Chapter 2: Fractured Sparks

The containment field in Sector 7 hummed with a low, constant vibration that set Ang's teeth on edge. It rose around the central sparring ring like a dome of rippling heat haze—translucent green-tinged energy meant to contain outbursts, dampen raw Carrier power, and—most importantly—record every fluctuation for NexCorp's endless analytics. Inside the circle, the air tasted metallic, charged, like breathing right before a lightning strike.Wanona stood opposite him, boots planted wide, knees slightly bent. Her black curls lifted in the micro-currents of her own wind, framing a face set in focused challenge. No smirk this time. No banter. Just the quiet intensity she reserved for moments when holding back wasn't an option.