The thread beneath Jian’s fingers was smaller than the storm.
He checked it anyway.
The corrected map identified this return, this receiving path, and the physical state required before his first hold. The operator named her position. The indicator showed the prepared route. Beyond it, the mechanical support had its own crew.
Jian began only when those facts agreed.
Pressure pressed against one side of the narrow contact. He met its shape with controlled qi, neither flooding the route nor letting it flatten beneath the change. His Foundation held the starting relation as the larger weather arrangement moved around it.
Felix watched a separate condition.
“Local fall holding. Second section answering.”
Jian did not turn to see the whole arena. The report was enough for his part.
