The exit tunnel seems longer on the way out, my enhanced perception picking up whispered conversations that normal hearing wouldn't catch.

  "—never seen anything like—"

  "—had to be faking his previous—"

  "—advanced telekinesis with physical—"

  "—Integration will definitely want—"

  That last one causes a momentary flicker of concern before I remember my current protection status. Two consecutive victories mean I'm untouchable by Integration for now, as long as I maintain my win streak. For the first time since arriving in this shithole, I'm actually safer showing my abilities than hiding them.

  As I enter the post-combat processing area, facility staff approach with medical scanners and performance evaluation equipment. Their movements have changed, more cautious, more respectful, like they're handling something dangerous that might explode if mishandled.

  "Vital signs stable, no combat damage detected," reports one technician to another, seeming almost disappointed. "Enhanced recovery systems operating at optimal parameters."

  "Energy expenditure metrics significantly below projected requirement for demonstrated force application," adds another, studying readouts with visible confusion. "Efficiency ratio exceeds baseline enhancement parameters by approximately 340%."

  Translation: they can't figure out how I generated that much force without burning myself out. Good. Let them wonder.

  "Combat assessment complete," announces a supervisor after several minutes of scanning and data collection. "Victory accommodation protocols in effect. Enhanced recovery period approved despite absence of combat damage."

  They escort me to the same luxury quarters I had after my previous victory, though this time the staff maintains noticeably greater distance. Word travels fast in this place, especially when it comes wrapped in a 1.7-second demolition of a higher-tier opponent.

  The door has barely closed behind me when the communication system chimes.

  "Multiple communication requests pending. Priority queue established based on facility protocols. Accept next communication?"

  "Who's first?" I ask, curious about the sudden popularity.

  "Communication request: Null Asset N-4186," the system replies, identifying Desta by her facility designation rather than name.

  "Accept," I respond immediately, wanting her tactical assessment before dealing with anyone else.

  The screen activates to show Desta in the same communication booth as before, her expression carrying the slightest hint of what might be approval.

  "Demonstration parameters significantly exceeded expectations," she states without preamble. "Recruitment probability metrics have increased by approximately 87% based on initial response indicators."

  I can't help but smile at her precise analysis. "That good, huh?"

  "Team Exodus communication requests have increased from zero to seventeen in the period following combat conclusion," she confirms. "Including multiple assets previously committed to alternative team configurations who now express willingness to reconsider alignment parameters."

  "Including Ember?" I ask, hoping my display was enough to convince the pyrokinetic.

  "Affirmative. Communication request currently third in facility priority queue. Assessment indicates high probability of successful recruitment based on observed reaction parameters during combat demonstration."

  Fuck yes. The plan worked. Sometimes in this place, power speaks louder than words.

  "What about our defensive specialist position?" I ask, thinking through the team composition.

  "Multiple viable candidates now available for consideration," Desta replies. "Recommendation: evaluate options based on compatibility metrics rather than raw combat efficiency. Team synergy parameters potentially more significant than individual capability maximization."

  She's right, as usual. We need four people who work well together, not just the four strongest fighters we can find.

  "I'll review the candidate profiles after speaking with Ember," I decide. "If she commits to joining, we can select our fourth member based on complementary enhancement types and operational compatibility."

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  Desta nods slightly, her version of enthusiastic agreement. "Optimal approach. Will compile compatibility analyses for top candidates to facilitate efficient selection process."

  As our conversation concludes, I notice something different in her demeanor, subtle but unmistakable to someone who's been working closely with her for weeks. A kind of focused intensity that goes beyond her usual analytical precision.

  "You okay?" I ask, studying her face on the screen.

  Her eyes meet mine directly. "Today's demonstration altered fundamental facility dynamics regarding Team Exodus perception. Null classification disadvantage potentially offset by demonstrated leadership capability."

  Translation: I've given her hope that we might actually pull this off, despite the obstacles against us.

  "Eight more to go," I tell her, feeling a surge of determination. "We'll get there."

  For a second, I expect Desta to disconnect, but she doesn't. Instead, she tilts her head slightly and continues. "System priority queue has shifted. Multiple high-level facility administrators requesting communication access. Current priority sequence reconfigured to administrative preference."

