Unlike the frantic days of the Aspirant Trials, the academy woke with discipline.
Bells echoed from the central tower. Dormitory doors opened one after another.
Students hurried across polished stone walkways carrying books, practice weapons, and bundles of parchment.
Thane, meanwhile, was carrying a roasted chicken.
He walked through the academy grounds chewing happily, utterly unaware that every noble-born student who passed him wore expressions somewhere between disbelief and disgust.
"You shouldn't eat while walking," Sky muttered.
"I'm saving time," Thane answered through another bite.
Conor laughed. "I don't think anyone else has ever considered breakfast a military operation like Thane."
Simon simply sighed.
Max quietly looked away. "I don't know either of them."
Before they reached the lecture halls, an academy servant hurried toward them. "Aspirant Thane Ironforge."
Thane swallowed. "Yeah?"
"The Principal wishes to see you."
