The world dimmed first—the neon purples and toxic greens of the jungle bled into grayscale. Then the sounds: the constant insect drone faded to a distant hum, then silence. Kael gasped, trying to claw at his own neck, but his arms felt like they were moving through honey. The Leech was siphoning his intensity , the raw electrical fire of his consciousness.

The mission had gone sour three hours ago. His squad was scattered, his comms were dead static, and he was dragging a busted leg through the bioluminescent muck of a jungle that didn't appear on any friendly star chart. The air was thick, sweet with decay. And then he felt it.

“You wanted a load,” Kael whispered, his voice a rasp of gravel and grave-dirt. “Congratulations. You found the ex-load.”

The first time he fired a weapon and hit the bullseye. Faded to a beige blur.