THE NEXT MORNING
ZAVIER
The training field still smelled like failure, metal, and Riko's dignity, which had not recovered since the 'grenade incident'.
"WE WERE BETRAYED BY SCIENCE-" Riko was still yelling as we were dragged, no, escorted to the next phase.
"You betrayed yourself." Ben said calmly.
"I TRUSTED YOU." Riko pointed.
"That was your first mistake." Ben replied.
Leo walked beside us half asleep as usual.
"I survived. That's enough growth for today." He said.
"It is morning." Kael corrected.
"It is too much morning." Leo replied.
Adam walked ahead with Logan, already discussing something serious.
"Your stance improved." Logan said.
"It was inefficient before." Adam replied.
"You say that like it's a crime." Logan added.
"It is." Adam said.
"I hate him." Riko whispered.
"You respect him." Ben corrected.
"I RESPECT HIM ANGRILY-"Ben explained loudly.
Then the forest line came into view. Not the academy grounds, not controlled terrain.
