Commander Vance allowed the silence to linger.
The enormous display behind her slowly illuminated.
White letters appeared against a deep black background.
FIRST-YEAR ACADEMY RANKINGS
A murmur spread throughout the Grand Assembly Hall.
Every cadet understood what came next.
These weren't tournament standings.
These were the Academy's official evaluations.
The rankings that would follow them throughout their military careers.
Commander Vance spoke once the whispers faded.
"These rankings are not determined by tournament placement alone."
"They represent your complete performance throughout your first academic year."
"Combat proficiency."
"Mission performance."
"Leadership."
"Academic achievement."
"Strategic aptitude."
"Discipline."
"And conduct."
She paused.
"No single examination."
"No single battle."
"No single victory..."
"...defines a soldier."
"The Academy evaluates who you are."
"As much as what you accomplish."
Her eyes swept across the chamber.
"The following cadets represent the finest of this year's First-Year Class."
The display shifted.
A single number appeared.
10
Beneath it...
A name.
Tomas Vale — Alpha Squad
Applause echoed through the chamber.
Tomas stood, straightened his uniform, and saluted before making his way to the stage.
Commander Vance shook his hand.
"Congratulations, Cadet."
"Thank you, Commander."
After receiving his Academy commendation, Tomas took his place to the side of the stage.
The display changed again.
9
Rhydor Stormrath — Vanguard Squad
Members of House Stormrath applauded from the observation gallery above.
Rhydor accepted his recognition with confident composure before joining Tomas.
The display changed.
8
Seren Nightvale — Alpha Squad
A quiet ripple moved through the audience.
Seren stood with characteristic calm.
David glanced toward Castiel.
Castiel watched his fellow Nightvale descendant without expression.
Neither acknowledged the other.
Seren accepted his commendation and stepped into formation beside the others.
Commander Vance waited until the applause subsided.
Then—
The display changed once more.
7
Mira Solen — Gamma Squad
For a heartbeat...
Mira didn't move.
June nudged her gently.
"...That's you."
She blinked.
"Oh..."
She stood quickly.
The audience applauded warmly as she walked toward the stage.
Commander Vance smiled faintly.
"Exceptional growth."
"Consistent discipline."
"And unwavering reliability."
She handed Mira her commendation.
"You've earned this."
"...Thank you, Commander."
Mira returned to the line.
June leaned toward David.
"I told you she was amazing."
David smiled.
"You tell everyone they're amazing."
"Because they are."
Lucian glanced sideways.
"...That's surprisingly sincere."
June shrugged.
"I'm occasionally profound."
"No."
"I'm pretty sure you aren't."
Nyra laughed softly.
The display shifted again.
6
Nyra Valecrest — Gamma Squad
Applause immediately grew louder.
Nyra stood gracefully.
She looked toward Gamma Squad.
David smiled.
"...Congratulations."
She returned the smile.
"See you up there."
She walked confidently toward the stage.
Commander Vance presented her commendation.
"Your courage under pressure..."
"...and your unwavering commitment to your squad..."
"...have distinguished you throughout this academic year."
Nyra accepted the medal with a respectful salute.
"Thank you, Commander."
She joined Mira.
The two exchanged quiet smiles.
The next number appeared.
5
Castiel Nightvale — Gamma Squad
Silence.
Castiel stood without hesitation.
As always...
His movements were calm.
Measured.
Almost effortless.
David watched him cross the stage.
Commander Vance regarded him for a long moment.
"Exceptional tactical judgment."
"Outstanding battlefield awareness."
"And remarkable composure."
Castiel inclined his head.
"Thank you, Commander."
He accepted the commendation.
Then silently joined the others.
June watched him go.
"...Does he ever get nervous?"
Lucian answered immediately.
"Probably."
"I've just never seen it."
Commander Vance turned another page.
The massive display behind her flickered once before settling on a single number.
4
Silence settled across the Assembly Hall.
Only four names remained.
The entire First-Year class watched the display.
Commander Vance spoke.
"The fourth-ranked cadet..."
"...has already demonstrated exceptional academic ability."
A few cadets smiled knowingly.
"Throughout the academic year..."
"...he consistently displayed creativity under pressure..."
"...remarkable strategic reasoning..."
"...and an ability to raise the morale of those around him."
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Commander Vance's mouth.
"An ability..."
"...that has occasionally tested the patience of his instructors."
