Rook's escrow document covered the central screen with the language of fairness and the shape of a trap. Each faction had to stake a real asset. The winning faction received the opposing asset's access rights, while refusal meant a public withdrawal from the tournament.
"He wants the school claim," Kendra said, reading the eligible-assets list. Her ribs were taped beneath her vest, but she stood as though the injury belonged to someone else.
"He wants us to stake it badly," Nox replied.
The document listed the First Citadel core, the barrier network, civilian resource stores, and the one active taxed hunting route. It listed government property only as a broad category, with no named armory, depot, or route attached.
Vasa enlarged the government section and frowned. "Their valuation is blank. They are trying to offer authority without naming a thing that can be transferred."
"Can the System accept that?" Mina asked.
