Soren woke up the next morning feeling… suspicious.
Not rested.
Not refreshed.
Just suspicious.
The fox was sitting on his chest, staring at him with the intensity of someone who knew something and refused to share it.
Soren narrowed his eyes. "What. What is it. What are you plotting."
The fox chirped innocently.
Soren did not believe him.
Kael knocked on the bunk frame. "Get up. There's an assembly."
Soren groaned. "Why. Why is there always an assembly. Why can't there be a nap."
Aldric stretched. "Because you're weak."
Lira smiled. "Because the academy likes announcements."
Soren sat up. "I hate this place."
The fox chirped.
The Assembly Hall (Soren's Anxiety Levels Rise Immediately)
The Inner Division assembly hall was packed — students, instructors, beasts, and enough glowing runes to give Soren a migraine.
He clutched the fox like a stress toy. "Something bad is going to happen."
Kael replied, "Probably."
"I DON'T LIKE THAT ANSWER."
Aldric smirked. "It's accurate."
Lira whispered, "Just breathe."
"I CAN'T."
The fox nuzzled him.
Soren sighed. "Okay. I'm breathing. I hate it."
The room fell silent as Commander Arcturus stepped onto the stage.
Soren froze. "No. No no no. Why is HE here."
Kael murmured, "Because it's important."
"I DON'T WANT IMPORTANT."
Aldric muttered, "Too bad."
Arcturus Makes an Announcement (Soren Suffers)
Arcturus surveyed the hall with the calm authority of someone who could end the world by raising an eyebrow.
"Students," he said, "the academy has reviewed the results of the recent Trials and evaluations."
Soren whispered, "I'm going to faint."
Kael grabbed his sleeve. "Don't."
"I CAN'T CONTROL IT."
Arcturus continued, "This year's cohort has shown exceptional potential."
A murmur rippled through the hall.
Soren clutched the fox tighter. "He's going to say something awful. I can feel it."
Arcturus raised a hand.
"Among the candidates, one team demonstrated extraordinary synergy, adaptability, and instinct."
Soren blinked. "Wait. Team?"
Kael nodded. "Yes."
Aldric smirked. "Obviously."
Lira smiled. "We did well."
Soren pointed at himself. "But I screamed the whole time."
Arcturus continued, "Team Kael, Lira, Aldric, and Soren Vale — step forward."
Soren screamed internally.
Externally, he squeaked.
Kael nudged him. "Go."
"I DON'T WANT TO."
"You have to."
"I CAN'T."
"You can."
Aldric shoved him. "Move."
Soren stumbled forward, fox perched on his shoulder like a smug, glowing crown.
The Academy's Plans (Soren Dies Inside)
Arcturus looked down at them.
"You four have been selected for the Academy Advancement Initiative."
Soren blinked. "The what."
Arcturus continued, "A program designed to cultivate elite tamers for high‑level missions, research, and leadership."
Soren blinked again. "The WHAT."
Kael straightened. "It's an honour."
Lira nodded. "A rare opportunity."
Aldric smirked. "About time."
Soren pointed at himself. "ME?! WHY ME?! I'M A LIABILITY."
Arcturus ignored him. "Your performance in the Trials and evaluations has demonstrated potential beyond standard training."
Soren shook his head violently. "NO IT HASN'T. I FELL. I SCREAMED. I FAINTED."
Arcturus said, "And yet you succeeded."
Soren opened his mouth.
Closed it.
Opened it again.
"I hate this place."
The fox chirped proudly.
Arcturus continued, "Your team will receive specialized training, access to restricted facilities, and participation in advanced missions."
Soren whispered, "Advanced missions? Missions? MISSIONS?!"
Kael placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. "We'll handle it."
"I WON'T."
"You will."
"I WON'T."
"You will."
Aldric muttered, "Both of you stop."
Lira smiled. "We'll do it together."
Soren groaned. "I hate this place."
The fox nuzzled him.
Arcturus raised his voice. "Prepare yourselves. Your first briefing begins tomorrow."
Soren fainted.
Again.
Kael caught him.
Again.
Aldric rolled his eyes. "Pathetic."
Lira sighed. "Expected."
The fox hopped onto Soren's chest and chirped.
And the entire Inner Division watched the boy who panicked his way into being selected for an elite program.