Soft laughter spread through the chamber.
The display illuminated.
June Kade — Gamma Squad
The Assembly Hall erupted into applause.
June looked up at the screen.
Then toward David.
Then back at the screen.
He grinned.
"...Okay..."
"...that still feels pretty good."
David laughed.
"I was wondering how long it would take before you smiled."
"I was trying to look humble."
"You lasted about three seconds."
"I think that's a personal record."
Commander Vance motioned toward the stage.
"Cadet Kade."
June straightened his uniform.
"...Yes, Commander."
He made his way toward the stage as applause continued throughout the hall.
Commander Vance presented him with his Academy commendation.
"The Academy has already recognized your academic achievement."
"This recognition is for the leader you have become within your squad."
She looked him directly in the eye.
"Your optimism..."
"...your adaptability..."
"...and your ability to keep those around you moving forward..."
"...have proven to be strengths that cannot be measured by examination scores alone."
She handed him the medal.
"Never underestimate the value of hope on a battlefield."
June accepted it carefully.
His smile softened.
"...Thank you, Commander."
As he turned to leave—
Commander Vance spoke once more.
"And Cadet Kade..."
June looked back.
"...Yes, Commander?"
"I would still recommend speaking slightly less during lectures."
The Assembly Hall burst into laughter.
Even June laughed.
"...I'm working on it."
"No."
Lucian called from below.
"You're really not."
More laughter.
June shook his head.
"...Traitor."
Commander Vance allowed the laughter to settle as June joined the other ranked cadets onstage.
His grin remained firmly in place, though he stood straighter now, the new commendation resting against his formal uniform.
The display behind Commander Vance dimmed.
Only three rankings remained.
The atmosphere inside the Grand Assembly Hall changed almost immediately. The laughter faded, conversations stopped, and thousands of cadets turned their full attention toward the stage.
Commander Vance looked across the chamber.
"With Cadet Kade's placement, Gamma Squad has accomplished something unprecedented."
David glanced toward Lucian.
Neither of them moved.
"For the first time in Academy history, every member of a single operational squad has placed within the Top Seven of the First-Year Academy Rankings."
The hall erupted.
The applause rose from every level of the chamber, spreading through the cadet sections, the instructor galleries, and even the military balconies above. Representatives of the Twelve Great Families joined in, several rising from their seats as the six members of Gamma Squad were recognized together.
David looked toward the stage.
Mira stood at Rank Seven.
Nyra at Six.
Castiel at Five.
June at Four.
Only Lucian and David remained seated.
Every member of Gamma Squad had made it.
June looked down from the stage, his expression unusually sincere.
"We really did it."
Lucian nodded slowly.
"All of us."
David looked from one teammate to the next.
They had entered the Academy as strangers.
Some of them had barely trusted one another.
Now they stood together as the highest-ranked squad in their year.
Commander Vance raised one hand, and the applause gradually faded.
"Gamma Squad currently holds six of the Academy's Top Seven positions."
Another murmur moved through the audience.
"Three members of Gamma Squad also remain within the Top Four."
Her gaze shifted toward the ranked cadets already standing onstage, then toward Lucian and David in the front section.
"However, the remaining rankings do not belong to Gamma Squad alone."
The Starwyn insignia appeared faintly across the darkened display.
The audience immediately understood.
Kael Starwyn.
Runner-up of the Academy Tournament.
Cadet of Delta Squad.
The only remaining contender standing between Gamma Squad and complete control of the highest rankings.
High above the Assembly Hall, Kael watched from the Starwyn gallery with the same composed expression he had carried throughout the tournament.
Commander Vance turned toward the display.
"Three names remain."
"Lucian Bloodthrone of Gamma Squad."
"Kael Starwyn of Delta Squad."
"And David Wyn of Gamma Squad."
The chamber became completely silent.
Commander Vance allowed the anticipation to build before continuing.
"We will now announce the Academy's three highest-ranked First-Year cadets."
Commander Vance looked toward the display.
"Rank Three..."
The number 3 slowly illuminated behind her.
No one moved.
No one spoke.
"Throughout the academic year..."
"This cadet has demonstrated exceptional discipline."
"Consistent leadership."
"And an unwavering commitment to those under his command."
David smiled before the name even appeared.
He already knew.
The display changed.
