Days blurred into nights within the Apex Command as Dr. Vivian Roth, fueled by caffeine and the sheer intellectual thrill of the Ultimate Cipher, worked tirelessly. Kellan watched her via the system's monitoring feeds, impressed by the speed of her hyper-focus.
[Target: Dr. Vivian Roth. Status: Apex Cipher Assimilation at Peak. Sub-Optimal Point: Physical Exhaustion (Ignored). Optimal Action: Provide synthetic nutrient infusion via silent HVAC system to maintain cognitive efficiency.]
Kellan used a small, calculated adjustment to the lab's air filtration, ensuring Vivian's body remained functional while her mind raced. This was Optimal Support—treating the asset's biology as a machine needing maintenance.
Finally, a triumphant, almost manic laugh echoed through the intercom.
"Kellan! It's not a language; it's a directional algorithm!" Vivian announced, practically vibrating with excitement. "The dimensional entities aren't talking; they are sending coordinates to sub-optimal locations on our world where the dimensional barrier is weakest."
She displayed the decoded data on the main screen. It was complex, yet undeniably clear now: a map of Nova Prime overlaid with three glowing coordinates.
"These are the next three Dimensional Ripples," Vivian explained, pointing to the map. "They are scheduled to open within the next 48 hours. The largest is targeting a decommissioned satellite array—a huge energy source they want to hijack."
[Optimal Insight (Level 3) Activated! Target: Decoded Coordinates. Threat Assessment: Coordinated, multi-point infiltration. Optimal Action: Utilize Synthesis to create a Dimensional Tracker to confirm the coordinates and predict the Entity Class.]
"Excellent work, Dr. Roth," Kellan praised her, his strategic mind already racing ahead. "We need to confirm the timing and the exact nature of the threat. You cracked the language; now let's build the translator."
Kellan moved to the synthesis platform. He combined a fragment of the Proto-Crystal Being, now a perfect gold color with a core component from the Council's sophisticated radio telescope equipment.
[Target: Perfected Proto-Crystal Fragment + Sub-Optimal Radio Telescope Component. Optimal Synthesis: Apex Dimensional Tracker (A.D.T.).]
The components fused into a sleek, handheld device that emitted a faint, high-frequency chime.
"This is the A.D.T.," Kellan explained, handing it to Vivian. "It translates the dimensional algorithm into real-time tracking data, identifying the Entity Class and the precise Sub-Optimal Point of the dimensional rift."
Vivian immediately calibrated the A.D.T. with her decoded coordinates. The device pulsed, confirming the satellite array as the primary target.
"The satellite array target is confirmed," Vivian reported, her intense focus now directed at the A.D.T. "Entity Class is 4. They are not just predators; they are architects—they build things. Their entry point is unstable and sub-optimal."
Kellan turned to Lyra and Jax, who stood ready with their Apex Nanoweave Plating.
"This is the first coordinated defense operation," Kellan declared. "Jax, you and the Apex Defense Force will secure the perimeter of the satellite array, using the Apex Disruptor Rounds only if necessary. We want to capture, not destroy, the Class 4 Entity."
"And Lyra," Kellan continued, his gaze locking with the Apex Champion's golden eyes. "You and I will go to the center of the dimensional rift. You will use your Absolute Energy Control to stabilize the rift's sub-optimal energy flow, giving us a controlled entry point."
Lyra's smile was electric. "A controlled entry into a new dimension? A chance to observe the true source of their sub-optimal design? Optimal."
This was the transition point. The Apex Command was no longer merely defending Nova Prime; they were taking the fight directly to the dimensional frontier.