Kyle and Eleanora burst into the ruined central plaza, the chain between them pulled taut as they skidded to a stop.
The once-grand square was now a battlefield of shattered stone and crumbling pillars, the sky above a swirling crimson void.
Three other teams arrived at the same time.
From the west, Reo and Luna emerged—Reo twirling his spear with a cocky grin, Luna bouncing on her heels, dual short swords glinting with frost.
From the north came Sylvie and Lyra—Sylvie's wand already shimmering with water magic, Lyra nocking an arrow to her bow, her half-elven ears twitching.
And from the east, Cassian and his partner, Samuel Wilson, Rank 13—a towering figure with black hair and striking golden eyes, his massive greatsword resting effortlessly on his shoulder.
For a heartbeat, silence.
Then Nexus voice echoed—
"Final Battle Commences. Eliminate or be eliminated."
Kyle exhaled. "Well, this just got complicated."
****
