With the team registration deadline approaching fast, I spend the next hour scouting potential candidates. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the independent population, assets who previously competed against each other now frantically forming alliances based on complementary abilities and combat records.

  I access the facility's combat database through my new privileges, scanning performance metrics and enhancement profiles for fighters who might complement our developing team. The search parameters are clear: strong combat capabilities, no existing team commitments, and most importantly, someone with the right mindset to prioritize freedom over faction politics.

  After reviewing dozens of profiles, one stands out: Ember, a pyrokinetic with one of the most impressive combat records among unaffiliated independents. Five consecutive arena victories before voluntarily stepping back from competition. No defeats, just a mysterious withdrawal from the combat system entirely. Her ability to generate and manipulate fire at temperatures hot enough to melt facility reinforcement panels makes her a formidable offensive asset.

  I find her in Training Facility 3, one of the higher-level areas I now have access to with my new privileges. The space is significantly better equipped than independent blocks, specialized stations designed for precise ability development, adaptive training drones that simulate combat scenarios, and reinforced practice zones for maximum power application without structural damage.

  Ember's immediately recognizable by her shock of deep red hair, not dyed but permanently altered by her pyrokinetic abilities manifesting during enhancement. She's working alone in a flame containment chamber, her body surrounded by swirling fire so intensely hot it's shifted from orange to near-white at its core.

  When she notices my approach, the flames don't diminish, if anything, they intensify slightly. A power display rather than standard acknowledgment. I wait at a respectful distance until she completes her training sequence, the fires gradually withdrawing back into her body through controlled absorption.

  "You're the new one," she says, stepping out of the containment chamber. "One victory and already recruiting for a team." Her tone carries unmistakable skepticism, maybe even derision. "Bold strategy."

  "I'm Ga- uh, Kinetic," I respond, with my facility assigned name. Sounds more impressive than just Gary anyways. "Seemed like the right time with the new rules. Your combat record suggests you'd be an asset on my team."

  Ember's eyes narrow slightly, the irises carrying a faint glow like banked coals. "Five victories before I got bored with the meaningless competitions. Now that freedom's on the table, everyone suddenly wants the pyrokinetic on their squad." A small flame dances between her fingers as she speaks, unconscious ability manifestation or deliberate intimidation, hard to tell.

  "I've watched your combat recordings," I tell her, which isn't exactly a lie, I just did it an hour ago through the database. "Your thermal control during the Hydrix match was impressive. Calculated application rather than raw power display."

  This catches her interest slightly, most people focus on the destructive potential of her abilities rather than the precision control she's clearly proud of.

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  "One victory against Shockwave doesn't qualify you to lead a team," she says bluntly. "He's mid-tier at best, and you barely managed to take him down with basic physical enhancements. Nothing special about that performance."

  "That was a controlled demonstration," I reply, keeping my voice even despite the challenge. "Showing exactly what the situation required, nothing more."

  Ember laughs, a short sound without much humor. "That's what everyone claims. 'I'm holding back. You haven't seen my real power.' Heard it all before." The flames between her fingers intensify slightly. "I don't join teams with unproven leaders. If you want me, show me something real. Not that choreographed bullshit you performed for the sponsors."

  "What would convince you?" I ask directly.

  "Your next arena match," she responds immediately. "Go all out. Show what you're actually capable of instead of this fancy prancy show you put on for the aliens. If it's impressive enough, maybe I'll consider your offer."

  So she hates the performative aspect of arena matches huh?

  "And if I do that, you'd seriously consider joining?" I press, needing commitment before risking exposure of my true capabilities.

  Ember's eyes glow slightly brighter. "If, and that's a big if, you demonstrate something genuinely impressive, I'll consider it. But understand something, Kinetic. I've turned down six team offers already today. My standards are higher than most."

  "Fair enough," I nod, already calculating the risks of a more impressive demonstration versus the potential value of having a pyrokinetic of her caliber on the team. "My next match is already scheduled. You might want to watch it."

  "Oh, I will," she replies with a predatory smile. "Let's see if there's more to you than basic telekinesis and enhanced muscles."

  As I turn to leave, she adds one final comment: "By the way, who else is on this team you're building?"

  Should I tell her? She's already hesitant to join my team, but I can't just lie. She's going to find out anyways.

  "Desta, a null technokinetic operating as tactical support," I answer honestly. "And we're still evaluating options for the fourth position based on ability compatibility and shared objectives."

  Ember's eyebrows rise slightly. "A Null on an arena team? That's... unexpected." She doesn't immediately dismiss the idea though, which is something. "Technical support rather than direct combat engagement?"

  "System interface during matches can provide a significant intelligence advantage," I explain. "Real-time information about opponent weaknesses, arena configurations, even potential interference attempts."

  She considers this with surprising thoroughness. "It's an innovative approach. Unusual, but potentially effective with the teammates to implement the tactical advantage." The flames between her fingers extinguish as she makes a dismissive gesture. "Still, it would be three against four. You would need unusually strong teammates to make it work."

  So it still all comes down to strength in the end.

  "Everything depends on your next performance." Ember finishes. "Show me something worth joining, Kinetic."

  I leave Training Facility 3 with mixed feelings. Ember's combat abilities would significantly strengthen our team composition, but her demand for a more impressive demonstration means more danger for me. Revealing more of my true capabilities might attract unwanted attention from facility administration. While my current win streak keeps me safe, even one loss would most likely mean an automatic draft for Integration.

  But for team matches having a pyrokinetic of Ember's caliber might be worth the exposure risk. I just have to not lose right?

  Time to show what I'm really capable of, consequences be damned.