3
Lucian Bloodthrone — Gamma Squad
The Assembly Hall erupted into applause.
Lucian closed his eyes for the briefest moment.
Then stood.
June immediately started clapping louder than anyone.
"THAT'S MY CAPTAIN!"
Lucian sighed as he walked toward the stage.
"...You're making this harder."
"I'm making it memorable!"
"You always do."
More laughter spread through the audience.
Commander Vance watched Lucian approach.
Unlike the others...
She didn't immediately present his commendation.
Instead...
She spoke.
"Cadet Bloodthrone."
"You were entrusted with the command of Gamma Squad."
"You accepted that responsibility without hesitation."
She paused.
"Under your leadership..."
"Gamma Squad became one of the most successful First-Year squads in Academy history."
Lucian stood perfectly still.
Commander Vance continued.
"You led with discipline."
"You led with integrity."
"And..."
She glanced briefly toward David.
"...you possessed the wisdom to recognize leadership in others."
David frowned slightly.
He wasn't sure what she meant.
Lucian understood.
A faint smile crossed his face.
Commander Vance presented the commendation.
"Congratulations."
Lucian accepted it with a respectful salute.
"Thank you, Commander."
As he turned back toward Gamma Squad...
June cupped both hands around his mouth.
"TOP THREE!"
Lucian didn't even look back.
"...Yes, June."
"I heard her."
The Assembly Hall laughed once more.
Lucian took his place beside June.
Only two names remained.
David.
Kael.
The Champion.
The Runner-up.
The two cadets whose battle had left the Academy Arena in ruins.
Commander Vance allowed the silence to settle.
Then—
"Rank Two."
The display illuminated.
2
She spoke before revealing the name.
"This cadet entered the Academy carrying expectations few could imagine."
"He has met every one of them."
"His discipline..."
"...his strength..."
"...and his character..."
"...reflect the highest traditions of his House."
A pause.
"But more importantly..."
"...they reflect the man he has chosen to become."
The display changed.
Kael Starwyn — Delta Squad
The applause that followed was immediate.
Respectful.
Earned.
High above...
Kael stepped away from the Starwyn gallery.
Rather than descending through the public aisles...
He walked through the private passage connecting the Family galleries directly to the stage.
Every eye followed him.
Even now...
His composure never changed.
Commander Vance inclined her head.
"Cadet Starwyn."
Kael returned the gesture.
"Commander."
"You represented both the Academy..."
"...and House Starwyn..."
"...with distinction."
She handed him the silver commendation.
"You have my respect."
Kael accepted it.
"And you have mine."
Commander Vance gave the smallest nod.
Kael stepped into position beside Lucian.
Then...
Almost unconsciously...
His eyes found David.
Not as an opponent.
As an equal.
David returned the look.
Neither smiled.
Neither needed to.
They understood one another.
Commander Vance turned toward the audience.
Only one name remained.
She closed the ranking folder.
The sound echoed softly through the silent Assembly Hall.
Then she looked directly at David.
"Cadet David Wyn."
David stood.
Every eye in the chamber followed him.
He walked toward the stage.
Each step echoed across the polished floor.
June whispered just loudly enough for Gamma Squad to hear.
"...Go get it, Boss."
David smiled without looking back.
Then continued toward Commander Vance.
She waited until he stood before her.
The hall became utterly silent.
Commander Vance looked at David for several long moments.
Then...
For the first time that morning...
She smiled.
Only slightly.
But everyone saw it.
"Rank One."
The massive display illuminated behind them.
1
David Wyn — Gamma Squad
For one heartbeat...
The Academy was silent.
Then—
The entire Assembly Hall rose to its feet.
A standing ovation thundered through the chamber.
Cadets.
Instructors.
Military officers.
Even members of the Twelve Great Families stood in recognition.
The applause rolled through the hall like a storm.
David stood motionless.
Almost overwhelmed.
Commander Vance waited.
She let the applause continue.
Because some moments...
Deserved to last.
Commander Vance waited.
The thunderous applause slowly subsided.
One by one...
Cadets returned to their seats.
The military officers lowered their hands.
Even the representatives of the Twelve Great Families resumed their places within the observation galleries.
Only David remained standing before the stage.
Commander Vance stepped toward him.
An Academy officer approached carrying a long presentation case crafted from polished black wood, its surface inlaid with silver filigree depicting stars surrounding the Academy crest.
