More interestingly, he occasionally connected the threads between different targets or environment features, creating energy transfers that amplified damage or redirected force.

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  Provik literally absorbed incoming damage, the energy flowing into his body through his FORCE SIPHON trait. Rather than storing this energy defensively, he redirected it into counterattacks that grew more powerful as he sustained more hits.

  Vissa deployed what appeared to be status-affecting projectiles from shoulder-mounted launchers through the use of her CATHARSIS trait. Sentinels struck by these projectiles displayed visible debuffs—movement slowing, attacks weakening, or in some cases, temporarily freezing in place while glowing with energy that amplified damage from other sources.

  Belvoko moved unlike any raider I'd observed—his positioning always perfect due to his ENFORCE trait, not just for himself but for manipulating allies and enemies. With subtle gestures, he would reposition teammates out of danger or pull them into advantageous positions. Occasionally, he'd surround an ally with a momentary defensive field that negated incoming damage entirely.

  Tifunes operated at range, her weapon systems charging devastating attacks that required setup time but delivered catastrophic damage. Her AMPLIFY trait seemed to enhance energy weapons beyond their normal parameters, creating effects that scaled far beyond standard expectations.

  "First boss approaching," Vissa announced as we reached a wider section of the pass. "Multilevel threat assessment active."

  The mountain itself seemed to shift, rock formations consolidating into a massive humanoid figure at least five meters tall. This Sentinel Commander had six arms, each ending in crystalline weapons that pulsed with dimensional energy.

  "Encirclement protocol," Provik commanded. The squad instantly shifted formation, moving to predetermined positions around the massive entity.

  I maintained my position behind a rock outcropping, observing their coordinated approach. This was far different from my solo strategy of speed and hazard manipulation.

  The Commander roared, the sound triggering a minor rockslide from the cliff above. Belvoko reacted instantly, gesturing sharply toward Vissa and Tifunes as boulders fell toward their positions. Both were instantly pulled several meters to safety positions, their movements not their own but clearly Belvoko's doing.

  "Primary sequence," Provik called out, charging directly toward the Commander. The massive stone entity brought two crystalline blades down simultaneously, striking Provik with enough force to crater the ground beneath him.

  He didn't dodge or block—he absorbed, the energy flowing visibly through his armor and body. The Commander seemed momentarily weakened, its movements slowing as Provik's body glowed with accumulated force.

  Brernak circled left, threads extending from both arms now. "Circulation established!" he called as the threads wrapped around the Commander's legs and two of its arms. Rather than cutting immediately, the threads pulsed with energy—conducting something between the Commander's limbs in a closed circuit.

  "Field active," Vissa confirmed, launching multiple projectiles that adhered to the Commander's torso. Where they attached, the stone began glowing with increasing intensity. "Amplification at forty percent and rising."

  Tifunes had moved to an elevated position, her weapon charging much longer than previous engagements. "Maximum charge sequence initiated," she reported. "Targeting solution locked."

  Belvoko moved constantly, his position shifting to wherever support was most needed. When a crystalline blade nearly caught Brernak, Belvoko's gesture instantly repositioned the thread-wielder two meters to safety while simultaneously surrounding Provik with a momentary energy field that completely negated a powerful strike.

  "Convergence in three," Provik announced, his body now glowing intensely with absorbed energy. "Two. One."

  The squad moved with synchronized precision:

  Provik released all absorbed energy in a focused counterattack, striking the Commander's core with a force that cracked its stone body.

  Brernak's threads suddenly constricted, not severing limbs but instead conducting massive energy through the Commander's body in a closed circuit that magnified the damage.

  Vissa's projectiles detonated simultaneously, the amplification effect reaching maximum as they triggered.

  Tifunes discharged her fully-charged weapon, the energy beam striking precisely where the Commander's defenses had been weakened.

  Belvoko made a complex gesture that momentarily repositioned the entire squad to optimal attack angles.

  The combined assault overwhelmed the Commander. Its stone body cracked, then shattered, fragments exploding outward with such force that they embedded in the surrounding cliff faces.

  "First Commander neutralized," Provik confirmed. "Regroup and advance."

  I emerged from my observation position, impressed by their efficiency. My solo approach would have involved manipulating environmental hazards to create advantages—amplifying unstable terrain or creating rockslides. Their method was direct, focused on the target rather than the environment.

  "Thoughts so far?" Belvoko asked as we advanced deeper into the pass.

  "Different tactical priorities," I replied. "You focus on the targets directly. I would have weaponized the environment."

  "That approach increases variables," Vissa noted. "Elite squads minimize variables to maximize control."

