The training yard had quieted after the final clash in the ring, but the tension in Sector 9 was only beginning to rise.
Commander Nir stood before a panel of glowing monitors inside the observation tower, his sharp eyes tracking the data being compiled from the children’s tests. Around him, officers whispered, some in awe, others in disbelief.
“Kai Ares…” one of the assistants murmured. “His output surpassed 97% of known Dormant-tier children.”
Nir didn’t reply at first. He simply folded his arms, eyes narrowing.
“What about the new one?” he asked. “The silent one. Chris.”
The assistant checked again. “He barely used any Neva, but his combat instincts… were unnatural. No pattern, no hesitation. It’s like he’s seen death a thousand times.”
Nir tapped his finger against the edge of th
