The white space shimmered softly as more teams began appearing, one after another.
Figures materialized out of thin air, each group looking dazed, exhausted, or relieved after surviving Phase One.
Ron, Lia, Selene, and Jax turned toward the familiar voice calling out to them.
"So you're here too."
A familiar silhouette approached through the glowing space.
Maera Raynhart stepped forward with her group behind her.
Beside her stood Col Alven, calm and composed, and Drevin Solveil, who scanned the surroundings with sharp, calculating eyes.
Their fourth member stood slightly behind them—a timid girl with dark green hair, clutching her sleeves nervously.
Lia brightened immediately.
"Maera! You're here too!"
Ron tilted his head.
"You all cleared the first phase?"
Maera nodded.
"Well, we did. Took us some time, but we managed."
She let out a small breath.