The officer stopped beside Commander Vance.
Without a word...
He opened the case.
The Assembly Hall fell silent.
Nestled within midnight-blue velvet rested a katana unlike any weapon David had ever seen.
Its saya was forged from polished black steel that shimmered faintly beneath the chamber lights.
Silver constellations stretched along its length, each star connected by impossibly fine engraved lines.
The tsuba bore the Academy crest.
The hilt was wrapped in deep blue leather.
Elegant.
Simple.
Timeless.
Commander Vance rested one hand lightly upon the sheath.
"This..."
She paused.
"...is the Champion's Blade."
Every cadet watched.
Every instructor remained silent.
"Since the founding of the Academy..."
"It has been presented to every Tournament Champion."
She carefully lifted the katana from its case.
"It is not awarded because you are the strongest."
"It is awarded because you have demonstrated the qualities expected of those entrusted with great strength."
She slowly turned the blade in her hands.
"The names of every Academy Champion..."
"...have been engraved beneath the wrapping of this hilt."
David's eyes widened slightly.
Commander Vance looked directly at him.
"Today..."
"...your name joins theirs."
She extended the sheathed blade.
David accepted it with both hands.
The weight surprised him.
Not heavy.
Balanced.
Perfectly balanced.
As though it had been crafted specifically for him.
His reflection shimmered faintly across the polished black sheath.
Commander Vance continued.
"Many who carried this blade became Commanders."
"Some became heroes."
A brief pause.
Her voice softened.
"Only history will decide..."
"...which you become."
Silence.
David bowed deeply.
"...Thank you, Commander."
Commander Vance returned the gesture with a respectful nod.
"You have earned it."
The Assembly Hall erupted into applause once again.
David secured the Champion's Blade at his left side.
It settled naturally against his hip.
As though it had always belonged there.
He turned to return to Gamma Squad.
"Remain where you are, Cadet Wyn."
David stopped.
The applause faded almost instantly.
He turned back.
"...Commander?"
Commander Vance looked toward the front row.
"Squad Leader Lucian Bloodthrone."
"Front and center."
Lucian blinked once.
Then rose.
June frowned.
"...This wasn't on the schedule."
Nyra quietly shook her head.
"I don't think anyone knew."
Lucian crossed the stage with calm, measured steps until he stood beside David.
He glanced briefly toward him.
David looked equally confused.
Commander Vance addressed the Assembly.
"There remains one matter that must be resolved before today's ceremony concludes."
She turned toward Lucian.
"Squad Leader Bloodthrone."
"Several days ago..."
"...you submitted a formal recommendation to my office."
Lucian nodded.
"I did."
Commander Vance asked only one question.
"Do you stand by that recommendation?"
Without hesitation—
"I do."
A murmur spread through the Assembly Hall.
David looked between them.
"...Recommendation?"
Commander Vance turned toward him.
"Cadet Wyn."
"Following your performance throughout the academic year..."
"Your leadership during Operation Kharos Vale..."
"And your conduct during the Academy Tournament..."
She paused.
"I have accepted Squad Leader Bloodthrone's recommendation."
David frowned.
"...Accepted what?"
Lucian smiled faintly.
"The obvious."
Before David could ask another question...
Lucian reached up.
His fingers unclasped the silver command insignia fastened to the collar of his Academy uniform.
The small emblem caught the light as he held it in his palm.
He looked at it quietly for a moment.
Then stepped closer.
Carefully...
He fastened it to David's collar.
His hands adjusted it until it sat perfectly straight.
Only then did he step back.
David looked at him.
"...Lucian..."
Lucian smiled.
"You've had the squad for a while."
David shook his head.
"No..."
"You were the leader."
Lucian chuckled softly.
"I wore the insignia."
He looked toward June.
Toward Nyra.
Toward Mira.
Toward Castiel.
Then back to David.
"They've been following you for months."
A pause.
"And me."
Silence.
Lucian met David's eyes.
"This..."
He lightly tapped the insignia now resting on David's collar.
"...just makes it official."
David stood speechless.
For perhaps the first time since entering the Academy...
He couldn't find the words.
Commander Vance allowed the silence to linger.
She knew moments like this could not be rushed.
Lucian took one final step closer.
His voice lowered.
Only David could hear.
"...Take care of them."
David instinctively looked toward Gamma Squad.
June stood with an unusually serious expression.