  We encountered increasingly dense groups of Sentinels as we progressed. I maintained my observational role, occasionally using my Supershock Baton when enemies approached but otherwise studying their techniques.

  The pass narrowed dramatically, forcing us into single file. Provik led, absorbing occasional attacks from Sentinels positioned on ledges above. Brernak followed, threads ready to intercept threats. I moved in the middle of the formation, with Belvoko behind me and Vissa and Tifunes at rear.

  "Ambush configuration ahead," Vissa warned, her analytical devices detecting what our eyes couldn't yet see. "Multiple signatures converging."

  The pass opened into a circular chamber with multiple ledges at different heights—a natural arena. As we entered, stone formations on every surface began to move, coalescing into Sentinels that dropped to the chamber floor. Dozens of them, systematically cutting off retreat.

  In the center stood the second Commander—broader than the first, with eight arms and a body composition that included metallic ore veins providing structural reinforcement.

  "Defensive perimeter," Provik ordered, and the squad instantly formed a circle, facing outward.

  "This many Sentinels in one location exceeds predicted population density," Vissa observed. "Modification to approach required."

  "I'll handle the rest," I offered. "Focus on the BOSS."

  Tifunes glanced at me skeptically. "With just that baton?"

  "Trust me."

  Provik nodded after a moment's consideration. "Approved. Squadron, focus fire on the Commander. Volt has perimeter control."

  I gripped my Supershock Baton, calculating optimal chain lightning paths through the densely packed Sentinels. This wasn't my usual approach—no hazard manipulation meant relying solely on weapon effectiveness and physical combat.

  My baton charged as the Sentinels advanced from all sides. I waited until they reached optimal chain distance, then triggered the discharge—lightning arced from my baton, striking the nearest Sentinel before jumping to five others in sequence. All six convulsed as electrical energy overloaded their crystalline systems.

  While the baton recharged, I engaged physically—ducking under stone blades, using the Sentinels' momentum against them, forcing them into each other's attack paths. My Speed 15 attribute allowed movements faster than they could track, letting me position multiple enemies into optimal groupings for the baton's next discharge.

  Behind me, Squad Obsidian engaged the Commander with the same coordinated precision they'd shown earlier, but with intensified tactics. Provik now deliberately placed himself in the path of attacks, accumulating enormous energy reserves. Brernak's threads formed complex geometric patterns that somehow redirected the Commander's own strikes back against it. Vissa's debuff projectiles created cascading vulnerability zones that Tifunes targeted with precisely timed energy discharges.

  Belvoko's movements became increasingly complex, his ENFORCE trait not only repositioning allies out of danger but occasionally momentarily freezing the Commander mid-attack by altering its positional reference.

  My baton recharged, and I triggered another discharge—another six Sentinels disabled. Physical combat for fifty-nine seconds, then another discharge. The pattern continued as I systematically reduced the perimeter threats.

  HP: 100 → 87

  A stone blade caught my shoulder when I misjudged an evasion. Without hazard manipulation to create distance, I was forced to rely purely on physical attributes and timing. It was both limiting and educational—highlighting weaknesses in my fundamental combat approach that over-reliance on my DOMAIN ENGINE had masked.

  This would be challenging—no hazard manipulation meant relying solely on my physical attributes and the Supershock Baton with its sixty-second recharge limitation.

  I analyzed the positioning of the thirty-plus Sentinels, identifying movement patterns and potential chain lightning paths. My Speed 15 attribute would allow me to position myself optimally for maximum baton effectiveness.

  The nearest Sentinel noticed my approach and signaled to the others. They began coordinating, forming a semicircle to trap me against the plateau's edge.

  Perfect.

  I charged directly toward the center of their formation, moving faster than their tracking capabilities. As they converged, I triggered the baton's discharge—lightning arced through six entities, temporarily disabling them.

  Without pausing, I shifted to physical combat, ducking beneath stone blades and redirecting attacks to hit other Sentinels. Every movement positioned me for the next optimal discharge position while avoiding direct hits.

  HP: 87 → 75

  A glancing blow caught my side as I narrowly avoided a more serious strike. I continued the pattern—sixty seconds of pure physical evasion and positioning, then another discharge to eliminate six more entities.

  The ELITE variants proved more challenging—their stone bodies incorporated metallic elements that both conducted lightning more effectively and allowed faster movement. One such ELITE launched itself into the air, all four arms extended to strike from above.

  I rolled beneath it, using its landing impact to destabilize nearby Sentinels. Another discharge became available, and I eliminated six more entities. Eighteen down, approximately fifteen remaining.

