The air in the stadium felt heavier than ever.
Both teams stood facing each other, the distance between them small, but the pressure overwhelming. This wasn't like any of their previous fights. This wasn't just another strong opponent.
This was the strongest.
The announcement had already been made.
Full team battle — 5 vs 5.
But Distro had a problem.
They weren't five.
They were six.
Yash.
Emily.
Igna.
May.
Sele.
Hena.
One of them had to step out.
Silence spread between them.
No one spoke at first.
They all understood what this meant.
It wasn't about weakness.
It was about choosing who wouldn't fight in the most important battle so far.
Hena stepped forward first.
Her voice was soft but clear.
Hena: "I'll stay out."
Everyone looked at her.
She smiled slightly.
Hena: "You'll fight better without worrying about me."
It made sense.
She was a support.
A healer.
In a fast and deadly fight like this, she could become a target.
But before the decision could settle—
Emily spoke.
Emily: "No."
Her tone was firm.
Hena blinked.
Hena: "Why?"
Emily didn't look at her.
Her eyes were on the opposing team.
On Stefan.
On Misty.
Emily: "This fight won't end fast."
A small pause.
Emily: "We'll need healing."
The meaning was clear.
This wasn't a match they could finish quickly.
This was a war of endurance.
Hena staying out—
Would be a mistake.
Hena stayed silent for a moment.
Then nodded slowly.
She understood.
The choice shifted again.
Silence returned.
Now the decision became harder.
Igna looked around.
Sele stood calm.
Emily serious.
Yash quiet.
May thinking.
No one wanted to say it.
But someone had to.
Then—
May stepped forward.
No hesitation.
May: "I'll stay out, how ever I can't fight them like this.."
Igna immediately reacted.
Igna: "No why—"
May shook her head slightly.
May: "they are my old friends."
Her voice was steady.
Clear.
She looked at the team.
She glanced at Igna.
Then Sele.
Then Emily.
May: "You three… fit better."
Igna clenched his fist.
He didn't like it.
But he understood.
May wasn't weaker.
She was choosing based on roles.
Yash looked at her for a moment.
Then gave a small nod.
That was enough.
The decision was final.
May stepped back.
Five remained.
Yash.
Emily.
Igna.
Sele.
Hena.
Across the field—
Stefan and Misty stood waiting.
Unmoving.
Unshaken.
The strongest team in the world.
The signal was about to be given.
And now—
There was no extra layer.
No backup.
No second chance.
Just five vs five.
And the fight that would decide—
Who truly stood at the top.