The full preparation footing Ashworth had ordered transformed the facility within days, researchers working around the clock, training sessions extending well past what Victor's body could comfortably sustain even with the counterseal's stabilized resonance supporting him.
"You need actual rest," Wren told him firmly, after the third consecutive day of extended suppression testing left him swaying on his feet. "Pushing past exhaustion doesn't make you stronger. It makes you fragile in ways that won't show up until the worst possible moment."
"I don't have time to be fragile."
"You don't have time to collapse mid-fight either, which is exactly what continuing like this risks." Her expression softened slightly. "Take the evening. Please."