  HP: 75 → 63

  Another hit, this one more substantial as an ELITE Sentinel anticipated my evasion pattern. My reinforced mesh suit prevented serious injury, but I couldn't sustain many more direct strikes.

  I deliberately backed toward the plateau's edge, drawing the remaining Sentinels into a tighter formation. As they pressed forward, I triggered another discharge—six more down.

  The final group included three ELITE variants, their movements more coordinated than their NORMAL counterparts. They spread out, attempting to negate the effectiveness of chain lightning by maintaining distance from each other.

  EXHAUSTION: 0 → 25

  Continuous high-speed movement without ability support was taking its toll. I focused on isolating individual Sentinels, using the terrain to force them into closer proximity despite their tactical intentions.

  One final discharge eliminated the last NORMALS, leaving only the three ELITES. My baton would need sixty more seconds to recharge—time I would have to survive through pure physical combat.

  HP: 63 → 51

  The ELITES coordinated perfectly, one striking high while another attacked low, forcing me to absorb a hit from the third. My reinforced mesh suit prevented critical damage, but the impact still resonated through my body.

  EXHAUSTION: 25 → 40

  I maneuvered the ELITES toward the plateau's edge, using their momentum against them when possible. Fifty seconds until discharge. Forty. Thirty. Each second stretched as I pushed my physical capabilities to their limits without ability support.

  HP: 51 → 42

  Another coordinated strike connected partially. Twenty seconds remained until discharge. I needed to group them for one final chain lightning attack.

  I feigned weakness on my right side, allowing the ELITES to believe they'd identified a vulnerability. They adjusted their attack pattern accordingly, converging from that direction.

  Ten seconds. I maintained the feint, drawing them closer together.

  Five seconds. They committed to the attack, all three moving into optimal chain lightning range.

  "Now," I exhaled, triggering the baton's discharge. Lightning arced through all three ELITE Sentinels simultaneously, their metallic components conducting the energy with devastating effectiveness. They collapsed, their stone bodies returning to inert material.

  The second Commander fell with a thunderous impact that shook the entire chamber, its reinforced body systematically dismantled by Squad Obsidian's coordinated assault. The remaining standard Sentinels froze momentarily, then retreated into the stone walls, apparently recognizing the tactical disadvantage.

  "Well done," Provik acknowledged as we regrouped. "You are pretty fast."

  "Thanks,” I replied, rolling my injured shoulder. The reinforced mesh suit had prevented critical damage, but I was pretty banged up I'd definitely feel those strikes tomorrow.

  "Final Commander ahead," Vissa reported, her analytical devices scanning deeper into the pass. "Signature exceeds previous commanders by approximately 40%."

  The path leading out of the chamber ascended steeply, forcing us to climb rather than walk. Belvoko's abilities proved particularly useful here, his positional manipulation helping the squad navigate treacherous sections with minimal effort.

  The path eventually opened onto a massive plateau near the mountain's peak. The landscape here was different—stone formations arranged in patterns too regular to be natural, with geometric precision that suggested intentional design.

  In the center stood a structure resembling a temple, its columns made from the same living stone as the Sentinels themselves. Before it waited the final Commander—a colossal entity nearly ten meters tall with twelve arms and a body composition that included crystalline structures that pulsed with visible energy.

  "Final engagement protocol," Provik announced. "Maximum output authorized."

  The squad's coordination shifted to a higher intensity. Vissa immediately launched what appeared to be sensor drones that circled the Commander, gathering tactical data. "Structural analysis complete in fifteen seconds," she reported. "Weakness identification protocol active."

  Tifunes moved to multiple positions in rapid succession, deploying what appeared to be energy anchors at specific coordinates. "Convergence grid established. Charging primary systems."

  Brernak extended threads toward the environment itself, connecting to the geometrically arranged stone formations. "Field integration at sixty percent," he announced. "Redirecting ambient energy."

  Belvoko positioned himself centrally, his movements now incorporating complex patterns I hadn't observed earlier. "Spatial manipulation calibrated. Ready to execute on command."

  The final Commander roared, the sound so powerful it created visible distortion waves in the air. It struck the ground with multiple arms simultaneously, sending shock waves across the plateau.

  "Now," Provik commanded.

  What followed demonstrated why Stability Elite squads were considered the most effective fighting force in Lighthouse City:

  Vissa's analysis complete, she fired precision marker projectiles at twelve specific points on the Commander's body—joints, energy nodes, and structural weaknesses. Each marker pulsed with increasing intensity, creating vulnerability zones that glowed visibly.

