The heavy, metallic tang of ionized air filled the space beneath the old brick kiln. Rain turned into steam the moment it touched the glowing, dark-gold threads extending from Vik’s fingers.The remaining four Elite Arbiter Vanguards froze, their tactical discipline momentarily locked in place by the data entering their visors. One of their own lay broken against the brick wall, his systemic energy thoroughly drained and converted into immediate kinetic trauma.[Current Balance: 2,960 Points.]Vik didn't give them time to adjust their parameters. In the high-stakes ecosystem of the ledger, hesitation was a debt that compounded in milliseconds.With his Asura Physique Level 2 humming at peak efficiency, Vik stepped forward. The gravel beneath his boots didn't crunch; it shattered. He bypassed the empty air entirely, his body blurring into a low, predatory dash toward the two vanguards wielding the crackling red energy batons."Target acceleration outperforming model predictions," the v