A Calibrated Shift

Internal balance engaged. I registered my stance: right knee braced, left arm raised in dynamic defense. Ahead stood a green armored figure, completely motionless. To verify spatial clearance, I carefully extended my raised forearm by two degrees, rotating the wrist hinge. The joint articulated smoothly without friction. I pressed my right heel down, testing the textured fissure beneath me. The solid ground held firm. I lowered my guard by a millimeter, holding position.