Nyra smiled warmly.
Mira inclined her head.
Castiel simply watched.
Waiting.
Trusting.
David looked back at Lucian.
His answer came without hesitation.
"...I will."
Lucian nodded once.
"I know."
Commander Vance stepped forward.
Her voice echoed throughout the Grand Assembly Hall.
"Effective immediately..."
"...by the authority vested in me as Commandant of the Unified Military Academy..."
"...Cadet David Wyn is hereby appointed..."
"...Squad Leader of Gamma Squad."
The Assembly Hall rose to its feet once more.
The applause was different this time.
Less explosive.
More respectful.
This wasn't celebrating a champion.
It was acknowledging a leader.
Commander Vance waited until the applause subsided.
Then she looked directly at David.
"A Champion earns victory."
"A Leader earns trust."
She paused.
"Never confuse the two."
David nodded.
"...Yes, Commander."
Commander Vance studied him for another moment.
Then, for the first time since the ceremony began...
She smiled.
Small.
Almost imperceptible.
"I believe Gamma Squad is in capable hands."
She turned back toward the podium.
Most of the cadets assumed the ceremony had finally reached its conclusion.
Several began relaxing in their seats.
A few instructors quietly closed their folders.
Then Commander Vance reached beneath the podium.
She withdrew a second folder.
Unlike the others...
It was bound in matte black leather.
Across its cover gleamed the silver seal of the Unified Defense Command.
The moment it appeared...
The atmosphere changed.
The instructors straightened.
Military officers exchanged brief glances.
Even the representatives of the Great Families became noticeably more attentive.
Commander Vance looked across the silent Assembly Hall.
"There is..."
A deliberate pause.
"...one final announcement."
The room held its breath.
Commander Vance let the silence linger.
Her gaze swept slowly across the Assembly Hall.
Every cadet.
Every instructor.
Every military officer.
Every representative of the Twelve Great Families.
Only when she was certain she held everyone's attention did she begin.
"This announcement was not scheduled."
"It was not planned by this Academy."
She rested one hand upon the black folder.
"It was delivered directly to my office forty-eight hours ago."
A pause.
"It bears the personal authorization..."
"...of Supreme Commander Alaric Voss."
The reaction was immediate.
A wave of whispers spread throughout the hall.
Even several senior instructors exchanged surprised looks.
David frowned.
The Supreme Commander?
Why would he involve himself with First-Year cadets?
Commander Vance raised one hand.
The whispers disappeared instantly.
Commander Vance opened the black folder.
"The Academy Tournament ordinarily marks the conclusion of your First-Year academic year."
She looked across the Assembly Hall.
"Your rankings have been finalized."
"Your achievements have been recognized."
"What follows..."
"...is not an examination."
A brief pause.
"It is an opportunity."
The whispers began immediately.
Commander Vance continued.
"By direct authorization of Supreme Commander Alaric Voss..."
"...the forty-eight highest-ranked cadets of this year's Academy Tournament have been selected for a special operational deployment."
She looked toward the front rows.
"This invitation has been extended for one reason."
"You have already proven yourselves exceptional."
Another pause.
"The Supreme Commander believes the finest First-Year class in Academy history deserves the opportunity..."
"...to finish what you started."
The massive display behind her illuminated.
A familiar planet slowly rotated into view.
Kharos Vale.
Recognition spread throughout the front rows.
David felt June straighten beside him.
Nyra's eyes widened.
Lucian folded his arms.
Commander Vance continued.
"One week from today..."
"...you will return to Kharos Vale."
A murmur rippled through the chamber.
The massive display behind her illuminated once more.
A list of names appeared.
Forty-eight in total.
David immediately recognized every member of Gamma Squad.
Lucian.
June.
Nyra.
Mira.
Castiel.
Every one of them.
Then he noticed something else.
Every squad that had deployed to Kharos Vale...
Had qualified.
Commander Vance spoke before anyone could ask.
"Due to the exceptional performance of the participating squads during Operation Kharos Vale..."
"...every member of those squads has earned placement within the Top Forty-Eight."
Another wave of surprised whispers spread through the Assembly Hall.
She continued.
"Therefore..."
"...those squads will remain intact."
David looked toward Lucian.
Lucian nodded slowly.
"...We're all going."
Nyra smiled.
"...Together."
June grinned.
