The plaza did not empty all at once.
Even after the officials dismissed the crowd, clusters of teams remained scattered across the wide stone courtyard, their voices lowered but urgent as they began preparing for the next day's trials.
The sun dipped lower, the golden light stretching longer across the ground.
For most teams, this was the real beginning.
Strategy.
Division of roles.
Trust...or the lack of it.
Team 417 gathered slightly off to the side, away from the thickest parts of the crowd.
Yun Ke had already found a relatively quiet space near one of the stone pillars. He crouched slightly, drawing rough lines across the ground with the tip of a small branch.
"Five stages," he said calmly.
"The first day will decide the initial ranking. We can't afford mistakes."
Huo Zhen crossed his arms, already looking impatient.
"Then stop talking in circles and assign it."
Ba Ryou leaned against the pillar, silent, watching.
Mu Qing stood close to Jin Yue, listening carefully.
