Flowstate found them by accident in the main plaza. Imperium Reborn was gathered not on a court, but on a large, elegant blanket spread over the pavement.
The scene was disorienting. Diether Alcaraz was unpacking Tupperware containers with a domestic focus. Nico De Vera sliced fruit with precise, careful motions. Koji Tanaka sat motionless, holding a small, ornate fan.
Raf Alcantara poured tea into delicate cups.
Flowstate stopped, watching from a distance.
"They drink tea?" Bornok whispered, confused.
Riki shook his head slowly. "This isn't the team we played."
As they watched, Imperium bowed their heads for a silent, synchronized prayer.
Raf looked up, his gaze finding them immediately. He raised his teacup in a calm salute. "Good morning, Flowstate."
Diether offered a polite, unassuming wave.
Flowstate waved back, a stunned, automatic reaction.
"How do you trash talk that?" Renz muttered, his competitive edge blunted.
Teo observed the porcelain cups, the organized spread. "They have a better breakfast," he noted simply.
They walked away, the image of their fierce rivals' tranquility lodged in their minds. The mental game of Season 2 had already begun.