The sun was just cresting the fortress walls when Klaus roused Team 55 for their final preparations. Outside, a faint chill lingered in the early morning air, but nobody complained; nerves and adrenaline warmed them from within. Today was the day they'd spar against Team 19—a squad with a reputation for blistering speed and coordinated aura strikes.
Klaus stood at the front of the barracks, scanning the faces of the eight who would represent Team 55. Juron, the broad-shouldered swordsman, looked resolute. Alexandra Lionhart, as always, bore a calm poise tinged with fierce determination. Then there was the lean swordsman, plus five more who had steadily improved under Klaus's drills. The rest of the squad hovered around, offering encouragement or simply trying to manage their own anticipation.
