The final C-rank run the next morning was a formality. Trevor took the team into Blackroot Hollow one last time at maximum tempo, forced two network blackouts, and cleared it in forty-three minutes. No injuries. No wasted essence. Synchronization held at 100 percent under full load. They returned to the residence before noon.
He dismissed the training schedule.
"Afternoon and night are clear. Gear is finalized. Medical is clean. The only remaining variable is deeper mark saturation before insertion. We handle it now."
The seven women were already in the main living area. Trevor did not take them upstairs this time. He remained standing in the center of the room and looked at Mia.
"You first. The others watch. No one leaves. No one interferes until I say."
