Inside the chamber, Arthur stood calmly in the center.
He rolled his neck once.
Then took a slow breath.
His eyes closed.
The machine activated.
A sharp mechanical sound echoed as the first launch port opened.
A stone projectile shot forward at frightening speed.
Then another.
And another.
They came from different directions.
Different angles.
All aimed straight at him.
The older explorer watching through the window felt his heart jump.
"That's too fast!"
Even he had never trained at max level before.
The speed alone was enough to break bones if someone reacted late.
But Arthur didn't move.
Not even a step.
His breathing remained slow and calm.
Then something changed.
It wasn't obvious at first.
But the air around him shifted slightly.
Arthur's eyes opened.
"Vector Sovereignty".
The moment the skill activated, the projectiles flying toward him… stopped.
Not slowed.
Stopped.
Frozen midair just inches away from his body.
The older explorer blinked.
"What…?"
