MacBook Pro 2018 (Intel) Stuck on Activation Lock During Sequoia Update - Server Unreachable

I'm attempting to update my MacBook Pro (2018, Intel model) from Ventura to macOS Sequoia, but I'm encountering an Activation Lock error during the process. The exact message is:

"The operation couldn't be completed. Activation Lock status could not be determined because the activation lock server cannot be reached. Try again in a few minutes."

Here's what I've tried so far:

1. Restarted multiple times (both normal and force restart)
2. Attempted the update on different networks (Wi-Fi and Ethernet via USB-C adapter)
3. Reset NVRAM (Cmd+Option+P+R)
4. Tried both standard Recovery (Cmd+R) and Internet Recovery (Cmd+Option+R)
5. Verified Apple's servers are operational via System Status page

The update process won't proceed past this point, and I can't access macOS utilities. I need to complete this update while preserving my data if possible.

Additional details:

• Current OS: Ventura
• Target OS: Sequoia
• Model: MacBook Pro 2018 (Intel)
• No recent hardware changes

What are my options to:

1. Complete the Sequoia update successfully?
2. Recover access to my system if the update can't proceed?
3. Retrieve my important files if all else fails?

Thank you for any assistance you can provide.