On Monday, the players logged in as usual. No one was missing.
But the air was different.
There was a heaviness among them, an unspoken tension weighing on their shoulders. They had all accepted what was coming, but that didn't make it any easier.
As they gathered outside their rooms, no one spoke. Their usual chatter, jokes, and small talk were absent.
And so, in silence, they made their way to meet Nora.
She was waiting for them near the escalating platform, her usual presence as composed as ever.
Normally, she would have greeted them with her sharp, analytical tone, offering some remarks about their preparation. But today, she simply nodded in acknowledgment.
Nora had noticed. She wasn't the type to pry into emotions, but she knew when not to push.
Without unnecessary words, she turned and lightly guided them forward.
Their destination: The top floor.
Before heading out, they would first meet Zephyrion.
***