(POV: Vynesaa)
Vynesaa stood still at the edge of the staging zone, arms crossed, her green cloak fluttering gently around her.
Across from her stood her teammates—Fianna, Sephina, Lyria, and Naomi—each checking their gear, adjusting straps, or tightening gloves.
"I need everyone to give everything you've got today," Vynesaa said quietly.
Sephina tilted her head. "You're more serious than usual."
Vynesaa glanced at her. "Because this isn't just another round."
She raised her wrist, flicked open her band's system node.
The latest notification hovered in soft golden script in front of them all:
---
[FINAL TEAM MATCH - PARTIAL LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL]
Winning 5 Teams Advance to A-Rank Evaluation Mission.
All other squads will be suspended from external field access.
Team Match: START IN 30 MINUTES.
---
Fianna folded her arms, her white hair tied back in a warrior's braid nodding her head.
Lyria smiled faintly, "finally something hard"
Naomi said nothing.