  Tifunes activated her energy anchors, creating a geometric containment field that prevented the Commander from leaving a specific area. Simultaneously, her weapon charged beyond parameters I'd previously observed, the accumulated energy so intense it created visible distortions in the air around her.

  Brernak's threads connected to every marked vulnerability point, creating a network of energy conduits between them. Additional threads linked to the geometric stone formations across the plateau, drawing power from the environment itself.

  Belvoko executed a series of movements that momentarily altered spatial relationships, causing the Commander's attacks to miss targets that should have been unavoidable, while simultaneously enhancing his team's positional advantages.

  Provik charged directly at the Commander, deliberately absorbing massive strikes that would have killed any normal raider instantly. With each hit, his accumulated energy grew exponentially, his body glowing with power that strained for release.

  I observed from a tactical distance, noting how each raider's abilities complemented the others in ways that multiplied their effectiveness far beyond the sum of individual capabilities. This was optimized teamwork.

  The Commander attacked with increasing fury, its twelve arms striking in complex patterns designed to overcome coordinated defense. Yet every attack seemed anticipated, countered, or absorbed into the squad's tactical approach.

  "Convergence threshold reached," Vissa announced. "Full spectrum vulnerability established."

  "Maximum charge attained," Tifunes confirmed, her weapon now emitting a high-pitched whine that bordered on painful.

  "Circuit completion imminent," Brernak added, his threads vibrating with accumulated energy.

  "Spatial lock established," Belvoko reported, his movements momentarily ceasing as he held a complex gesture.

  "Releasing," Provik stated simply.

  Their combined assault hit the Commander simultaneously—Provik releasing all accumulated energy in a focused blast, Tifunes discharging her weapon at maximum amplitude, Brernak's energy circuit activating all vulnerability points simultaneously, Vissa's markers detonating in sequence to create cascading damage, all while Belvoko's spatial manipulation ensured perfect alignment of every attack component.

  The Commander's massive form couldn't withstand such perfectly coordinated force. Its stone body cracked, energy pouring from the fissures as structural integrity failed catastrophically. The entity collapsed, not merely defeated but utterly destroyed, its component materials returning to inert stone.

  [BOSS CLEARED: STONE SENTINEL COMMANDER PRIME

  SURVIVAL RATE: 100% (TEAM)

  CONTRIBUTION: PROVIK (22%), BRERNAK (19%), TIFUNES (17%), VISSA (16%), BELVOKO (15%), VOLT (11%)]

  [LEVEL: 15 → 16]

  E-tier core × 1 = 999cr

  Stone Essence: 4 × 150cr = 600cr

  Crystal Fragments: 60 × 175cr = 10,500cr

  Commander Shard: 0 × 450cr = 0cr

  Sentinel Dust: 3 × 75cr = 225cr

  TOTAL(NETWORK): 12,324cr

  The rift stabilized completely as the final entities were neutralized. Extraction points materialized near the temple structure as reality prepared to shift us back to Earth.

  Squad Obsidian approached, their expressions a mixture of surprise and appreciation.

  "Effective cleanup operation," Provik acknowledged. "Unconventional approach but undeniable results."

  "You deliberately drew them into lightning conductivity range," Vissa observed. "Calculated risk to maximize effectiveness."

  I nodded, catching my breath as EXHAUSTION slowly dissipated. Without hazard manipulation, physical combat required a completely different resource management approach—one that highlighted both weaknesses and strengths in my fundamental techniques.

  "Shall we?" Brernak gestured toward the extraction points.

  Reality shifted around us, the dimensional transition smoother than standard RMC portals. We materialized in a Stability debriefing chamber, its advanced monitoring systems already displaying performance metrics and rift analysis.

  "Certification requirements exceeded," Versala announced, entering from an adjacent room. "Squad Obsidian is officially classified as E-tier Elite." She turned to me with a knowing smile. "And Volt you gained what you came for?"

  "Yes, it was a valuable experience," I confirmed. "Different approaches to the same problem."

  "Our invitation remains open," she noted. "Elite squads can always use specialists with your particular talents."

  "Appreciated, but solo works for me." I replied.

  After a brief debriefing session, we parted ways at the Stability Headquarters entrance. Squad Obsidian headed to their official certification ceremony, while I headed home.

  The day had yielded valuable insights—the stark differences between team coordination and solo hazard manipulation, the weaknesses in my fundamental combat approach when abilities weren't available, the opportunity costs of different tactical priorities.

  Wandering the evening streets of Lighthouse City, I reflected on my experiences and realized the most critical thing: I needed more Speed.

  [SPEED: 15 → 16]

  Always more speed. But now, with a better understanding of how to use it effectively.