Nym made his way toward the barracks, intent on training with the sword after a long day of instruction at the academy. As he walked, his mind drifted back to the words of Instructor Ozni, who had spoken in detail about the military ranks. Nym compared what he'd heard with the bits and pieces he'd gathered over time — through rumors, hushed conversations, and the teachings his father had passed down to him.
There's not much of a difference, he thought. Still, I'll have better access to real information once I become Bound. Hopefully, my Aspect turns out to be something good.
When he arrived at the barracks, he headed straight to the training hall. There, he picked up a blunted practice sword, took his position, loosened his shoulders, and began. A diagonal slash. Then an overhead strike. Step back. Again—diagonal, overhead, retreat.
He repeated the motion again and again, refining the rhythm until sweat rolled down his brow and fatigue crept into his limbs.
Afterward, he washed himself with cold water, changed into fresh clothes, and made his way to the mess hall. He filled a plate with food and sat down, listening absently to the ongoing chatter and wild gossip around him.
"Did you hear? The academy kids are joining our ranks soon."
"Ah, thank the Exalted," someone groaned. "Maybe I won't have to freeze to death standing on that cursed wall anymore during those endless night watches."
A louder voice barked, "I just hope someone with actual talent shows up and becomes Integrated. Anything to improve this pitiful situation. You've seen it—only four Integrated in the whole city over the past fifty years! And now they're sending an expedition to the Quivering Forest, north of the city. Elder Yusr and Elder Aron both went along. That place… it's crawling with cursed and unbound creatures. Who knows what's lurking there? Maybe even a fourth-tier beast lies dormant in those woods."
Nym was still processing those words when a quiet presence approached him. A woman with wild chestnut hair and a face marked by gentle concern stepped toward him. Jina.
She leaned in and whispered softly, "Nym… Commander Flora summons you to the Senate Hall."
His heart lurched, shaking him from his thoughts.
"A summons?" he blinked. "Well… hello to you too. Ever heard of greetings before delivering life-changing news?" he said quietly, half-joking.
"And may I know why the esteemed Commander would wish to meet with a lowly commoner such as myself?" he added with theatrical flair.
Jina, still calm, replied in the same composed tone, "Yes, I can tell you. You'll find out soon enough anyway. It's about the changes in your skin and hair. And… there's something else you haven't told me."
"Oh, great," Nym muttered, pushing his plate aside and standing. "Let's get this over with. Honestly, I've got something I want to ask Commander Flora myself—if she's willing to answer."
"She probably will," Jina said. "She's kind to her people. Rarely refuses them anything."
As they walked, Nym glanced at the mix of elegant buildings and crumbling, ugly structures. Snowflakes drifted through the air, and the deep darkness between the buildings stretched on endlessly.
"I've come to hate this darkness," he murmured. "Do you know the old legend? They say this darkness is the Exalted One's wrath against His angels… that this place was scarred by the aftermath of their divine war."
Jina raised an eyebrow. "Why hate the darkness you were born into? And why repeat the elders' bedtime tales now?"
"…I don't really know," he replied.
By the time their conversation faded, they had reached a grand white building — so white, it gleamed brighter than bone. Jina gestured toward the entrance.
"Come on. I've been granted permission."
Inside, she led him down a hallway, stopping at a door where she knocked twice before opening it and gesturing for him to enter alone.
"I suppose I won't learn everything today," Nym muttered to himself. "After all, she's not going to tell me her mother's intentions."
He found a chair made of solid oak, sat down sideways on it, and waited. One minute. Two. Three.
"Ugh… this is taking forever," he sighed, yawning.
At that moment, a young woman appeared before him, almost as if conjured from the shadows. She had deep blue eyes, wore a black cloak, and watched Nym with quiet scrutiny. Her chestnut hair framed a calm, noble face.
Nym immediately stood and bowed.
"Commander Flora… please forgive my impudence."