I drag myself out of bed, muscles humming with the overnight optimization work but mind focused on the security warning from Volt. If the facility has detected "unexplained system fluctuations" around the Null sections, Desta could be at risk without even knowing it. The psychological support narrative provides legitimate cover for another meeting before my arena match, but the increased security changes our operational parameters.

  The corridors of Block D pulse with morning activity, independents moving between quarters and common areas, sharing information through coded phrases and subtle gestures. Security presence does seem heightened, more patrol drones than usual, cameras tracking with greater intensity, facility staff conducting what appear to be random equipment scans at junction points.

  Instead of heading to CDC-4 for standard nutrition allocation, I make my way toward the Null distribution center where Desta would be getting her morning paste. The psychological support narrative allows this deviation from standard patterns, especially with combat preparation providing additional justification for seeking stability framework.

  The Null nutrition area is significantly smaller than CDC-4, a cramped space with basic dispensers and metal tables bolted to the floor. About fifteen Null assets are already consuming their meager allocations when I arrive, their brown coveralls creating uniform appearance despite varied physical characteristics. Their expressions show mixture of surprise and caution at independent presence in their segregated space.

  I spot Desta at a corner table, her posture perfect despite the uncomfortable seating, methodically consuming her nutrition paste with the precise efficiency that characterizes all her actions. She notices my entrance immediately, eyes flicking briefly to mine before returning to her food, acknowledgment without obvious signaling that might trigger monitoring attention.

  "Morning nutrition protocol deviation noted," she observes as I approach her table, maintaining formal speech patterns for benefit of surveillance systems. "Combat preparation concerns?"

  "Psychological stability framework continuation," I respond, taking the seat opposite her with deliberate casualness that suggests routine interaction rather than urgent communication. "Assessment preparation includes standard support protocol."

  Around us, the other Null assets maintain careful distance, not just physical space but attentional focus deliberately directed away from our interaction. The social dynamics here operate under different parameters than independent sectors, with surveillance avoidance seemingly ingrained at collective level rather than factional protection structures.

  "Important security update," I say quietly when conversations around us provide momentary audio coverage. "Increased monitoring around Null sections following detection of 'unexplained system fluctuations.' Likely technokinetic signature identification without source pinpointing."

  Desta's expression doesn't change, but something in her eyes sharpens, the subtle shift of analytical processing integrating new threat parameters into existing calculations. "Timeline correlation with repair progress suggests probable detection of residual energy patterns despite camouflage implementation."

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  "Security escalation means we need to adjust protocols," I continue, keeping my voice low while maintaining appearance of routine supportive interaction. "Minimize system access during arena observation. Information gathering only, no active interface attempts until security parameters normalize."

  She nods almost imperceptibly. "Logical adjustment given detection indicators. Will maintain passive monitoring only during arena match. Combat assessment through standard visual analysis rather than system interface."

  Relief washes through me, her immediate understanding and protocol adjustment without resistance representing perfect alignment with security priorities.

  "Combat strategy remains consistent despite intelligence limitation," she continues, her analytical assessment unwavering despite increased security risk. "Opponent vulnerability during energy gathering phase provides primary exploitation opportunity. Enhanced speed sufficient for effective approach within 3.42 second window."

  The conversation around us has quieted slightly as other Null assets finish their meager allocations and depart for assigned labor functions. With reduced background noise, we shift to more generalized topics consistent with psychological support narrative, my preparation mindset for arena match, anticipated response to combat stress factors, stability maintenance protocols during performance assessment.

  "Final recommendation before combat engagement," Desta says as she finishes her nutrition paste. "Opponent's primary advantage lies in distance attack capability. Continuous pressure through immediate proximity negates fundamental strategy dependency. Physical enhancement demonstration sufficient for position maintenance without revealing telekinetic advancement."

  Her assessment aligns perfectly with my established approach, using enhanced speed to close distance during vulnerability window, maintaining engagement proximity to prevent effective force generation, utilizing strength for offensive capability while keeping telekinesis in reserve. Not fighting for advancement or recognition, just surviving without revealing capabilities that might renew Integration interest.

  "Appreciated," I acknowledge, rising from the table as she completes her allocation. "Psychological support framework provides valuable stability parameters before arena assessment."

  This final exchange establishes appropriate conclusion for monitoring systems, legitimate support interaction rather than strategic consultation or security warning. To facility surveillance, we appear as productivity-enhancing collaboration between classifications rather than developing alliance outside control parameters.

  As I leave the Null distribution center and make my way toward CDC-4 for my own nutrition allocation, the security warning continues processing through strategic implications. Increased monitoring around Null sections creates additional risk for our neural repair sessions, potentially requiring location rotation or timing adjustments to maintain operational security.

  More concerning is the detection of "unexplained system fluctuations" that suggests facility security has identified technokinetic signature patterns without isolating specific source. If monitoring escalation continues, our development window might narrow more quickly than anticipated, forcing acceleration of critical capabilities before comprehensive security response implements targeted surveillance.

  For now, the priority remains today's arena match, winning without revealing telekinetic advancement that might trigger renewed Integration interest. Whatever comes after, we'll deal with them as they come.