The war room was quiet except for the hum of the holo-screens. Jason Lockwood sat alone, his elbows propped on the sleek steel table, eyes sharp as blades as he studied the moving projections above the glass surface.
Clips of the Stellar Titans, Eternal Era's first opponent of the week, replayed endlessly. Their captain a behemoth midfielder named Kronstadt—bulldozed through defenders on one screen. On another, their goalkeeper launched counterattacks with throws that traveled half the pitch. Jason's gaze was unflinching. He'd been here a thousand times before, dissecting enemies like prey.
But this time was different.
He zoomed the screen in, highlighting their pressing structure. The Stellar Titans suffocated play by collapsing on the ball in waves. Eternal Era's usual approach—possession with surgical precision—would be smothered if Kenji and Aya were neutralized. Jason rubbed his chin, muttering under his breath.
