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Two hours later, the command tent was sealed tight, wards layered over every entrance, guards posted far enough away that no sound could carry. Inside, only Aria, Malphas, the six Zodiac leaders, and Selene remained. The air was thick with tension and the sharp tang of healing salve.

Aria stood at the head of the map table, her hand resting on the wood, the faint blue glow still hovering at the edge of her sight. She told them everything - about the interface, the reboot, the warning that had stopped her mid-strike.

When she finished, silence stretched long and heavy. It was Capricorn who spoke first, his voice quiet...