Dawn had barely broken over the White Lion fortress when Klaus arrived at the briefing hall. The stone chamber, usually reserved for senior officers, was lit by hanging lanterns that cast long shadows across the aged walls. Captain Kalix waited at the head of a large oak table, scrolls and maps spread before him. Beside him stood a man Klaus recognized immediately—Commander Leone of Team 27, the same squad Team 55 had defeated in their recent ranking matches. The commander's face remained stoic, but the tight set of his jaw betrayed lingering resentment.
Klaus was the first of Team 55 to arrive. He nodded respectfully to Kalix and took a position near the wall, arms folded as he surveyed the room.
"Punctual," Kalix remarked with a hint of approval. "The others should be here shortly."
