Testing the Grip

My joints snapped loose with an easy pop. No hesitation—I squared my shoulders and hauled both fists up, ready for whatever stood in my way. The plate beneath my boots had solid round studs, built for real leverage. I leaned forward, put my weight into it, and drove my foot down until it locked in tight with a crisp snap. The dark patterned fabric loomed behind me like a steep wall, but I wasn't budging an inch. My arms can lift, my legs can brace, and I've got total footing. Time to see what else I can move.