The locking mechanism turned once, then again. Mireva moved before the third turn finished.
"Clear this platform. Upper shelters now."
The young runner snatched up his bronze case and took flight without being told twice. Two wardens launched from the surrounding bridges and carried Mireva's order into the city through short physical signals rather than open calls. Nobody rang an evacuation bell anymore.
Martin equipped Breakwater Aegis while Alexandra drew both swords. Kumoe rose beside her with all three heads awake now. Katherine opened her tome, and Kinnami's golden body unfolded from the floor beside her.
Cassandra already had Nightglass Longbow in hand. Rias dismissed every unnecessary evidence window except the recording tied to Seal 4.
Elisebeth looked toward the dark section of the route map. "I assume we're past the part where we wait politely."
Mireva took her spear from the table. "We waited. They answered."