"I was getting worried I'd have to work with strangers."
Mira laughed quietly.
"I think they're the ones who should be worried."
Even Castiel allowed the faintest hint of amusement to touch his expression.
Commander Vance looked toward the display once more.
"The operational assessment will begin..."
"...one week from today."
Several cadets immediately began making mental calculations.
One week.
Seven days.
Barely enough time to recover from the tournament.
Commander Vance continued.
"Transportation will be provided by Unified Defense Command."
"Mission briefings will begin in five days."
"Equipment inspections in three."
"Final deployment authorization in six."
Her voice remained calm.
Professional.
"As an additional incentive..."
She paused.
"The Supreme Commander has authorized a temporary suspension of military resource taxation."
That caught everyone's attention.
Even the instructors looked surprised.
Commander Vance continued.
"During this operation..."
"...all participating cadets will retain one hundred percent of the value of every Core recovered."
The Assembly Hall erupted.
"No way!"
"Seriously?"
"One hundred percent?"
"The military tax is waived?"
June's eyes nearly left his head.
"...Did she say one hundred percent?"
David nodded.
"I think she did."
June looked toward the image of Kharos Vale.
He placed a hand over his heart.
"...I've never loved military service more than I do right now."
Lucian didn't even look at him.
"...You mean Monster Cores."
June nodded solemnly.
"...Mostly Monster Cores."
Commander Vance waited for the excitement to settle.
Then she spoke again.
"Do not mistake this authorization..."
"...for generosity."
Silence returned immediately.
"The Supreme Commander expects exceptional results."
"Accordingly..."
"...exceptional resources have been allocated."
She looked across the room.
"The Academy has spent the past year teaching you how to survive."
A pause.
"The military will now determine..."
"...whether you are ready to protect humanity."
David felt the Champion's Blade resting against his left side.
The Leader's insignia on his collar suddenly seemed heavier.
Commander Vance allowed the cadets a moment to absorb the announcement.
Then she continued.
"Your previous deployment brought Kharos Vale from a Low Yellow world..."
"...to a High Blue."
She paused.
"It was an achievement beyond every Academy projection."
Her gaze swept across the Assembly Hall.
"But the mission was never complete."
Silence.
Commander Vance's voice echoed through the chamber.
"This deployment offers you the opportunity..."
"...to finish that mission."
She turned slightly toward the display.
The image of Kharos Vale slowly changed.
The grey scars covering the continents began to fade.
Green spread across the land.
The skies brightened.
The oceans deepened.
Life returned.
Across the image...
One word appeared.
WHITEFALL
Commander Vance looked directly at the assembled cadets.
"Your objective..."
"...is to complete Planetary Conversion."
A pause.
"...and bring Kharos Vale..."
"...to Whitefall."
The Assembly Hall fell completely silent.
Even June had nothing to say.
For the first time that day...
The weight of what lay ahead settled over the Academy.
Commander Vance looked across the Grand Assembly Hall one final time.
Her voice carried effortlessly through the silence.
"Congratulations."
"You have earned the honors bestowed upon you today."
She paused.
"Wear them with humility."
"Lead with integrity."
"And never forget..."
"...humanity now looks to your generation."
Her eyes rested briefly on David.
Then continued across the assembled cadets.
"You have one week."
"Prepare yourselves."
A final pause.
"Do not squander the opportunity."
She stepped back from the podium.
Then offered the traditional dismissal.
"Cadets..."
"...you are dismissed."
The entire Assembly Hall rose as one.
Thousands of chairs shifted simultaneously.
Military officers saluted.
The instructors followed.
One by one...
Cadets began filing from the chamber.
David remained where he was for another moment.
His eyes lingered on the image of Kharos Vale still displayed above the stage.
For the briefest moment...
It felt...
Familiar.
Not the memory of a mission.
Something deeper.
Like he had stood here before.
Before he could understand the feeling...
It was gone.
He frowned slightly.
"..."
Adjusting the Champion's Blade at his side, David turned.
Gamma Squad was already waiting for him.
June waved.
"You coming, Boss?"
David looks at him.
"...Boss?"
June shrugs.
"Seems appropriate."
Lucian smirks.
"I think it fits."
Nyra smiles.
"It does."
David shakes his head, laughing.
"...Let's go."
He took one last look at the image of Kharos Vale.
Then followed Gamma Squad from the Assembly Hall.