  Interesting. My demonstration has attracted attention from the top.

  I lean back in the ridiculously comfortable chair, processing the shift. "Who's trying to reach me?"

  "Director Karis, Crystalline Consortium representative Facet, and five other faction sponsors," she replies with characteristic precision. "Anticipate significant interest in recruitment following combat efficiency metrics."

  "Any word from Ember?" I ask, focusing on our immediate team needs.

  "Communication request pending in queue position eight, following administrative priority protocols," Desta confirms. "Facial analysis during combat observation indicates high probability of successful recruitment opportunity."

  "Good," I nod. "Let's talk to her first if possible, then evaluate our options for the fourth position."

  "Will attempt system adjustment to reprioritize queue," Desta responds, her fingers moving slightly as she interfaces with the communication network through her developing abilities. After a moment, she adds, "Successful override implemented. Ember communication relocated to priority position."

  The call ends, and almost immediately the system announces: "Next communication request: Independent Asset 9324, designation Ember."

  "Accept," I respond, impressed by Desta's growing system control.

  The screen activates to show Ember, her red hair still dancing with small flames around the edges. She doesn't bother with a greeting.

  "Well, shit," she says, a grudging smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "That was something worth seeing."

  "Glad you approve," I respond, keeping my tone casual despite the satisfaction blooming in my chest. "Changed your mind about Team Exodus?"

  Ember laughs, a sound that's half amusement, half disbelief. "One punch. One fucking punch against a Tier 3 geokinetic. You know they're still trying to wake him up? Medical says he might be out for hours."

  I shrug, though I'm secretly pleased by this detail. "He wasn't ready."

  "None of us were," she admits, the flames in her hair intensifying slightly. "Everyone thought you were just another telekinetic with some enhanced strength. Nobody expected... whatever the hell that was."

  "I told you there was more to me than what I showed against Shockwave," I reply. "So, are you in or not?"

  Ember's eyes narrow, studying me through the screen. "What about Nova's team? I already accepted her offer."

  "Team configurations remain adjustable for the first 48 hours after initial registration," I reply, quoting the rules I'd reviewed earlier. "You're still free to change your mind."

  She considers this, flames dancing thoughtfully around her fingertips. "You're building something interesting. A Null for tactical support, you with whatever powers you're hiding... who's your fourth?"

  "Still evaluating options," I tell her honestly. "Wanted to confirm you first, then select someone with complementary abilities."

  "Nova's pissed, you know," Ember says, changing subjects abruptly. "She thought she had the strongest team configuration locked in. Now everyone's talking about Kinetic's demonstration instead of her luminescent manipulation advances."

  I can't help but smile at that. "Not my problem. She made her choices."

  "Like recruiting me?" Ember challenges, but there's amusement in her voice. "Look, I'm not breaking a commitment without good reason. You impressed me today, but I need more than just power to switch teams. What's your plan for getting to ten victories? What makes Team Exodus different from the twelve other teams that formed yesterday?"

  Fair questions. She's not just looking for the strongest fighter; she wants a real strategy.

  "Freedom isn't just a goal for us, it's the only goal," I explain, leaning forward. "No faction politics, no sponsor agendas, no bullshit hierarchies. Just four people working together to win ten times and get the fuck out of here."

  Ember's expression shifts, something like recognition passing across her features. "You really believe we can do it, don't you? Actually win freedom."

  "I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't," I respond firmly. "The system's designed to make it nearly impossible, which means we need to be fucking impossible to stop."

  She's silent for a moment, the flames around her hair settling into a steady, controlled burn that suggests deep thought rather than emotional reaction.

  "I'm in," she says finally. "But Nova won't take this well. She's already scheduled our first team match for tomorrow. I'll have to withdraw immediately."

  "Let me worry about Nova," I tell her, already anticipating that conversation. "Register your team transfer as soon as possible. We'll start strategic planning once our fourth position is confirmed."

  Ember nods, her decision made. "I assume you want a demonstration of what I can really do as well? Since you showed your hand."

  "When the time is right," I agree. "For now, just knowing you're on board is enough."

  As her communication ends, I feel a surge of satisfaction. Two positions filled, one to go. Team Exodus is taking shape faster than I'd dared hope after yesterday's rejection from Barrier.