I've barely had time to relax when the room interface chimes with an intrusive reminder: "Sponsor representative meeting: Crystalline Consortium. 1900 hours. Accept or decline?"

  Crap. With everything else happening, I'd almost forgotten about this meeting. Part of me wants to decline, screw the Consortium and their repeated recruitment attempts. But information has value in this place, and hearing their pitch might reveal details about facility operations beyond what I currently understand.

  "Accept," I tell the system, figuring I can always kick them out if things get sketchy.

  At exactly 1900 hours, the door chimes. When it slides open, a tall woman with crystalline growths extending from her shoulders enters, not Prism from my previous encounter with the Remnant, but someone higher up the Consortium hierarchy based on the quality of her modifications. The crystal formations aren't just functional but aesthetically designed, catching light in ways that create subtle prismatic effects with each movement.

  "Independent Asset 7249," she greets me formally. "I am Facet, primary acquisition representative for the Crystalline Consortium. Your combat performance metrics have renewed our interest in potential collaboration pathways."

  She carries herself with the polished confidence of someone accustomed to authority, her crystalline modifications clearly premium quality compared to the rougher implementations I've seen in former Consortium assets who rejected sponsorship.

  "Come in," I respond, keeping my tone neutral. "Though I should remind you I've already declined Consortium offers previously."

  Facet moves into the room with fluid grace that suggests extensive enhancement optimization beyond just the visible crystalline structures. "Previous offerings occurred under Integration parameters. Today's proposal follows different protocols related to arena performance rather than direct classification modification."

  She takes a seat without waiting for invitation, crystalline formations adjusting seamlessly to accommodate the chair's contours. "The Consortium recognizes your combat efficiency demonstrates enhancement application beyond standard independent development. We offer resource allocation without classification adjustment, maintaining your independent status while providing specialized training and equipment access."

  I sit across from her, maintaining deliberate distance both physically and in terms of commitment. "What exactly are you proposing?"

  "Three-tier resource provision," she explains, activating a small projection device that creates holographic display between us. "First: specialized nutrition supplements designed for telekinetic enhancement optimization. Second: training facility access beyond independent allocation, including molecular manipulation development chambers. Third: combat data analysis from previous arena matches to improve strategic approach in future engagements."

  The holographic display shows these resources in detailed breakdown, genuine advancement opportunities without direct classification compromise. But I've been in this place long enough to know nothing comes without cost.

  "And in exchange?" I ask directly.

  Facet's expression remains professionally neutral, but something shifts in her posture, slight tension indicating we've reached the actual purpose of her visit. "The Consortium requests first option consideration should you choose team configuration under new arena protocols being implemented."

  So they also know about the rule changes Nova mentioned, either the information is widely available among sponsor representatives, or the Consortium has particularly good intelligence networks within facility administration.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "What new arena protocols?" I ask, playing dumb to see how much she'll reveal.

  A slight smile touches her lips. "The official announcement comes tomorrow, but preliminary information indicates significant modifications to victory parameters and team configuration options. The Consortium believes your combat capabilities would align optimally with our sponsored assets in team engagement scenarios."

  She's being deliberately vague about the freedom opportunity after ten wins, either unaware of that specific detail or intentionally avoiding mentioning it. Either way, her knowledge of rule changes confirms Nova's information is at least partially accurate.

  "So you want first chance to recruit me for your team if I decide to participate in these new match types," I summarize, cutting through the formal language.

  "Precisely," Facet acknowledges. "The Consortium would provide immediate resource allocation upon agreement, with no obligation unless you choose team configuration. Independent status remains unchanged regardless of decision parameters."

  It's a surprisingly reasonable offer, resources now with commitment only applying to future team participation. Access to molecular manipulation development chambers alone would significantly accelerate my ability advancement, while combat data analysis could provide a critical advantage in maintaining my win streak towards potential freedom.

  "What makes the Consortium specifically interested in my participation?" I probe, wanting to understand their motivations beyond standard recruitment.

  Facet's crystalline formations catch light as she leans forward slightly. "Your telekinetic capability demonstrates unusual application parameters despite apparent plateaued development. The Consortium specializes in structural enhancement optimization, abilities focused on molecular and crystalline manipulation. Your combat approach suggests complementary integration potential with our primary assets."

  Translation: they suspect I'm more capable than official records indicate and want that potential working for them rather than against them in arena combat. The reference to "apparent plateaued development" suggests they've noticed inconsistencies in my performance metrics versus reported enhancement progression.

  "I appreciate the offer," I respond carefully. "But I'll need to evaluate all options once the new arena protocols are officially announced. No commitments until I understand exactly what these rule changes entail."

  Facet nods, apparently expecting this response. "The Consortium respects thorough assessment before strategic determination. Our offer remains available for seventy-two hours following official protocol announcement." She produces a small crystalline object from a hidden pocket. "This communication node allows direct contact should you wish to discuss further or accept resource allocation."

  She places the crystal on the table between us, a beautiful geometric formation that seems to pulse with subtle internal light. Far more sophisticated technology than what standard independent assets can access.

  "One final consideration," Facet adds as she rises to leave. "Team configuration under new protocols will generate significant competition for optimal asset combinations. The Consortium's early positioning represents valuable opportunity advantage in establishing effective combat units."

  As she moves toward the door, her crystalline formations catching light in hypnotic patterns, she delivers one last piece of information: "Preliminary assessment suggests no more than twelve viable team configurations possible among current independent population with sufficient combat metrics for consecutive victory potential. Optimal asset selection will conclude rapidly once protocols are officially implemented."

  After she leaves, I examine the crystalline communication node she left behind. Beautiful but potentially dangerous, who knows what monitoring capabilities might be built into its structure. I place it on a shelf rather than keeping it on my person, unwilling to risk whatever tracking or surveillance functions it might contain.

  The Consortium's offer requires careful consideration once the rule changes are confirmed. Molecular manipulation development chambers could significantly accelerate my telekinetic advancement, while combat data analysis might prove crucial for maintaining win streak toward freedom. But having to be on a with Consortium assets means I won't be able to be on a team with Desta.

  But if I really can win my freedom with ten consecutive victories, then every advantage matters, including all the resources a sponsor can provide. The Consortium's offer might provide the critical edge needed in early matches while I develop my own team for later ones.

  One thing becomes increasingly clear: tomorrow's official announcement will transform facility dynamics completely, creating new opportunities and threats beyond what we have . wWhatever comes next, I need every possible advantage if freedom is truly within reach after ten consecutive wins.