I make my way toward Agricultural Sector 2, my body still humming with energy from the training session. My enhanced strength and speed will give me an edge in future fights without risking Integration reassessment. Each step feels smoother, more controlled, the neural work from last night making my movements more efficient.

  At the security checkpoint, I press my palm against the scanner. A chime sounds as the system processes my clearance. "Independent Asset 7249. Authorized for Agricultural Sector 2. Labor assignment: Nutrient System Maintenance, Hydroponics Grid 17-24."

  The door slides open, revealing the expansive hydroponics facility, rows of plants suspended in nutrient solution under specialized lighting. After the cramped independent blocks, the open space and fresh oxygen feel almost luxurious. Workers move between stations, their uniforms marking their status, gray for facility staff, beige for independents, brown for the Nulls assigned to manual labor.

  I spot Desta at our usual workstation, her movements precise as she calibrates nutrient flow rates. Our officially sanctioned psychological support narrative ensures our continued association, stamped with administrative approval after the assessment with Karis.

  "Independent," she greets me, maintaining the formal address for monitoring systems.

  "Desta," I reply.

  We begin working on the distribution nodes, adjusting flow rates and mineral balances. The tasks serve multiple purposes: validating our psychological support cover, contributing to performance metrics, and creating opportunities for neural repair sessions in surveillance blind spots.

  "I'm experimenting with physical optimization," I say quietly when we're shielded by the hydroponic platforms. "Enhancing my capabilities without triggering special monitoring."

  Desta nods slightly, her hands never pausing in their adjustments. "Security protocols show no reassessment flags. Strategy is viable."

  "Arena selection is likely," I continue. "Good test of new capabilities."

  She turns a valve with careful precision. "Standard enhancements provide optimal visibility. Secondary capability remains a tactical reserve."

  She’s right, demonstrating standard combat abilities keeps my telekinesis as an ace in the hole, shielding the deeper aspects of my power from scrutiny.

  We move to the next distribution node, keeping our conversation hidden beneath the ambient noise of machinery. The agricultural sector hums with controlled efficiency, nutrient pumps cycle, drones monitor growth rates, automated harvesters process mature crops.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  At a panel nestled within a known surveillance blind spot, I position myself to block any direct camera angles while we simulate equipment maintenance. The dense vegetation helps further obscure our movements.

  "Neural masking holding up?" I ask, referencing yesterday’s progress in concealing her emerging abilities.

  "Stable," she confirms. "Masked pathways continue to avoid monitoring while system access expands. Limited security protocol interactions successful."

  "Ready for the next session?" I ask, preparing to reinforce the neural masking structure.

  She nods. I create a containment field, a thin telekinetic barrier that prevents energy leakage. Inside, I extend my awareness into her neural architecture, reinforcing the masking structure while continuing to repair damaged pathways for her technokinetic interactions.

  The process is smoother this time. My techniques are improving, and her mind adapts more easily. The synthetic inhibitors remain physically intact, but the neural bridges we’ve developed allow her abilities to function beneath the facility’s detection systems.

  After twenty minutes, I withdraw my awareness, scanning the room for any signs of security shifts. Everything remains normal.

  "Flow rate optimization complete," I announce at standard volume for any audio surveillance. "Efficiency increased by 4.8 percent."

  Desta taps a notation into her work tablet. "Recalibration successful. System within optimal parameters."

  As we move to the next station, she leans in slightly. "Interface capabilities expanded to Level 4 security. Personnel records and sector schedules accessible. Limited direct system interaction beginning."

  That’s significant, not just passive observation, but actual influence over facility operations. The neural masking holds, shielding her growing control from detection.

  We continue our tasks, careful to maintain the cover of legitimate work. The psychological support narrative makes our interactions unremarkable to the system, allowing us to operate beneath the surface.

  "Arena updates?" I ask during another quiet moment.

  "Combat Board reviewing selections today," she confirms. "Your recent performances already flagged for consideration."

  I figured as much.

  As we finish our assignment, Supervisor Trell approaches, his cybernetic eye whirring softly as he reviews our work. "Productivity metrics remain above standard for this sector," he notes, tapping his tablet. "Request submitted for permanent assignment pairing."

  "Appreciated," I respond, careful to strike the right tone. "Collaborative efficiency is beneficial."

  Trell’s eye scans us briefly. "Psychological support classification noted. Extended work accommodations approved. Administration finds the arrangement beneficial to productivity."

  That’s a major advantage, not only can we continue working together, but it’s now formally sanctioned. Karis must have solidified our cover story more than we expected after the last evaluation.

  "Thank you, Supervisor," I say with professional politeness. "The structured framework supports both performance and adjustment stability."

  Trell logs the update and moves on. We’ve secured official approval for ongoing collaboration, giving us even more room to maneuver beneath the facility’s oversight.

  As our shift ends, Desta and I confirm plans for the next neural session through subtle gestures rather than direct words. With the cover of our sanctioned psychological support, we can continue advancing her abilities undetected.