Lyra placed her hands on the liquid nitrogen containment unit, her entire being focused on the pulsating orb of Dimensional Psychic Energy (D.P.E.). This was the ultimate sub-optimal chaos—the raw energy of a failed dimension—and Lyra's singular will was about to impose perfection upon it.
"Kellan," Lyra's voice was a low, steady sound, "The chaos is overwhelming. The failure of Finch and Vance is trying to drown my consciousness."
"Use your ambition, Lyra!" Kellan commanded, his Optimal Insight (Level 4) focusing on her psychic anchor. "That fear of irrelevance—that drive for absolute control—is the most Optimal weapon against this disorder! Crush its chaos with your will!"
Lyra roared, not in pain, but in sheer assertion of dominance. Her golden energy flared, enveloping the chamber. She didn't draw the energy out; she forced her Absolute Energy Control into the D.P.E. nucleus, demanding submission.
The contained orb of pure chaos violently resisted, sending psychic feedback—a torrent of raw terror and betrayal—straight into Lyra's mind. She staggered, but Kellan was there, his hand on her shoulder, his Optimization Energy acting as a stabilizing guide. He was not giving her power; he was simply ensuring her will remained the single, optimal point of focus.
[Level 5 Optimization Sequence: Critical Stage! Target Consciousness is Dominating the Chaotic Energy!]
[Sub-Optimal Psychic Residue: 99% Submission. Conversion Imminent.]
The crystalline orb of D.P.E. began to shrink, compressing under the immense pressure of Lyra's perfect will. It transformed from an unstable orb into a small, dark, yet perfectly formed star. Lyra drew the star into her body, and the liquid nitrogen instantly boiled away.
Lyra stood motionless, her body radiating immense, stable power. Her eyes were no longer merely golden; they were two points of pure, crystalline light, containing both the chaos she had conquered and the perfection she had imposed.
[Level 5 Optimization Complete! Target: Lyra Volkov. Status: Apex General.]
[New Ability Unlocked: Energy Transmutation (The ability to not just control energy, but to fundamentally alter its type, state, and dimensional properties with conscious will).]
[System Update: Host Kellan Thorne has gained 2,500 EXP for successful Level 5 Optimization. Level 5 Host Upgrade Sequence: Initiated.]
Kellan knew he had succeeded. Lyra was no longer just a champion; she was a weapon of absolute perfection.
Lyra opened her eyes, surveying the chamber. She walked to the large void where the D.P.E. had been contained. Without a word, she raised her hand and projected her will. The chaotic dimensional residue in the void did not vanish; it was transmuted. The dark energy reformed into a shimmering, perfectly structured dimensional staircase, leading down into the unknown depths.
"The D.P.E. is now my tool," Lyra announced, her voice resonating with her new power. "The chaos has been taught perfection. I can turn their dimensional energy against them—not just repel it, but re-program it."
"You are the Apex General," Kellan stated, satisfied. "Your Energy Transmutation is the key to defeating the Primer."
Just then, the comms crackled. It was Jax, the leader of the Apex Defense Force.
"Sir, we have a major problem at the Rose Petal Florist!" Jax's voice was tight with urgency. "We've repelled several small dimensional probes, but now a high-level entity has arrived. It's not physical, sir—it's psychic. It's targeting your grandmother's mind!"
[System Alert: The Primer's Omega-7 Protocol (Target Host's Sentient Vulnerability) Activated!]
Kellan's cold, calculating logic was instantly pitted against his deepest, most human flaw. His grandmother, Evelyn Thorne, was under psychic attack.
"Lyra," Kellan commanded, his voice sharp with focus. "We're done with exploration. The Primer is attacking my Sub-Optimal Point. We deploy immediately. We will meet the Primer on the emotional battlefield."