The guardian shifted, massive limbs scraping against stone, a low hum resonating through the chamber. Every pulse of its single eye mirrored a calculation, predicting movement, testing reaction.
I flexed my fingers, letting Best Welder hum faintly beneath my skin. Rhythm synced with my heartbeat, guiding timing. Enhanced Perception flared with every subtle energy shift, every micro-vibration in the air.
"Observe first," Notice said. "Predict patterns. Identify weakness. Adapt strategy."
I circled, every step deliberate, testing its responses. It lunged, slow at first, letting me dodge—probing, learning. Sparks hissed as my welded shield deflected a swipe. Rhythm held me steady, guiding instinct into pattern.
The more I observed, the more I understood. Every strike had a pause, a micro-gap. Every lunge was slightly offset, predictable if I watched carefully. Adaptation was key. Observation first, reaction second.
Because I was Mizu. Broken once, yes—but studying, anticipating, mastering the enemy before striking.