Recovered Trajectory

The tapered alloy kunai remained anchored within the fluted pillar, its dark spine protruding squarely from the vertical mortar seam. Approaching with measured tread discipline, I placed my left gauntlet firmly against the fluted stone to establish counter-leverage. I took the squared hilt between the armored pads of my right fingers, applying slow, axial traction. The calcified mortar groaned softly, releasing the spike with a clean, dry rasp. I drew the flat bevel across the textured edge of my thumb to clear the pale chalk dust. Not a single micron of warping along the taper. Order is preserved when every deployed instrument returns cleanly to the ledger.