Page 43 of Heired By the Reaper

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I step closer to the projection, pointing to the structure.

“They’re expecting you here,” I say. “Which means their actual vulnerability isn’t at the front.”

“It’s reinforced throughout,” someone argues.

“It’s reinforced where they think you’ll push,” I reply.

“And you know that how?” he asks.

“Because that’s how you operate,” I say, glancing at him. “Which means that’s what they prepared for.”

The silence tightens again.

“You’re assuming they think like we do,” Vihl says.

“I’m assuming they studied you,” I reply.

Tyrok’s gaze sharpens slightly.

“They have,” he says.

“Then stop confirming their expectations,” I say.

That lands harder than anything else.

“What’s your alternative,” he asks.

I shift the projection, highlighting another access route.

“You split pressure instead of focusing it,” I say.

“That slows us down,” someone argues.

“It reduces resistance,” I reply.

“It reduces impact.”

“It reduces losses,” I counter.

The room goes quiet again.

“You’re asking me to adjust the plan mid-operation,” Tyrok says.

“I’m asking you to stop being predictable,” I reply.

“That predictability built this,” he says.

“And now it’s being used against you,” I answer.

That sticks.

I can see it.

“You’re not certain,” he says.

“No,” I reply.

That catches him slightly off guard.