diff --git a/vibn-frontend/app/api/chat/route.ts b/vibn-frontend/app/api/chat/route.ts
index 518d43ab..318fc0cb 100644
--- a/vibn-frontend/app/api/chat/route.ts
+++ b/vibn-frontend/app/api/chat/route.ts
@@ -787,12 +787,10 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
           if (aborted) break;
           round++;
 
-          // On round 1, withhold tools if the message looks conversational.
-          // The model must answer in text first; tools unlock from round 2.
-          const toolDefs =
-            mcp_token && !(round === 1 && firstMessageIsConversational)
-              ? VIBN_TOOL_DEFINITIONS
-              : [];
+          // Keep tool definitions active in the schema to avoid model confusion and
+          // MALFORMED_FUNCTION_CALL gateway crashes, but let our system instructions
+          // guide the model to respond in plain text for conversational inputs.
+          const toolDefs = mcp_token ? VIBN_TOOL_DEFINITIONS : [];
 
           // Every 8 silent rounds or 12 tool calls, gently nudge the model to surface a one-liner
           // status before continuing. This is the user's only signal of