A week had passed since the Challenge of Resolve, and the citadel buzzed with an energy that bordered on electric anticipation. Today, a grand announcement spread throughout Sector 9: the official beginning of the Clash of Emirates—at least for the Powerless Division, the first stage before the Corecall would eventually awaken the dormant Neva.
The early morning was crisp, the sky a sharp contrast of blue and white. In the main arena, which now looked more like an amphitheater than a training ground, rows upon rows of makeshift seats were filled with soldiers, instructors, and even officials from higher ranks. The occasion was solemn, yet it vibrated with the hopeful defiance of children who had already suffered so much and dared to dream.
Commander Nir stood at the center of the arena,
