The Black Cat, Part Twenty-Three

{Zenith}

The room fell silent as a notification flickered across Zenith's vision, the familiar System interface capturing her attention. 

She blinked, the words crystallizing before her eyes.

"It's about the Final Challenge," she murmured, leaning forward in her seat as Julia and Asuka fixed her with inquisitive gazes.

With a steadying breath, Zenith began to read aloud, her voice carrying the weight of the System's proclamation.

"'The Final Challenge is a cooperative event, designed to push even the most seasoned adventurers to their limits. A vast, ever-changing labyrinth that will test your strength, your wits, and your ability to work together as a cohesive unit.'"

Zenith paused, her brow furrowing as she considered the implications.

"So, yeah," Zenith said, arms crossed. "It's doubling down on the whole 'cooperative' thing."