Round 41

The soldiers shift formation with practiced efficiency, creating an impassable barrier between the alley and the street beyond. Their guns remain trained on the ground rather than the women, but make no mistake—they're ready to raise those weapons at a moment's notice. This isn't friendly encouragement anymore; this is active containment. The suited woman—Vance, according to her own introduction—watches the proceedings with cold detachment, occasionally glancing down at her phone before returning her attention to the scene.*